Flames over Tokyo: The US Army Air Forces' Incendiary Campaign Against Japan, 1944-1945

by E.B. Kerr

Based on interviews with U.S. aircrews and other servicemen, as well as survivors of the attacks, this compelling account of America's assault on Japan's home islands tells how America delivered the decisive blow to the Japanese Empire--resulting in the destruction of 60 cities. Photographs.

Genres: History, Japan, Military Fiction

348 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 1991

Reviews

[Matthew Dambro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent basic history of the air campaign carried out against the Empire of Japan by Twentieth Air Force in 1944 and 1945. Clear exposition of the tactics, leaders, aircraft and strategies on both sides. Even without the atom bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan had lost the ability to produce manufactured goods in any significant quantity by mid 1945. Even the food supply was dangerously low. They were clearly beaten but the military cabal in Tokyo prevented the government from surrendering. For the record, my father was a sergeant assigned to 58th Bomb Wing, 468th Bomb Group, 792nd Bomb Squadron on Tinian during the period covered by the book. There are those who decry the decision to use the atom bombs on Japan. This book, if they are rational, would go far to dismissing such a notion. The very destructiveness of the devices gave the peace faction of the Japanese government the added impetus required to have the Emperor overrule the military chiefs. On a personal note while my father was flying out of the Marianas, his older brother was an infantryman in the 35th Infantry Division. Dominic had fought his way across France and Germany. Then his Division was loaded aboard ship to be transported to the Pacific Theatre of Operations to take part in the invasion of Japan. He was terrified and could see his own death ahead of him. On 15SEP45 his unit was informed that the war in Japan was over. The 20th AF had dropped new kinds of bombs and the Japanese had surrendered. He screamed out at the top of his lungs "That's my kid brother. He said he was going to win the war." And then he cried. He had just been given his life back. If the invasion had taken place Allied casualties would have been counted by the hundreds of thousands. Japanese casualties would have been counted by the tens of millions.

[Jeff Slipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ought this older history second hsnd.

Previosly read Bomber Mafia and Black Snow.

Newer books on the Topic.

This book is less polished perhaps than those, but reah in dtail and telling the tail.

More fulsome account- great to read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opened my eyes to a lot of things they don't teach you in school...