August 9th, 1945, marks a pivotal moment in history as Japan's defeat becomes inevitable. The atomic bomb was dropped, and Russia declared war, sealing the nation's fate during the final days of WWII. In this footage, the events leading to Japan's surrender are showcased, including the Potsdam Conference where President Truman, Prime Minister Attlee, and Joseph Stalin made critical decisions. Scenes depict Allied air power, B-29 bombers attacking Japanese cities, and the overwhelming force of the Manhattan Project's creation—the atomic bomb. The footage also takes us behind the scenes of the Manhattan Project, from uranium mining in Canada to the scientific work at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Richland, Washington. As Japan rejected the Allies' terms for surrender, it faced the full might of atomic destruction, which ultimately led to the end of WWII.
1945 August 9th: Atomic Bomb, Richard Bong, 10th Armored Division