Lot 298

T. Van Kirk, "Enola Gay" Navigator & Last Surviving Crew, Q & A Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Statements: "…The explosion was ... much bigger than any of us could visualize"

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T. Van Kirk, "Enola Gay" Navigator & Last Surviving Crew, Q & A Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Statements: "…The explosion was ... much bigger than any of us could visualize"

Estimate: $700 - $900

Current Bid: $260

(2 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Atomic Bomb
n.p., n.d.
T. Van Kirk, "Enola Gay" Navigator & Last Surviving Crew, Q & A Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Statements: "…The explosion was ... much bigger than any of us could visualize"
ALS

A 2pp autograph manuscript signed by Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk (1921-2014), the navigator aboard "Enola Gay," and the last surviving member of the crew, signed by him as: "Theodore J Van Kirk" near the bottom of the second page. N.d., n.p. Inscribed on two sheets of white typing paper, comprising 220+ words. With original spelling, punctuation, and a partial word rewrite found on line 8. A few gentle wrinkles, else near pristine. 8.5" x 11."

Van Kirk's series of four question-and-answer statements addressed to an unknown recipient provide a remarkable first-person account of the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945. Van Kirk's frank responses underscore the operational risks of deploying the first-ever atomic bomb. Perhaps the most striking confession is Van Kirk's acknowledgement that the crew was awed by the magnitude of the Little Boy detonation. The atomic bomb explosion reached a scale and scope that surprised even trained officers briefed on the Trinity Test.

As navigator of the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" which carried out the mission, Van Kirk bore responsibility for the bomb blast. After all, it was his precise calculations that enabled the crew to deliver an unprecedented weapon under combat conditions. This manuscript supports research into World War II strategic warfare, the operational uncertainties surrounding the Manhattan Project's first use in combat, and the technological anxieties inherent in deploying a weapon whose destructive capacity exceeded prior experience. Van Kirk's reflections speak to the psychological shock of participating in such an event.

Van Kirk wrote in full:

"Dear Sir,

Here are answers to some of your questions about the Hiroshima atomic bomb mission.

Q. How did the airplane prevent being blown up by the mushroom cloud the bomb created?

A. Distance. The cloud itself presented no danger to the plane - after then radioactivity. Shock was the major threat and the answer to that was to put distance between the target and the plane

Q Could something have gone wring during the flight to when the bomb was released?

A. Of course - all kind of things. We all know what can go wrong with airplanes even during peastime [sic] flying. The bomb could 'hang up' with bomb bay and not released [sic] cleanly. Therefore it would not fall as predicted and if not had [sic] could damage or destroy the plane.

Q Were the crew members surprised at the extent of the explosion?

A. Yes. The explosion was much greater than the test in New Mexico and much bigger than any of us could visualize.

Q Given the circumstances of the war, do you feel use of the Hiroshima atomic bomb was justified?

A. Yes. Although casualties were high and damage to the city almost total it was still the least cruelly [sic] way to bring the war to a rapid and finite conclusion

Sincerely

Theodore J Van Kirk

Navigator - Enola Gay

6 Aug 1945."

On August 6, 1945, the crew of the B-29 Superfortress Bomber "Enola Gay" dropped an atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" over the southwestern Japanese metropolis of Hiroshima. Colonel Paul W. Tibbets commanded the 12-man crew. The nuclear bomb wiped out 70 percent of the city and immediately killed 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: ALS

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