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Decision at Nagasaki: The Mission That Almost Failed Paperback – January 1, 1999

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 12 ratings

Inside view World War 2 bombing of Japan

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0006RA34U
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Privately Printed (January 1, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 286 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 096787470X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0967874708
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 12 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
12 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2014
These WWll heroes, young, very young men barely out of high school, did the very heavy lifting for our nation. The suffered and died and accomplished so much, not the least of which was turning back those who would enclave us and the world. Fred Olivi,barely 24-years old, became a hero and is now forever part of our History. As he points out, he came from immigrant stock, lived an All American life in the Town of Pullman, which was founded The man, Georgue M. Pullman, who gave us the Sleeper Car, which allowed us to travel over night in comfort. Not a small detail for a nation which spans a continent. While the entire book was full of information, to be sure the decision to bomb Nagasaki was a biggie, I was adjust as intrigued Lt. Col. Olivi's life story. Buy it and enjoy, and, yes, learn.
S. Lorenzini
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2015
This account by the "third" pilot on the Nagasaki atom bomb mission gives more about his experiences, rather than a primer on WW2 history. The first section deals with his personal life leading up to joining the Air Force. The second involves his training, becoming a B-24 "first" pilot, and being transferred to the 509th CS as qualified fill-in personnel for gaps in the 393rd BS roster.
The third involves details of Tinian Island and squadron life, plus pumpkin and atomic missions. The fourth involves returning home, deciding to stay in the reserves, and his civilian life.

There are quite a few photographs of both a personal and professional nature. The second half of the book is an appendix of photos, letters, articles, a news clipping, official reports and maps. This is self-published, so it doesn't have editorial polish, but a definite book to have if you are interested in the atomic missions.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2011
When they decided to leave Italy to find a better future in America, in 1905, Fred Olivi's parents surely could not imagine that their son would become famous forty years later for dropping the most powerful weapon in history on the far away Japanese Empire! This is a personal history more than war history. The personal history of one of the many million Italians who contributed to make America for what it is, both in peacetime and at war. Fred joined the Air Force and on 9 August 1945 was assigned as copilot to the "Bockscar", the B-20 bomber that was to undertake the second nuclear bombing in history, three days after that of Hiroshima.

Even if it was strictly forbidden to do so, lest information should fall in enemy hands in case the plane was shot down, Fred kept a diary. From those pages come the most interesting parts of this book. Whatever opinion one might have on the nuclear bombing of Japan, this book reveals an unknown and captivating aspect of it.
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2014
Another "started out washing planes for rides" bio. Very little about the actual and controversial decisions which led to the drop at Nagasaki. More relevant info on Wikipedia.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
Good book
One person found this helpful
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