This photo of the Enola Gay was taken by Lt. William Maxwell, a pilot of the B-29 named Bad Medicine, serial#4224850, attached to the 313th Bomb Wing. The Enola Gay and the 509th was the fourth "group" attached to the 313th Wing. This photo was taken the day after Hiroshima. While they were on the Island, no one in the 509th knew what their mission was. They had new planes with the latest upgrades and it was hoped they would give some relief and run missions like everyone else. Their training appeared to be "joy rides" in order to keep their flight status. After the completion of the bombing of Hiroshima, these "bomb weary" crews felt that most of what they had accomplished to this point seemed a bit of a waste. All the past months of bombing could not compare with what had been accomplished in only one mission!

Many thanks to David Maxwell, son of Lt. William Maxwell for the photo and to Wendell Van Syoc, the equipment officer of the 313th for references

David Maxwell is searching for any information anyone can give him about his father and/or the 509th and the 313th. You can reach David at: B29BOMBER@webtv.net




Lt. William Maxwell on Tinian Island






Lt. William Maxwell in "Bad Medicine"




Dog Fight


All photos taken by Lt. William Maxwell


The Mighty Super Fortress




Hiroshima, Three Days After . . .

 


In response to the increased interest in the history of the B-29, I am making it possible to share everyone's pictures or stories. If you have something you would like to share, please email me at sallyann.wagoner @worldnet.att.net. All stories and photos will be considered. You can be certain that if you send me photos to scan that I will take the utmost care with them and will return them promptly. Many of you have pieces of history in scrapbooks, photo albums and in your hearts and minds that would be of interest to others. If you would like a place to display and share your memories, please contact me.
This site has grown by leaps and bounds. Many thanks to all of you who have contributed so much. I have compiled a mailing list in order to let you know each time the site is updated. If you are interested in being on this list please email me and I will add your name to the list.

Sincerely,

Sallyann