Japan's World War II Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America [Paperback]

Robert C. Mikesh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0874749115 | ISBN-13: 978-0874749113 | Publication Date: August 17, 1990

Between 1944 and 1945, the Japanese military launched almost ten thousand bomb-bearing balloons across the Pacific ocean. Intended to spark forest fires and shake American morale, the balloons were beset by technical problems and never achieved their destructive potential, but were nonetheless responsible for the only six war deaths on the United States mainland. Japan's World War II Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America provides a comprehensive account of this obscure chapter in modern warfare. Filled with photographs and diagrams, it traces both the technological and political development of the program and documents its effects on America.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Mikesh is the former senior curator of the National Air and Space Museum and a veteran pilot who served the United States Air Force for twenty years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press (August 17, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874749115
• ISBN-13: 978-0874749113
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #670,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and Comprehensive, January 26, 2006

By 

K. Smith "k smith" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japan's World War II Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America (Paperback)

The new International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque features the remnants of a Fu-Go balloon bomb, along with one of the hand-made paper envelopes built to carry the device across the Pacific Ocean. Mikesh's detailed report is an excellent supplement to the museum exhibit. It's a fascinating look into one of the most intriguing chapters in military history. Few know that the only victims of World War II on U.S. soil were killed by this ingenious device. Its potential use in germ warfare and its contribution to UFO hysteria are interesting side notes. Well worth a read.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift for WW2 buffs!, October 29, 2004

By 

Dianne L. Ward "Dianne Larson Ward" (Aberdeen, Washington USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japan's World War II Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America (Paperback)

When the original book was published in 1973 I saw the author interviewed on a Portland, OR tv talk show. Having grown uo on the east coast I'd never heard of the ballon bombs before. My own interest was piqued and I also knew that my dad who was a WW2 vet would love to receive the book for his birthday. I sent for a copy and must admit I read it before giving it to him! It was truly a book I couldn't put down!

I sent it to my dad and he raved about it. In fact, I recall him mentioning it several times over the following years before his death how much he enjoyed it and appreciated my sending it to him .

It's a fascinating bit of history many of us knew nothing about. It would be a great gift for anyone who enjoys history and a perfect gift for WW2 buffs!

I give it 5 stars without reservation! I'm delighted to know it's been reproduced...I'll buy my own copy now.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comphrensive operational history of the Fu Go weapons., November 26, 1997

By 

Mark Howells (Puyallup, Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japan's World War II Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America (Paperback)

Excellent technical explanations of the balloon weapons and how they were used against the North American continent. From production in Japan to the US defensive response to the threat, everything you'd ever want to know about these early intercontinental ballistic weapons is in this book. Heavily illustrated with maps, diagrams, and photography including aerial photography of the balloons in flight. Excellent.