Enola Gay's radio operator Richard Nelson dies at 77

Sac Bee ^ | 2/6/03 | AP -Los Angeles

[NormsRevenge]

The B-29 superfortress Enola Gay lands at its Tinian base after its historic atomic bombing mission over Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.

LOS ANGELES(AP) - Richard Nelson, the radio operator aboard the Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, has died. He was 77.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Another American Hero.

[bandleader]

MEGA-DITTOS TO THAT!May God Bless Him And Receive Him!!

[elbucko]

A well earned and peaceful rest to you, Mr. Nelson. Though some believe you made war more terrible, I believe you made it more unthinkable.

God Bless and keep you.

[ken5050]

The preliminary estimates for the invasion of Japan predicted 200,00+ US caulties, and a million or more Japanese, many civilian.......it saved lives..

[Slyfox]

One of my neighbors when I was growing up was a guy who piloted the plane that photographed the bomb that the Enola dropped. His name was Cline and he said he did not know about the mission except that he was to fly to some certain coordinates and then turn and open the side doors on the plane so the photogs could get some good shots. So, the pictures you see of the event were taken from his plane.

[OldFriend]

My hubby's cousin was flying the bomber right behind the Enola Gay. Bless them all for saving so many American lives.

[Valin]

He saved one of my brothers, and brother-in-laws lives. As they were going to be part of the invasion.

God bless him and his family.

[SAMWolf]

Richard Nelson

[dd5339]

A loss of a true hero.

Semper Fi

[Soaring Feather]

bump

[HighWheeler]

A Rare Photo of the Enola Gay Crew Members Including the Ground Crew - 1945; Standing L to R: Lt. Jacob Beser, Radar Specialist; Sgt. Richard Nelson, Radio Operator; Sgt. Robert Shumard, Asst. Flight Engineer; Capt. Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk, Navigator; Maj. Robert Lewis, Co-Pilot (Mission - Normally Pilot); Pvt. John Lesnieski, Engine Mechanic; Col. Paul Tibbets, Group Commander and Mission Pilot; Pfc. Harold Olsen, Engine Mechanic; S/Sgt. Walter McCaleb, Crew Chief; Unknown; Capt. Cecil King; Line Maintenance; Unknown. Kneeling L to R: T/Sgt. Wyatt Duzenbury, Flight Engineer; Maj. Thomas Ferebee, Bombardier; Unknown; Sgt. Jean Cooper, Engine Mechanic; Pfc. John Jackson, Engine Mechanic; Sgt. Leonard Markley, Engine Mechanic, and Unknown.

[NormsRevenge]

Thanks for the photo. Quite a few "kids" in this shot.

[Victoria Delsoul]

May he rest in peace.

[SavageWreck]

I would like to know from any of you if you happen to know if Mr. Richard Nelson was also an Amateur Radio Operator and what was his Call Sign?

We are actually searching for one Richard Nelson who helped young students setup a radio station in the Philippines in the late sixties.

Thanks