Enola Gay
Pilot of the Enola Gay, dropped first atomic bomb on Hiroshima
Paul Warfield Tibbets Jr. (February 23, 1915 – November 1, 2007) was an American military aviator who piloted the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. Born in Quincy, Illinois, Tibbets became a highly skilled pilot during World War II, eventually selected to command the 509th Composite Group and lead the historic bombing mission. He named the aircraft after his mother, Enola Gay Haggard. Tibbets' role in the atomic bombing made him one of the most recognizable figures of the war's final chapter, though it also placed him at the center of ongoing historical debates about the necessity and morality of the bombing. After the war, Tibbets continued his military career, flying test flights and serving in various capacities until his retirement. His life and legacy remain subjects of historical study and public discourse regarding warfare, technology, and ethical responsibility in the atomic age.
Historical Figure
American
1915
2007
Thinking about the name
Enola
American origin
“A name with unclear exact origins, Enola gained historical resonance as the name of the B-29 bomber (Enola Gay) that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The name itself has a lyrical, vintage quality that echoes early-20th century Americana. It carries both gentle femininity and unexpected gravity.”