Black Snow: Curtis LeMay, the Firebombing of Tokyo, and the Road to the Atomic Bomb

On March 9, 1945, 300 American B-29s bombed Tokyo, causing a firestorm that flattened 16 square miles and killed over 100,000 people. This operation, led by Major General Curtis LeMay, was the first time civilians were deliberately targeted, leading to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

On March 9, 1945, at approximately 12:07 AM, nearly 300 American B-29s descended upon Tokyo, unleashing a devastating attack that would go down in history as "Black Snow." Their payload of incendiaries ignited a firestorm that reached scorching temperatures of over 1,800 degrees, causing the asphalt to liquefy and vaporize thousands of people. In just seven short minutes, sixteen square miles of the city were flattened, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos. The sheer magnitude of the casualties was staggering, with over 100,000 men, women, and children losing their lives.

The operation, meticulously planned by Major General Curtis LeMay, was a bold and audacious move that carried significant risks. LeMay, known for his aggressive tactics, expressed his determination to "win at all costs," even if it meant facing war crimes charges. The raid marked a significant moral shift for America, as it was the first time that commanders deliberately targeted civilians. This decision would pave the way for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which occurred just five months later.

James M. Scott's book, "Black Snow," provides a detailed reconstruction of this horrific night. He delves into the development of the B-29, the capture of the Marianas as airfields, and the strategic shift from high-altitude daylight "precision" bombing to low-altitude nighttime incendiary bombing. Scott's writing is vivid and compelling, bringing the reader into the heart of the action and providing a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded.

The raid on Tokyo was a turning point in World War II, marking a significant milestone in the use of air power. It demonstrated the devastating consequences of modern warfare and the need for nations to prioritize the protection of their civilians. The legacy of "Black Snow" continues to be felt today, as we reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in the war and the impact that their actions had on the world.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 166 x 237 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324002994