Gail and Stephen Rudin atomic bomb collection, 1914-2009.
Collection Number: 6990

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library


DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Gail and Stephen Rudin atomic bomb collection, 1914-2009.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Collection Number:
6990
Abstract:
Letters, documents, photographs, drawings, and models (signed by Paul Tibbets) related to the atomic bomb and its use in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
Creator:
Rudin, Stephen
Quanitities:
.5 cubic feet.
Language:
Collection material in English

COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

Letters, documents, photographs, drawings, and models (signed by Paul Tibbets) related to the atomic bomb and its use in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.

SEPARATED MATERIAL

Signed Books
  1. Flight of the Enola Gay, by Paul Tibbets. 1989. Signed by Tibbets, Van Kirk, and Ferebee. Rudin # M-32
  2. Return of the Enola Gay, by Paul Tibbets. 1998. Signed by Tibbets and Van Kirk. Rudin # M-32A
  3. The Tibbets Story, by Paul Tibbets with Clair Stebbins and Harry Franken. Signed by Tibbets, Ferebee and Van Kirk. Rudin # M-32B
  4. 509th Pictorial History, by 509th Composite Group. Facsimile edition of 1945 copy. Signed by Tibbets. Rudin # M-32C
  5. Enola Gay, by Gordon Thomas and Max Witts. 1977. Signed and inscribed by Tibbets. Rudin # M-32D

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:

Gail and Stephen Rudin atomic bomb collection, #6990. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.

SUBJECTS

Names:
Enola Gay (Bomber)
Places:
Nagasaki-shi (Japan) -- History -- Bombardment, 1945.
Hiroshima-shi (Japan) -- History -- Bombardment, 1945.
Subjects:
Atomic bomb.

CONTAINER LIST
Container
Description
Date
Series I. Letters and Documents
Box 1 Folder 1
Ashworth, Frederick
August 9, 1945
TMS
Pages: 19
Scope and Contents
First hand account of the atomic bomb attack on Nagasaki. Rudin # M-1
Box 1 Folder 2
Beahan, Kermit
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Signed Questionnaire regarding Hiroshima. Rudin # M-1B
Box 1 Folder 3
Caron, George
1993
Scope and Contents
"Hiroshima: I Saw it First". Bound booklet signed by tail gunner of the Enola Gay. Rudin # M-2
Box 1 Folder 4
Caron, George Writer's location: Denver, CO
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Questionnaire/Interview regarding Hiroshima.Rudin # M-2A
Box 1 Folder 5
Ferebee, Thomas W.
DocS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Message of the Japanese Home Service after Hiroshima, signed by Ferebee. Rudin # M-3
Box 1 Folder 6
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: George
ALS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Explanation in his role on the Enola Gay mission. Rudin # M-3A
Box 1 Folder 7
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Ronald Kelluern
March 20, 2006
TLS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Jeppson's personal thoughts about the Hiroshima mission. Rudin # M-4
Box 1 Folder 8
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Michael Writer's location:
January 15, 2009
ALS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
"No second wishes about Hiroshima mission - either about selection or results." Rudin # M-4A
Box 1 Folder 9
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Dear Sir
ALS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
If invasion failed, "Would more atomic bombs have been used in attempts to finally defeat Japan?" Rudin # M-5
Box 1 Folder 10
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Dear Bill
ALS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Reflecting on the Hiroshima mission. Rudin # M-5A
Box 1 Folder 11
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Dear Sir
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Arming and releasing the Hiroshima bomb. Rudin # M-6
Box 1 Folder 12
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Bill Smith
June 21, 2009
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Jeppson writes a detailed response regarding the Hiroshima mission after being questioned by an admirer. Rudin # M-6B
Box 1 Folder 13
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Dear Sir Writer's location: Hiroshima
August 6, 1945
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Jeppson answers questions of a correspondent about the effects of the bomb on the crew and the destruction and radioactive fallout that were produced. Rudin # M-6C
Box 1 Folder 14
Jeppson, Morris Addressee: Dear Sir Writer's location: Hiroshima
August 6, 1945
ALS
Pages: 3
Scope and Contents
Jeppson reveals his thoughts of his mission and describes the use of the atomic bomb. Rudin # M-6D
Box 1 Folder 15
Gallagher, Ray Addressee: Mr. Schwab Writer's location:
December 24, 1986
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Reflects on current thinking regarding the use of the atomic bomb. Rudin # M-7A
Box 1 Folder 16
Rehl, Donald C. Addressee: Fred D. Cavinder Writer's location: Fountaintown, Indiana
July 22, 1985
TLS
Pages: 8
Scope and Contents
Pilot of unused third atomic bomb mission justifies its use. Rudin # M-7
Box 1 Folder 17
Sweeney, Charles Writer's location: Nagasaki, Japan
August 9, 1945
TMS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Pilot describes shock waves and fireball resulting from the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. Rudin # M-8
Box 1 Folder 18
Sweeney, Charles Addressee: Mr. Norman
April 9, 1986
ALS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Pilot clarifies a historical mistake about his Nagasaki mission - Which plane actually dropped the Nagasaki bomb. Rudin # M-9
Box 1 Folder 19
Tibbets, Paul
August 6, 1945
Signed cards
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
"The plane was named "Enola Gay" after my mother," plus a second signature card. Rudin # M-10
Box 1 Folder 19A
Tibbets, Paul Writer's location: Columbus, Ohio
September 29, 1979
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Tibbets defends his President's decision to use the atomic bomb. Rudin # M-11
Box 1 Folder 20
Tibbets, Paul Writer's location: New York
August 7, 1945
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Souvenir facsimile of the front page of the New York Times announcing the bombing of Hiroshima, signed by Paul Tibbets. Rudin # M-12
Mapcase Folder 1
Tibbets, Paul
February 2002
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Limited edition souvenir typescript (21/24) recalling dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima. Rudin # M-14
Box 1 Folder 21
Tibbets, Paul
July 24, 2004
Typescript
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Reflections on Hiroshima plus signed color photo of Enola Gay. Rudin # M-13
Box 1 Folder 21A
Tibbets, Paul
August 14, 1995
Scope and Contents
Two identical first day covers, signed by tibbets, with a cachet and stamp. In addition, a full sheet of 36 commemorative stamps. Rudin # M-15B
Box 1 Folder 21B
Newsmap issued during WWII, a summary of events during the week the Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima
July-August, 1945
Scope and Contents
Rudin # M-15C
Box 1 Folder 22
Tibbets, Paul Addressee: General Carl Spaatz Writer's location: Washington, D.C.
July 25, 1945
DocS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Reproduction of DS giving the directive to proceed with bombing of Japan, weather permitting. Two Copies. Rudin # M-17 and 18
Box 1 Folder 23
Tibbets, Paul Addressee: Mayor Timothy Curtin Writer's location: UN, NY and Columbus, Ohio
October 23, 1964, July 24, 1980
TLS and envelope
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
First Day Cover signed by Tibbets and Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese commander who led the first wave of attack on Pearl Harbor. Letter regarding Tibbets' second thoughts on dropping the bomb. Rudin # M-19
Box 1 Folder 24
Tibbets, Paul
Typescript
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Interview with USA Today about the dropping of the atom bomb. Rudin # M-20
Box 1 Folder 25
Van Kirk, Theodore Addressee: Dear Sir
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Letter concerning the bombing of Hiroshima.Rudin # M-22
Box 1 Folder 26
Van Kirk, Theodore
TMS
Pages: 9
Scope and Contents
Manuscript covering every aspect of the mission over Hiroshima. Rudin # M-23
Box 1 Folder 27
Van Kirk, Theodore Addressee: Dear Max Writer's location:
ALS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Response to two questions - If Van Kirk agreed to the use of the atomic bomb; and his position on civilian casualties. Rudin # M-24
Box 1 Folder 28
Van Kirk, Theodore
Typescript
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Signed statement entitled "Atomic Bomb Explosion Over Hiroshima". Rudin # M-25
Box 1 Folder 29
Van Kirk, Theodore
ALS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Letter concerning the bombing of Hiroshima. Rudin # M-26
Box 1 Folder 30
Van Kirk, Theodore
TLS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Description of the training and preparation for dropping the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima. Rudin # M-27
Box 1 Folder 31
Van Kirk, Theodore
TLS
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Letter with important details of the dropping of the bomb plus hand-drawn illustration. Rudin # M-28
Box 1 Folder 32
Ferebee, Brown Addressee: Writer's location: Tulsa, OK
November 1, 1990
Typescript, signed
Pages: 2
Scope and Contents
Mary Babrick Brown donated her hair to be used in a bomb aiming device known as the "Norden Bomb Sight". Rudin # M-28A
Box 1 Folder 33
Tibbets, Beser
Diagram, signed
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Photocopy of the Enola Gay's escape maneuver after dropping the bomb. Rudin # M-29
Box 2 Folder 1
Tibbets, Ferebee Location: Hiroshima
DocS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
Signed blast damage map of Hiroshima. Rudin # M-30
Box 2 Folder 2
Tibbets, Ferebee
1914, 1945
Manuscript signed
Scope and Contents
White House Press Release on Hiroshima, "The World Set Free" HG Wells excerpt, the effects of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Signed. Rudin # M-31
Box 2 Folder 3
Beser, Caron, Ferebee, Van Kirk
August 6, 1969
DocS
Pages: 1
Scope and Contents
The City of Hiroshima Peace Declaration read by Mayor Setsuo Yamada. Signed by four members of the Enola Gay crew. Rudin # M-31A
Box 2 Folder 4
"Operation Crossroads" flown envelope
Envelope
Scope and Contents
Envelope carried in Army Air Force B-29 "Dave's Dream" for Atomic Bomb Test #1. With nine signatures. Rudin # M-40A
Box 2 Folder 5
Bikini Atoll A-Bomb
1946
Scope and Contents
Log of observers "Panamint Parade", three newspaper articles. Rudin # M-40
Box 2 Folder 17
Olivi, Besser, Albury, Kuharek, Gallagher
1946
Scope and Contents
Reproduction of General Order Number 71 awarding the Distinguished Flying Cross to the crew of Bockscar for their mission over Nagasaki. Rudin # M-38
Series II. Photographs
Box 2 Folder 6
Jeppson, Morris
August 6, 1945
Scope and Contents
Photo of destruction after the atomic bomb was dropped, with inscription by Morris Jeppson. Rudin # M-5B
Box 2 Folder 7
Tibbets, Paul
Scope and Contents
Signed photograph of Tibbets after landing the Enola Gay and accomplishing Hiroshima bomb mission. Shown receiving Distinguished Service Cross from General Carl Spaatz. Rudin # M-15
Box 2 Folder 7A
Tibbets, Paul
1945
Scope and Contents
Three items: First day of non-issue cover, signed photo of Tibbets being decorated after Hiroshima, Photo of Japanese surrender signed by Tibbets Rudin # M-15A
Box 2 Folder 8
Tibbets, Paul
Scope and Contents
Signed 8.5"x11" photo of Enola Gay by Paul Tibbets. (Over bomb pit) Also included is a letter explaining the "R" tail marking. Rudin # M-16
Box 2 Folder 9
Van Kirk, Theodore
Scope and Contents
Signed and inscribed photo of Enola Gay. Rudin # M-29A
Box 2 Folder 10
Van Kirk, Theodore
Scope and Contents
Signed photo of Enola Gay coming in for a landing. Rudin # M-29B
Box 2 Folder 11
Tibbets, Van Kirk, Ferebee
August 6, 1945
Scope and Contents
Signed photo of mushroom cloud over Hiroshima signed by Tibbets, Van Kirk and Ferebee. Two different photos. Rudin # M-33 and 34
Box 2 Folder 12
Tibbets, Van Kirk, Ferebee
Scope and Contents
Enola Gay signed photo by Tibbets, Van Kirk and Ferebee. Rudin # M-35
Box 2 Folder 13
Tibbets, Van Kirk, Ferebee
August 6, 1945
Scope and Contents
Signed photo of Hiroshima mushroom cloud signed by Tibbets, Van Kirk and Ferebee. Plus signed photo of the crew members - Tibbets, Van Kirk and Ferebee. Rudin # M-35A
Box 2 Folder 14
Tibbetts, Jeppson, Sweeney, Ashworth
Scope and Contents
Signed photo with descriptions of the two atom bombs that were dropped on Japan. Signed by Tibbets, Jeppson, Sweeney, and Ashworth. Rudin # M-36
Box 2 Folder 15
Tibbets, Van Kirk, Jeppson, Ferebee, Nelson
Winter 1945-1946
Scope and Contents
Aerial view of Hiroshima in the winter of 1945-46. Signed in blue felt tip by crew members Rudin # M-36B
Box 2 Folder 15A
Van Kirk, Theodore
August 6, 1945
Scope and Contents
Aerial photo of Hiroshima after the destruction of the A-bomb with inscription by Van Kirk.Rudin # M-36C
Box 2 Folder 16
Tibbets, Van Kirk, Ferebee, Jeppson, Nelson
1945
Scope and Contents
Signed Enola Gay photo, Tibbets being decorated after mission, and bomber signed by Tibbets.Rudin # M-37
Box 2 Folder 18
Olivi, Sweeney
1945
Scope and Contents
Photo of Bockscar on tarmac signed by Olivi and Sweeney. Rudin # M-38A
Box 2 Folder 19
Photographs
1945
Scope and Contents
Lot of 15 photos after the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Images contain devastated scenery and buildings, as well as photos of survivors and military personnel. (See captions on verso on some of the photos). Rudin # M-39
Box 2 Folder 20
Photographs
1945
Scope and Contents
Three original wire photos: two Nagasaki bomb blast photos, Hiroshima devastation. Rudin # M-39A
Box 2 Folder 21
Bikini Atoll Test
1946
Scope and Contents
20 photographs from Operation Crossroads, the United States' 1946 nuclear bomb tests. Rudin # M-40
Series III. Blueprints and Models
Mapcase Folder 1
Blueprint of "Little Boy" Hiroshima bomb
Scope and Contents
Handwritten explanations of the components and how it works. Signed by Morris Jeppson. Rudin # M-6A
Box 3
Wooden model of the B-29 Enola Gay
Scope and Contents
1/72 scale wooden model of the Enola Gay, signed on the wing by Tibbets. On wooden display stand and accompanied by a photo of Tibbets signing. Rudin # M-10A
Box 4
Wooden model of the B-29 Enola Gay
Scope and Contents
1/72 scale wooden model of the Enola Gay, signed on the wing by Tibbets. On wooden display stand and accompanied by a photo of Tibbets signing. Rudin # M-10A
Plastic model of the "Little Boy" bomb
Scope and Contents
Cast plastic scale model of the "Little Boy" atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima signed by Paul Tibbets. Rudin # M-10B
Mapcase Folder 1
Blueprint of "Fat Man" Nagasaki bomb.
Scope and Contents
Handwritten explanations of the components and how it works by Van Kirk.Rudin # M-21
Mapcase Folder 1
Navigators log
Scope and Contents
Log of the Enola Gay entirely filled out in the hand of Van Kirk. Rudin # M-21A