Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki

In reading "Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki Told by Flight Member" by William Laurence, I was overcome with a sense of sadness. Although much of Laurence’s story focused primarily on the planning and dropping of the bomb over Nagasaki, I couldn’t help but envision the death and destruction that the bombing had created. This destruction, murderous in intent, was easy to picture based on the description that Laurence provided of the bomb itself and its ability to destroy. The conversation between the radio operator, Sergeant Curry and Laurence helped describe the mentality of the crew at the time. Sergeant Curry questioned, "Think this atomic bomb will end the war?" Laurence replied, "There is a very good chance that this one may do the trick, but if not then the next one or two surely will. Its power is such that no nation can stand up against it very long.” (389) When Laurence went about describing the bomb as “a thing of beauty,” it led me to believe that he had almost favored the decision to drop the bomb. (387) This assumption was, in my opinion, confirmed when he stated, “Does one feel any pity or compassion for the poor devils about to die? Not when one thinks of Pearl Harbor and of the death march on Bataan.” (390) I enjoyed reading this piece, aside from it being rather depressing. Laurence was lucky, in a controversial sense, to be part of such a unique experience.