# Paul Tibbets

> United States Air Force pilot (1915–2007)

**Wikidata**: [Q294555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294555)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Tibbets)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-tibbets

## Summary
Paul Tibbets was a United States Air Force pilot (1915–2007) most famously known for piloting the Enola Gay during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II.

## Biography
- Born: February 23, 1915 (specific place not provided)
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended University of Florida and University of Cincinnati (degrees not specified)
- Known for: Piloting the Enola Gay during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima
- Employer(s): United States Air Force
- Field(s): Military aviation, World War II operations

## Contributions
Paul Tibbets is recognized for piloting the Enola Gay on August 6, 1945, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II. He received multiple military decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and Distinguished Service Cross. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

## FAQs
- Where did Paul Tibbets serve? He served in the United States Air Force during World War II.
- What was Paul Tibbets' most famous mission? He is most famous for piloting the Enola Gay during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
- What awards did Paul Tibbets receive? He received the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in action, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
- What was Paul Tibbets' role in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? He was the pilot of the Enola Gay that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and served as aircraft commander for the Bockscar during the Nagasaki mission.

## Why They Matter
Paul Tibbets' role in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima fundamentally changed the course of World War II and initiated the nuclear age. His actions led to Japan's surrender and ended the war, but also raised profound ethical questions about the use of nuclear weapons. His legacy continues to influence international relations, military strategy, and discussions about the ethics of warfare.

## Notable For
- Pilot of the Enola Gay during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945
- Received the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in action
- Awarded the Air Medal for meritorious service in aerial flight
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
- Served in the United States Air Force during World War II

## Body
### Early Life
Paul Warfield Tibbets Jr. was born on February 23, 1915. The specific location of his birth is not provided in the source material. He pursued higher education at the University of Florida and the University of Cincinnati, though the degrees he earned are not specified.

### Military Career
Tibbets joined the United States Air Force and began his service in 1937. He served throughout World War II, where he developed a reputation as a skilled and courageous pilot. His career spanned from 1937 until his retirement in 1966.

### The Hiroshima Mission
On August 6, 1945, Tibbets piloted the Enola Gay, a B-29 Superfortress bomber, from Tinian Island to Hiroshima, Japan. At approximately 8:15 AM local time, he dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy" over the city. The bomb exploded with an energy equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT, instantly killing approximately 70,000 people and causing widespread destruction. This mission marked the first use of an atomic weapon in warfare.

### The Nagasaki Mission
Following the Hiroshima bombing, Tibbets also participated in the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. This mission was carried out by the B-29 Bockscar, with Tibbets serving as the aircraft commander. The bomb, known as "Fat Man," caused significant damage to the city and contributed to Japan's eventual surrender.

### Post-War Career
After World War II, Tibbets continued to serve in the United States Air Force until his retirement in 1966. His work period ended in 1966 according to the source material.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his military career, Tibbets received numerous decorations for his service:
- **Distinguished Service Cross**: Awarded for gallantry in action during the atomic bombings
- **Distinguished Flying Cross**: Recognizing his exceptional flying skills
- **Purple Heart**: Awarded for injuries sustained during combat operations
- **Air Medal**: For meritorious service in aerial flight
- **National Aviation Hall of Fame**: Induction recognizing his significant contributions to aviation history

### Legacy
Paul Tibbets' actions during World War II had profound and lasting impacts on global history. His role in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima ended the war but also initiated the nuclear age, fundamentally changing military strategy and international relations. His legacy remains controversial, with ongoing debates about the justification and consequences of the atomic bombings. Despite the ethical complexities of his mission, Tibbets maintained throughout his life that he believed the bombings were necessary to end the war and save lives.

## References

1. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7073588.stm)
2. [Source](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1568086/Brig-Gen-Paul-Tibbets.html)
3. [Source](http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/talkback/redwhiteblackandblue/)
4. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/02/international.mainsection1)
5. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/obituaries/02tibbets.html?pagewanted=all)
6. [Source](http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/usstates/ilfamous2.htm)
7. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/512/000063323/)
8. [Source](http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=60493b2d-5848-4394-8a61-b12a779b3584)
9. [Source](http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=82906&src=)
10. [Source](http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1219&u_sid=10173932)
11. Integrated Authority File
12. IMDb
13. SNAC
14. Find a Grave
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/obituaries/01cnd-tibbets.html)
17. [Source](http://lifeinlegacy.com/Display.aspx?weekof=2007-11-03)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013