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Jack Couffer

Bat Bomb: World War II's Other Secret Weapon Paperback – October 1, 1992

by Jack Couffer (Author)

25 ratings

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It was a crazy way to win World War II in the Pacific― All the United States had to do was to attach small incendiary bombs to millions of bats and release them over Japan's major cities. As the bats went to roost, a million fires would flare up in remote crannies of the wood and paper buildings common throughout Japan. When their cities were reduced to ashes, the Japanese would surely capitulate... The plan made sense to a handful of eccentric promoters and researchers, who convinced top military brass and even President Roosevelt to back the scheme. It might have worked, except that another secret weapon―something to do with atoms―was chosen to end the war. Told here by the youngest member of the team, this is the story of the bat bomb project, or Project X-Ray, as it was officially known. In scenes worthy of a Capra or Hawks comedy, Jack Couffer recounts the unorthodox experiments carried out in the secrecy of Bandera, Texas, Carlsbad, New Mexico, and El Centro, California, in 1942-1943 by "Doc" Adams' private army. This oddball cast of characters included an eccentric inventor, a distinguished Harvard scientist, a biologist with a chip on his shoulder, a movie star, a Texas guano collector, a crusty Marine Corps colonel, a Maine lobster fisherman, an ex-mobster, and a tiger. Not to be defeated by minor logistical hurdles, the bat bomb researchers risked life and limb to explore uncharted bat caves and "recruit" thousands of bats to serve their country. Through months of personality conflicts, military snafus, and technical failures the team pressed on, certain that bats could end the war with Japan. And they might have―in their first airborne test, the bat bombers burned an entire brand-new military airfield to the ground. For everyone who relishes true tales of action and adventure, Bat Bomb is a must-read. Bat enthusiasts will also discover the beginnings of the scientific study of bats.

Print length

284 pages
Language

English
Publisher

University of Texas Press
Publication date

October 1, 1992
Dimensions

6.14 x 0.6 x 9.21 inches
ISBN-10

0292718721
ISBN-13

978-0292718722
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Since World War II Jack Couffer has pursued a career in film as a director,writer, producer, and cameraman. His work has appeared in numerous popular films, including Out of Africa, Ring of Bright Water, and Never Cry Wolf.

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Texas Press; First Edition (October 1, 1992)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0292718721
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0292718722
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.8 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 0.6 x 9.21 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,419,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #14,152 in World War II History (Books)

Customer Reviews:
25 ratings

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Navimademedoit

Wild War Tech!

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2015

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During WWII, many unorthadox avenues of attack were explored for gaining an edge on America's adversaries. One imaginative idea was the bat bomb, a just-so-crazy-it-could-work concept whose genesis and development are spelled out here, including fascinating facts about bats that lend themselves to such a project, and at least a few comical mishaps endured while testing the technology. Bat lovers and history buffs are sure to enjoy "Bat Bomb: World War II's Other Secret Weapon."

One person found this helpful

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Joel Zenzic

Truth is WAY stranger than fiction, and a great read!

Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2010

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A Five Stars Plus story, and no caveats required. Funny, charming, intelligent, perceptive and informative, "Bat Bomb" has to be the best little-known book I have ever read, and is significantly better than most bestsellers. Jack Couffer writes with clarity, flair and humor of the implausible (but conceivably decisive) weapons research he participated in as a teenager during WW II. The story and cast of characters would entertain even in clumsy hands; in Couffer's hands, they shine. At the going rate for a used copy of $8-10 including shipping, this book is one of the best deals out there, entertainment per dollar. Get it. Read it. Loan it out. Demand a reprint.

Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2019

Verified Purchase

Purchased this book as a gift for my partner, who loves history and researches bats. He loved it! Nice artwork on cover, arrived in great condition. Thanks!

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Gregory D. Sloop

I think this is my favorite book ever

Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2006

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This book contains the funniest line I have ever read, already quoted by another reviewer: "We got a sure thing like the bat bomb going...." But there is much more to this book. The writing is incredible. For example, the author describes what happens when they use movie lights to illuminate the inside of one cave for the first time in its history. The description of almost being suffocated by clouds of bats so thick is first rate. Also, the tender retelling of his romance with Arlie is top notch. Who would have expected such deft handling of first love in a book about bat bombs? It made me want more of this material. I also treasured the retelling of the tiger mascot, "Top Sarge." Or when our hero tries to beat the cowboys at their own game in calf-roping. I could go on and on. I think the key to the success of this book is how the author treats all the characters with upmost respect. There is nothing snarky about how the author treats the self-important Patsy, who was Capone's driver, or the guano salesman.

Read this book. You won't be disappointed.

13 people found this helpful

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Ralph L. Coleman

This Book Didn't Bomb

Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2009

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I stumbled across this little gem of a book quite accidentally. The premise of the book was off-beat...a kookie group of American misfits bands together during World War II in order to come up with a new wonder weapon: a bomb which would dislodge incendiary-carrying bats over Japanese cities. The idea was weird enough, but the storyline developed with a more-weird set of characters and circumstances. The unbelievable part of the whole thing is the story is entirely true! The US DID try to construct such a weapon during World War II. And, had it actually been used, it would probably have proven to be a great success. This book was captivating from start to finish. The adventures and misadventures of the characters, to include real-life cowboy-movie star Tim Holt, held my interest from cover to cover. Hey...any director out there in Hollywoodland - here's a great story to be told on the big screen as an action-packed, comedy and drama. As for everyone else, grab this book and be prepared to laugh.

2 people found this helpful

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S. Kayton

A must-read for history buffs

Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2006

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An unknown but funny and very well-written chapter in history. The bat bomb carried zillions of bats, each of which had an incendiary device tied to it. The goal was to burn down Japanese towns. During its first test, it accidentally burned down the building housing the project! Talk about just desserts. This will cure anyone who thinks history is boring.

14 people found this helpful

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JStock16

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017

Verified Purchase

Great book on the history of the Bat Bomb.

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Joan M.D.

Jack Couffer has led an amazing life. He writes very well

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2014

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Jack Couffer has led an amazing life. He writes very well, and I could not put the book down when I first read it many years ago. Had to get new copy for grand kids. This is a fascinating and educational (never go into a large bat gave without protective clothing) book about a period of time in U.S. History through which I lived, thankfully in the U.S.A.

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