As Imperial Japan surrendered on this day 75 years ago, 15 August 1945, Lt. Edward Vincent of the 6th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) was the youngest B-29 aircraft commander of World War II at the age of 21.  He flew a total of 32 combat missions over the Empire by the time the war ended including the longest one of the war from the Marianas to the  northeast coast of Japanese-occupied Korea, some 19 hours and 40 minutes in the air!

In this video heavily illustrated with period photos, Edward Vincent provides an insightful overview of his experience which ultimately helped bring an end to the Second World War.  You will note the well-known photo of the B-29 over Osaka Castle at the 14 minute mark.

6th Bomb Group Videos

In 2015, the writer of this web log was fortunate to join a 6th Bomb Group reunion held in Portland, Oregon.  Some highlights from the reunion, including some more information about Edward Vincent, are in the article posted on the 142d Wing website at:

https://www.142fw.ang.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/864348/air-pirates-of-the-caribbean-raid-the-pacific-northwest-the-6th-bomb-group-visi/