
Report to the President on conditions at Target Dog Able following the employment of Big Boy specialist munition.
Initial Remarks
Mr President, by your Executive Order, on March 11/12 1944, USAAF YB-29 Least Weasel conducted a solo night sortie to the city of Dresden, Germany. One specialist munition, designated Big Boy, was employed against Nazi A-bomb laboratories, designated Target Dog Able. The mission departed from RAF Metheringham in Lincolnshire, England, and upon return the aircraft diverted to RAF Coltishall in Norfolk, England as a precautionary measure due to a suspected oil leak
The specialist munition was deployed at 0321 local time, approximately 7 seconds behind the planned mission schedule, at an altitude of 30,000 ft. Weapon release was normal, and the munition impacted the target 42 seconds later at 0322 local time. As the aircraft turned away, an enormous explosion was seen and felt, indicating successful detonation. Enemy night fighters attempted to attack the employing aircraft on several occasions as it crossed Europe each way, but were unable to effect an interception. No American casualties were suffered on the mission, and the employing aircraft landed at RAF Coltishall without incident. The crew have been recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The following pages contain certain specialist reports from the follow-up reconnaissance mission edited in some cases to provide clarity to you.
Gen. G.A. Moriarty, USAAF