The most thoughtful defense of the atom bomb came in an interview from Victor Davis Hanson. His father was in WWII, with some role in the air-force, as I recall.
In the 1960’s or 70’s, when young hippies were ascendent, VDH debated his father about the decision to use the atom bomb. His father simply said: The Japanese were killing 15,000 Chinese, Koreans, Philipinos, and yes, Americans, EVERY DAY. What better plans to end that were available, even with hindsight?
Thanks for posting that.