Paul Tibbets Obituary

Paul Tibbets, who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima from a B-29 named for his mother, died Thursday at 92. Tibbets, who grew up in Miami, insisted until the end that he had no regrets. ''I was assigned to do a job [and] I did it with no personal feelings entering into the mission,'' he told The Miami Herald in 1970. ``Today I still feel the same way . . . I would drop that bomb again without reservation, because it saved far more lives than it took.'' He often said he never lost a night's sleep over having killed 70,000 to 100,000 Japanese civilians and injuring countless others -- although he later said he hadn't slept for 30 hours before the bombing run. Tibbets, son of a Miami candy wholesaler, died at his Columbus, Ohio, home, said Gerry Newhouse, a longtime friend. He had multiple health problems and had been declining for two months. Newhouse said that Tibbets wanted neither a funeral nor a headstone, fearing it would prove a magnet for his detractors. Tibbets' historic mission in the Enola Gay marked the beginning of the end of World War II and eliminated the need for what military planners feared would have been an extraordinarily bloody invasion of Japan. It was the first wartime use of a nuclear weapon. The plane and its crew of 14 dropped the five-ton bomb on Aug. 6, 1945. Three days later, another U.S. pilot dropped a second nuclear bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing an estimated 40,000 people. The Japanese surrendered days later. ''I knew when I got the assignment it was going to be an emotional thing,'' Tibbets told The Columbus Dispatch for a story published on the 60th anniversary of the bombing. ``We had feelings, but we had to put them in the background. We knew it was going to kill people right and left. But my one driving interest was to do the best job I could so that we could end the killing as quickly as possible.'' In 1970, Tibbets, who had moved back to Miami, gave an interview to The Herald describing what he saw looking down from the cockpit: ``It looked like someone making a city in the sand and then rubbing a hand over it . . . It's still hard to believe what we saw that day.'' In a 1975 interview with the Associated Press, he said, ``I'm not proud that I killed 80,000 people, but I'm proud that I was able to start with nothing, plan it and have it work as perfectly as it did . . . I sleep clearly every night.'' Paul Warfield Tibbets Jr. was born Feb. 23, 1915, in Quincy, Ill. and spent most of his boyhood in Miami. Some accounts say he attended Central Elementary School, others Silver Bluff Elementary, and Shenandoah Junior High before heading to military school in Illinois. After the 1926 hurricane destroyed his father's business, the family moved to Iowa but returned to Miami within a few years. At 12, Tibbets tossed Baby Ruth candy bars from a small plane over Hialeah Race Course as a promotion for his father's business. It hooked him on flying. He piloted his first plane, a Taylor Cub, from the Opa-locka Airport in the mid-1930s. He attended the University of Florida, where he pledged Sigma Nu, then entered medical school at the University of Cincinnati, leaving for the Army Air Corps in 1937. In August 1945, Enola Gay Tibbets was living at 1629 SW Sixth St. Her son, who said he inherited her cool-headedness and emotional control, had painted her name on his plane's nose. She died in 1966. Tibbets retired from the Air Force as a brigadier general in 1966, becoming president of Executive Jet Aviation in Columbus, Ohio, an air taxi service owned by Miamian O.F. ''Dick'' Lassiter. He retired again in 1970, buying a home at 11240 SW 93rd St., before boredom led him back to Executive Jet Aviation, and Ohio. He retired for the last time in 1985. But his role in the bombing brought him fame -- and infamy -- throughout his life. In 1976, he was criticized for re-enacting the bombing during an appearance at a Harlingen, Texas, air show. As he flew a B-29 Superfortress over the show, a bomb set off on the runway below created a mushroom cloud. He said the display ''was not intended to insult anybody,'' but the Japanese were outraged. The U.S. government later issued a formal apology. At the time, he was commander of the Sixth Air Division at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Tibbets again defended the bombing in 1995, when an outcry erupted over a planned 50th anniversary exhibit of the Enola Gay at the Smithsonian Institution. The museum had planned an exhibit that would have examined the context of the bombing, including the discussion within the Truman administration of whether to use the bomb, the rejection of a demonstration bombing and the selection of the target. Veterans groups protested that the proposed display paid too much attention to Japan's suffering, too little to itsbrutality, and that it underestimated the number of U.S. soldiers who would have perished if the war had continued. They said the bombing was an unmitigated blessing for the United States and the exhibit should say so. Tibbets denounced the original plan as ``a damn big insult.'' The museum agreed to display the plane's fuselage without commentary, context or analysis. Tibbets is survived by his French-born second wife, Andrea, and two sons, Paul and Gene, as well as a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This report was supplemented with material from The Associated Press.

Published by the Miami Herald from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7, 2007.
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Tibbets

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Rest Paul, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army Air Force, WWII, and career U.S. Air Force thereafter. Retired as a Brigadier General. Now eternally "Flying High" in the Ultimate Venue.

Harry Simpson

Other

June 27, 2023

We met in Richland, Wash., at one of your book signings. You signed a book for me and I signed my book for you. I remember you said, "I sure wish I could be out there on the Columbia River with a cold beer. There were four hundred WW2 veterans lined up outside to meet and thank you for dropping the bomb. They all to a man felt that they would not have survived an invasion of Japan's home islands. God Bless you, Paul.

Dennis Gleason

Friend

August 7, 2018

Though I haven't seen you, I have one of your pictures at Columbus. U R Never Forgotten.
U R Remembered by the Richard J. Weber Family.

Joseph Weber

May 21, 2018

I was thinking of Paul again who was VP for Operations at Executive Jet Aviation during the three years I worked there as Dispatcher in 1960's & 70's. It was great to see some names and MOTTS Military Museum, Groveport, Ohio (where I graduated H.S. in 1943 mentioned.). I usually visit the Museum when I visit OHIO, and always happy to see Paul's Large portrait featured on the wall. A great man and a good boss to work for, after my 6 +
Navy and 14 + USAF years.. CAPT. PAUL E.
STEBELTON, 47755 Rawhide rd., Aguanga, CA 92536-9534 951-767-0668.. I have never seen so many messages below an Obituary as this one! WELL DESERVED ALONG WITH COLUMBUS BOYS Eddie RICKENBACKER & GENERAL
LeMAY SAC COMMANDER When I was flying B-47 during the COLD WAR. My First aviation interest was JOE C. MACKAY friend of some of my Grade School Teachers at LITHOPOLIS, OHIO. When MACKAY would give us an airshow about our 5th & 6th grades, and then land in a farm field nearby, the teacher would lead us down the street to meet him and get a briefing on the ARMY Bi-plane he was flying. OHIO became an AVIATION MECCA, and a visit to WARREN & DAISY MOTTS' museum can give you a great look of Military history.

Paul Stebelton

April 1, 2018

Thank you for your service. It makes me proud to know someone from my hometown (and Florida Gator), helped hasten the end of that terrible war with zero apologies. My kids sleep safely because of your service.

Ed Suarez

May 27, 2017

God bless you sir. It was a pleasure to met and talk to you back in 2005.

Gary Carr

November 21, 2016

I had the honor to meet, shake hands and have the General sign his book for me at a Confederate Air Force function in 1997 in Midland, Texas. What a thrill it was. God Bless you General and your family. Rest in Peace.

Alan Kimbrow

February 23, 2015

General Tibbets was a true American hero. General Tibbets came through Yuma Arizona once and I as a news reporter was granted an interview with the General. What a thrill and honor that day was. May God be with all who knew him.
Gregory Gardner
Yuma, AZ

Greg Gardner

September 19, 2014

Paul Tibbets was a guest at the Lunken Air Show in Cincinnati in 2004. I was Director of Safety and Security. His well-being was my responsibility while he spoke with attendees and signed books, etc. I really enjoyed my time with Paul while I stayed with him during his entire visit. He signed my Air Show poster, which will be kept by my family, permanently. Ron Ferrier, U.S. Air Force Veteran

August 21, 2014

God BlessPaul and I thank God for men like him with the courage to do what had to be done

Tom Holley

August 14, 2014

God Bless Paul Tibbets and Dutch Van Kirk.
I remember the dropping of the Atomic Bomb when I was I was eight years old. Met General Tibbets at the Pentagon. A great honor.
Carlton Jones- U.S.Airforce

Carlton Jones

July 30, 2014

God Bless the men from the Enola Gay.

Valerie Lurie

July 9, 2014

Great Hero, from B-17s over Europe/Africa with his trusted bombardier Tom Ferebee and Navigator Theodore (Dutch) Van Kirk to Comander of the 509th Composite Group, required by Manhattan Project for delivery of the Atomic Wepons. With his trusted Bombardier & Navigator he piloted
The B-29 Enola Gay that dropped the first Atomic Bomb on
Japan that ended WW-2 , saving many of our GIs. A Great American Hero!!! Had the opportunity to meet Paul Tibbets II
and III ii. Kansas.

Clayton Rains Jr

September 14, 2013

General Tibbets makes us so very proud to be Americans. We are a military family and my husband and son protect our freedom. General Tibbets' story is a story of a hero. Thank you for your life and your service.

Ltc(Ret) David and Doelyn Byus

July 26, 2012

God bless uncle paul..mary tibbetts .portland maine

Mary Tibbetts

July 5, 2012

James Sizer

March 5, 2012

Gerald R. Silva USMC 2083338

March 1, 2012

A relative of mine recently Informed me that Paul Tebbets and his crew made friends with my father in 1942, shortly after his arrival in England. My father was an RAF ‘Test Pilot' serving with the ‘Air Fighting Development Unit' at Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Paul Tebbets was based just 30 miles to the North West of Duxford. Many USAF crews visited the AFDU to be briefed on air combat. All captures Luftwaffe aircraft were based at Duxford, and my father regularly flew a Bf.109E, Bf.110, a Ju.88 and Heinkel111. AFDU pilots also flew in mock combat with USAF units to give the B-17 gunners experience of what they would face. Paul Tebbets crew, were apparently invited to my elder brothers ‘Christening'. He was born in Cambridge of the 24th October 1942. I have not yet found out when or ware the Christening took place. I need to find some clue's, however, to suggest that this meeting and resulting friendship took place.
Do you, or your family, have access to Paul Tebbets 'Log Book'. If so, would you be willing to photo-copy some of the pages. If this is possible I will give you suggestions of dates that I am interested in.
I am in my 14th year of writing the Biography of my father rather unique career in the RAF. Again, if you are interested' I could send you more details.


Yours Sincerely

Nigel Rumble,
19 Tythe Barn Close,
Westoning,
Bedfordshire.
MK45 5JT
U.K.

[email protected]

February 17, 2012

I'm sorry to say I never had the chance to meet or speak with mr. Tibbets. My grandfather, Jerry Douglass Tibbetts, tells me that I'm related to him. I would very much like to find out if this is true, but even if I'm not, I still believe it was a sad day in this world when we lost him.

Cassandra Tibbetts

January 29, 2012

Paul, you are a great man. If i had done what you did i wouldn't have regretted it either.

adam scarmuzzi

November 9, 2010

God Bless you Paul, I had gotten to know you quite well over the years, and still think of you to this day. You were not only a war hero, but I looked at you as a friend and you were always great to talk with.
I know the men of the USS Indianapolis thank you too for what you had done. They are good friends of mine too.
God Bless your family always,
Steve Savage

Steve Savage

October 14, 2010

A truly great American Hero. Thanks you for your services and sacrifices.

Jim Seifried

August 23, 2010

A true unapologizing American HERO

GERARD ODONNELL

August 20, 2010

For Paul...

A man of great courage.

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

March 17, 2010

My grandfather has been gone from this earth for two years now. It at times still feels like it's day one. Thank you to all who have written such kind words.

Kia Tibbets

November 1, 2009

Sir, I understand that you were my Uncle, the brother of Andy. I wish I would of had the pleasure of meeting you. God Bless you!

Pamela Tibbets

July 3, 2009

I HAD THE HONOR OF BECOMING A FRIEND OF GENERAL TIBBETS THE LAST FEW YEARS OF HIS LIFE. EVERY TIME HE CAME TO FLORIDA I SHARED DINNER WITH HIM AND HE WAS AN AMAZING AND INTERESTING MAN. I MISS OUR FRIDAY NIGHTS AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS A GENTLEMAN AND SOLDIER. GOD BLESS YOU PAUL

GAIL GENTILE

May 12, 2009

General Paul Warfield Tibbets, pilot supreme of B-17's in the 8thAf, and pilot of the Enola Gay of the 509th Composite Bomb Group; it is to your memory that I pen these few words. I was a member of the 509thBomb Group and wrote a poem for you before you made your last flight at an altitude you'd never flown before ... ONE-WAY flight upward!
I am told that your son read that poem to you as you sat in your wheel-chair and wept through the entire reading. Those of us who served with you are yet honered to speak your name. We shall see you again. As a disabled veteran of WWII, it may be soon for me. We love you still.
Dr. C. Douglas Caffey, Albuquerque, NM

C. Douglas Caffey

January 5, 2009

YOU upheld and finished what we started in the 8th Air Force in Europe over Germany.

Wally Hoffman
351st Bomb Group
Polebrook

Wally Hoffman

January 4, 2009

General Tibbets, You are a brave and special man. I wish I could have met you. You are a hero in my eyes, and I appreciate the gift of freedom you gave all of us. Sure wish I could have been on that mission with you. God Bless, Msgt Chris Laskaris Jr. USAF retired.

Chris Laskaris

July 5, 2008

A few years back I swapped several Emails with the General. Unfortunatly I did not ever meet him. Strangly I had come to regard him as an immortal icon whose death was at least another 10 years away. So I presumed I had time. His passing, as a result, was a great shock to me.

thomas birke

December 14, 2007

I was saddened to hear of this courageous man's death. I met General Tibbets in Wichita at a book signing, and feel priveledged to have done so. My thanks and gratitude for his service and his immense contribution. My thoughts are with his family for the times they must have gone through with him and with their loss.

Steven Gehle

December 11, 2007

Sir,
Thank You for your service. May you Rest in Peace. God Bless You !
Thank You for saving thousands of american lives.

Marion Wilson

November 28, 2007

I met the General thru the CAF. We talked briefly in the hangar at Harlingen. He did me the honor of signing my copy of his book. It is one of my proudest possisions in my library. America has lost another hero.

Ron Fleishman

November 16, 2007

I personally met General Tibbets at Wright-Patterson AFB,OH, when assigned as the Manager of the Executive Healthcare Office. I felt as though I had a really great friend with General Tibbets. I have always had the deepest admiration for the Man that history has not always been kind to. He felt he did the job he was assigned to do. We had many conversations and visits even after my own retirement from the Air Force in 2000. He also delivered my last Re-enlistment oath in 1997. He has always been on my mind, and I will miss his comraderie and friendship. I also met his wife Andrea, who was always a great bundle of energy on her visits to Wright-Patterson. Very strong and independent Lady. I admire you Andrea, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for General Tibbets to rest in peace and to take his place in History.

Sincerest Regards,

Mark W. Wolfe, MSgt(Retired)

Mark Wolfe

November 13, 2007

I was born and raised in Columbus , Ohio and that was when I entered Army Air Corps in Feb 1943 . Back in WW II Before the Mission was sent out I was in a Research Group at Williams Field in Ariz. and Had read all the Stats for Dropping the "FAT BOY" Thanks to him and all the crews of the 6 B-29's that were in the group.
At that time it was Named "Operation Crossroads." In all the Manuals I read. May his Memory live on Forever and God Bless you and all the ones who were in the Operation.

Sgt. Paul Szabados

November 13, 2007

I met Brig. General Tibbets on an interview with Executive Jet Aviation. He was a nice gentleman. Thank you for your service to our country. Condolences to your family.

Betty Faulkner

November 13, 2007

Brig. General Tibbets was my hero and I referred to him as my friend. I met him at the Muskegon Air Show. It was there I had my picture taken with him and received my “special” autograph. For General Tibbets his duty to his country was a lifetime. My heart felt sympathies are extended to his family and loved ones during their time of sorrow.

Enola Gay Brown

November 12, 2007

richard cross

November 12, 2007

Thank you for your dedicated service to our country.

P. Weaver

November 12, 2007

Sarah Sherrill

November 11, 2007

General Tibbets, I only met you for one brief moment in time but I know you were a wonderful man and a hero to our country. Thank you for our freedom. God Bless you & your family.

Susan Zajac

November 11, 2007

Merci à mon oncle ,vous avez été un exemple pour moi.
Reposez en paix!

Gil Battistetti

November 11, 2007

A debt of gratitude and thanks to an American who served his country with honor. God Bless you Gen. Tibbets and peace to your family.

Amy Skidmore

November 10, 2007

General Tibbets, you did many very important things very well. The most important to me personally was your doing more than any other one person to bring the Second World War to a swift conclusion, sparing casualties on both sides that would have numbered into the millions, including possibly my father, and most certainly the fathers of hundreds of thousands my age. Thank you, Paul Tibbets, for enabling us to keep our Daddies.

While so doing you also accomplished something for which not only our Nation but also the whole world owes you thanks. Had Special Bombing Mission Number 13 not come off, and come off well, we would surely have by now seen a global thermonuclear exchange. This shiny new plaything has been in the hands of the makers of war for over 6 decades now, without being played with. This is incredible. I am personally convinced that only the searing memory that you enabled has made it so.

You mission was greater even than you could have realized. You discharged the duties laid upon you, and you did so with exemplary efficiency. Had no one done so, we might none of us have been here today. As you would be among the first to point out, there were others who could have done it, but, because you were the best when it came to heavy bombers, you were the one called and chosen for one of the very most important events in the history of the world. Whether that was good luck or bad luck for you is as problematic as it is irrelevant. You accepted the mission and completed it well. For this, sir, and not just because you are a General, I salute you.

Now you are released from the bonds of illness and of this mortal life. Go in peace, dear noble Warrior, to that Place of Rest so truly earned and of Peace so richly deserved. May the Lord grant thee rest eternal, and Light perpetual to shine upon thee.

May your family be buoyed up in their bereavement by remembering how very much you have accomplished for us all.

Happy landings, Paul Tibbets, until we meet again.

Jim Eblin

November 9, 2007

The outpouring of gratitude to this American hero is awesome to behold. I would like to add my family's thanks for his and every soldier's sacrifice. Our condolences to the General's family and friends. God Bless America.

Catharine

November 9, 2007

Thank you, Sir, for the efforts of you and your crew which saved thousands of lives, and allowed my father, who served four years in the European Theater, to return home, marry, and raise a family of four in a free environment.
Goodbye, Soldier. I salute you. Rest in Peace.
My condolences to the family and loved ones.

Karen Johnson Bagford

November 9, 2007

God bless Gen. Tibbetts whose bravery and leadership saved many American lives in WW II.

Lindsay & Debbie Harrington

November 8, 2007

Thank you, dear sir, for our freedom. May the greatest generation America has ever known continue to inspire our children and our future. We our indebted to you and you will forever be remembered in our hearts. Peace be with you and your family.

Robert and Joy Clark

November 8, 2007

Thank you for your service.

teresa kautz

November 8, 2007

The members of the Upper Arlington, Ohio Senior Center Military Veterans Group wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Tibbets family and especially his wife, Andrea, on the loss of Brig. General Tibbets. His patriotism and heroism will be forever remembered. We will never forget his two hour meeting with us. Godspeed and God Bless America.

Upper Arlington, Ohio Senior Center
Military Veterans Group
John Bergmann, Chairman

John Bergmann

November 7, 2007

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO THANK YOU SIR.

D HOLLIFIELD

November 7, 2007

JOB WELL DONE SIR,REST IN PEACE

MICHAEL MATTHEWS

November 7, 2007

Thank you sir. Because of your efforts and those of your crew, I got to know my grandfather. He fought in the Pacific. He got to Heaven before you, so I am sure he's already thanked you himself.

John Fagan

November 7, 2007

Fair Winds and Following Seas Sir, Thank you for everything.
YNC(SW)Ret.

Sherry Livingstone

November 7, 2007

Thank you for being part of an effort that saved thousands of American lives. One of them was my Father who just left Europe and was on his way to Japan to fight all over again and probably would have been killed. THANK YOU!

Bill Oliver

November 7, 2007

Richard H. Herrick

November 7, 2007

Paul: Thanks for being a good friend over the years. Your expressed confidence in me has helped me over some trying times. I will continue to emulate the type of leadership that you have shown through your life and will continue to remain in touch with your family. (Ret) Captain H.E. "Hal" Nord Jr.

Hal Jr. Nord

November 7, 2007

To Gen Tibbets
Thanks to your bravery and that of your crew, my father who was serving in the the 3rd ARMY European Theatre was spared more fighting in Japan and possibly saved his life and allowed him and many others to return home safely. May God Bless you and your patriotism and devotion to duty to your country
Respectfully, Bernard J. Fallon Jr. Belmont Massachusetts. USA

Bernard J Fallon Jr

November 7, 2007

WE SEND OUR PRAYERS, LOVE,& CONDOLENCES TO ALL HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS,& EVERYONE EVER HAVING ANY CONTACT WITH PAUL FOR YOUR LOSS. THANK YOU & HIM FOR HIS BRAVERY DURING WWII. BEING SO VERY VITAL FORM THE EARLY ENDING OF WWII.

KEN & MARY O'DANIEL

November 7, 2007

Thanks Paul for "Our" completed Mission during "A Time of War."
May you rest in the peace of God The Father...

Jimii Hill

November 7, 2007

Teve de ser assim e assim foi.
Que Deus te receba pelo homem que foste.
As nossas condolências à família.
João & Filomena Bettencourt

João Bettencourt

November 7, 2007

my father was in that war...he is still alive and will never for get that time of his life .... thank you for what you did for our country.. rest ...in..peace....

brenda daniels

November 7, 2007

sadness at the loss of a hero. My father fought in WWII also. He is still with me and I thank God everyday for him and men like him. We should have more like them today.His service will never be forgotten.

Roxann Snow

November 7, 2007

GENERAL-MISSION ACCOMPLISHED-THANK YOU GENERAL

M.J. KARKOWSKY

November 7, 2007

I was honored to meet Gen.Tibbets at the Cleveland Air Show where he was signing his book. He was gracious enough to let me take his picture even though I did not buy his book. I wish now I had bought a book since its not every day you meet a true American hero and patriot. Vaya con dios,amigo!

John Henandez

November 7, 2007

God Bless you for all that you have done for our country.Thank you for the mission that put a quick end to the war...it certainly helped to save my father's life as he was training and destined for the invasion of Japan. My sincerest sympathies to the Tibbets Family.

Ross Reed

November 7, 2007

My Deepest sympathies to the family of Gen. Paul Tibbets.
By his actions and that of his crew thousands upon thousands were saved.

Thank you Sir, for what you did for our country.You are truly a national treasure.
May you rest in peace,
Rita Bush

Rita Bush

November 7, 2007

General Tibbets

Thank you Sir

Chris Brown

November 6, 2007

Dear Gen. Tibbets
Thanks from one of those kids you secured freedom for. I believe you did the right thing at the right time to end a terrible war and save many lives. May God himself bless you. I have enjoyed a good life because of your deeds and many like you of the WWII generation! Thank you sir with all my heart. I wish I had met you so you could sign my airman's logbook. Thanks for all you did for me and for freedom in this great country! God Bless America! Now and always!!! It's been an honor to share the sky with you sir!

Joe Blanton

November 6, 2007

Gen. Tibbets, Thank you for you service. You devotion to duty on Aug 6 1945 allowed my uncle, an infantry PFC in the Pacific to come home instead of invading Japan. My sincerest condolences to the Tibbets family.

Mike

November 6, 2007

General Tibbets performed his duty as any patriot called upon by his country in a time of a war of survival. Thank God for him and the millions of others who helped save our country in World War II. May he now rest with God.

Kenneth Mize

November 6, 2007

God bless you and keep you..this is on behalf of myself and all the men and women who have given their lives in defense of freedom for this great country and can not be here to express their appreciation to you.

charles gimbl

November 6, 2007

My Father and husband had lunch with Paul on Father's Day weekend. My Father had always wanted to meet Paul. They truly enjoyed the time they spent together. My Father had so much respect for him and they had so much to share!
My Father passed away on October 9, 2007. Memories of two wonderful men...
The Bill Morrow Family

November 6, 2007

Uncle Paul, You led a wonderful 92 years of life and for the past 52 I was able to be a part of them. I have great memories of you, Aunt Andrea, James and our family traveling through places like France, Germany, Switzerland, D.C., Florida, California, and finally Columbus, Ohio. Your accomplishments through the eyes of your close family have far surpassed the one historical event you will be most remembered by. Please pass on a hearty hello to my father, Uncle Red, Aunt Paulette and Aunt Monique. Combined with Dad and Uncle Red you all have served your country with over 90 years of faithful military service. Holly, Alex, Bree and I wish you "Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Patrick Shima

November 6, 2007

My condolences to your family. As a Vietnam Veteran I am sorry to see another Veteran pass from this earth. I had the pleasure of meeting you when I helped your brother-in-law Dan Shima pack for his trip to California. May God bless both of your souls. I marvel at what you did for me and my country.

Christopher Moretto

November 6, 2007

General Paul Tibbets was an honorable man who served his country with highest honor. Thank you, Sir, for helping keep this country safe for me and for my children and grandchildren. May God be with your family.

Meredith Napier

November 6, 2007

Your bravery in WW2 saved my father from the invasion of the Japanese Islands, where he could have surely been killed, instead you gave him 49 more years with us. Thank You so very much.

Thomas Weinrick Sr.

November 6, 2007

Thank you, Sir, for your service to our country. May God keep you in His loving care. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Peggy and family

November 6, 2007

Sir, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My deceased father would have been a part of that ugly invasion of Japan that would have happened if not for your willingness to serve and do your duty. I may not even be here if that had happened. I have also lived in Hiroshima for a time and still feel the same way - the city is alive, vibrant and committed to peace. God Bless You!

Anonymous

November 6, 2007

Thank God for men like BG Tibbets, who were giving a very difficult mission and preformed it flawlessly. We owe him and all Veterans our hearty "Thank-You" for a job well done. Without them we could very possibly be living our lives in this country without the freedoms we have. The residents of Wendover, UT where BG Tibbets and his crew assembled "Little Boy" and flew out of on the Enola Gay, are very proud to have had him in our midst during the dedication for the monument for the Enola Gay in our small town. God Bless his family and be with them as they mourn his passing. Be very proud of him.

Kathy Spillman Richey

November 6, 2007

God Bless Paul Tibbets. As with so many that haven't written, I share the same sentiments. My Dad was in the Pacific on his way to occupy Japan. Paul Tibbets saved many lifes on both sides. My Dad thought very highly and had tremendous respect for him.
Sincerely
Bill McCorkle III

Bill McCorkle

November 6, 2007

War is a terrible thing. Because of the heroism of Paul Tibbets and others like him, we are able to live in a free country. Thank you sir.

Kathie Corman

November 6, 2007

God bless you and may you know we veterans will always revere you as a man who knew his duty and carried it out as a Real American Hero.

Eugene Grace

November 6, 2007

PAUL TIBBETS IS A HERO TO ME. HE DID A MISSION THAT WOULD CHANGE THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS AND HE KNEW IT. HE DID THE BEST JOB HE COULD DO AND DID IT WELL. MY RESPECTS TO A GREAT MAN.

DEAN COLLIER

November 6, 2007

Please accept my deepest condolences during this very difficult time for the Tibbets’ family. I will never forget my meeting with General Tibbets several years ago during one of his visits to Houston. Although it was for only a brief moment in our lives, his service to his country and our conversation will forever be emblazed in my memory. Thank you General Tibbets for being in the right place at the right time in the world’s history and perhaps above all for doing the right thing at that historical moment in time. You are a true American hero and your life here on Earth has made a huge impression on humanity. Farewell and may God bless you.

T. R. Montefusco

November 6, 2007

Truly a Great man! I had the chance to meet him twice and was willing to answer every question that I had.
I will never forget him and what he did for our country! I beleive that his brave acts saved the loss of thousands of American and Japanese lives in the long run.

Michael Reeb

November 6, 2007

General Tibbets,
May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You and May You Rest In Peace. Amen.

Diana Perez

November 6, 2007

I extend my profiund sympathy to the famil of General Paul Tibbets. I am proud to carry on the tradition of honor and valor this man stood for. General, your Air Force is in good hands and your legacy lives on in the Airmen of today and tomorrow. May God bless your family, may we all gather together in Heaven when the time comes, and may God continue to bless the United States and her men and women in uniform.

TSgt Danielle Harmon

November 6, 2007

You have slipped the surly bonds of earth, Sir. The most comforting words spoken to me when my own father (a B-25 pilot in the Army Air Corps who saw service in North Africa and Italy) died were, "Have a good flight." I wish the same for you General Tibbets, and thank you for your great patriotism.

Rana Williamson

November 6, 2007

America and her citizens owe you a debt of gratitude for keeping America free, preserving a world of independence from authoritative rule. You were issued your orders, you stepped up to the plate with a hand picked crew and trained under a clone of secrecy. I personally knew nothing about you until I had to study for U.S. Air Force PFE testing as my history classes in school never taught us any specifics about the Enola Gay and her crew. As with the Enola Gay now preserved as a world symbol of Peace; General Tibbets Sir, you as well will go down in history as the leader of world peace.

God Bless you General, You have now earned a new set of wings.

Richard Jones (USAF, SMSgt - Ret) 89th MAW (SAM FOX)

November 6, 2007

Rest in peace General. Another American patriot has passed from our ranks. I thank God I am an American and that we have had and will continue to have selfless patriots to protect our great land. Godspeed to you and the Tibbetts family.

Lyle Suprise

November 6, 2007

General Tibbets -- thank you for your service to our Country. My great uncle flew with you on the Aug 6 Enola Gay mission. I am very proud of you both. God bless you.

M Crane

November 6, 2007

My prayers are with General Tibbet's family. He was a great man and a great American. I was blessed to have lunch with him, his wife, and some veterans from the 509 Composite group at the Reading WWII airshow. He talked about eating the most delicious pineapple fritters when he was on Tinian island back in 1945. That lunch was a moment in my life that I will never forget. I share it with my 5th grade students every year. I think of it often and realize how fortunate I was to meet a man who helped save thousands of American lives. God Bless You.

Christine Wysocki

November 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You were a true hero in August 1945 and everyday there after. You saved countless American lifes. God's speed.

Kevin Rushing

November 6, 2007

I am writing this for myself and for my late father, Col. Andrew R Curtis, Jr. USAA, USAF, who knew and had great respect for Gen. Tibbets. I met Col. Tibbetts in 1954. I was 4 years old and it is one of my earliest, vivid memories. I was walking in an alley between base housing at Maxwell Field. He introduced himself. He complimented me on my pretty dress. I felt very special. Over the years I came to know of the personal sacrifice this man made in the service of his country. He saved the lives of countless U.S. servicemen and women - one of which may have been my father who at that time was in the Army Air Corps. And I was born in 1949 at Johnson AFB in Irumagawa, Japan. Thank you, sir, for your bravery and unflinching service to this country that I and my parents love. And, thank you for your kindness to one little girl. As you can see, it's never been forgotten. Vicki Curtis Mac Lean

Vicki Mac Lean

November 6, 2007

Mr Tibbits, Thanks for your Service to us, & to the USA.

Harold & Janace Carson

November 6, 2007

Dear General Tibbets,
Thank you for your service to this country. Rest in peace.

John and Linda Cupp

November 6, 2007

my prayers go out to the family of this wonderful person.May the Good Lord keep them in the palm of his hand Lorraine Schuler

lorraine schuler

November 6, 2007

Thank you sir for your heroism and great patriotism and may the Lord forever be at your side! My prayers and sympathy to your family and may they always know you are still with them with every breeze they feel and when the sun warms upon their faces. Thank you again one of our American heroes!

meredith

November 6, 2007

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