Watch B-29 Bombing Mission Disrupted by Japanese Fighters

On June 5th, 1945, just months before the end of World War II, a major bombing mission was launched from Tinian Island in the Pacific. A group of 45 B-29 Superfortress bombers took off, their target set on the city of Kobe, Japan. This mission was part of a larger Allied effort to weaken Japan’s industrial capacity through aerial bombardments. The crew of one particular B-29, the Sweet Sioux, played a critical role in this operation, facing intense resistance from Japanese fighter planes along the way.

The city of Kobe was an important industrial hub for Japan during the war. It housed major factories and steel mills that produced materials for Japan’s war effort. First Lieutenant Don Dwyer, the bombardier of Sweet Sioux, was tasked with dropping bombs on the steel mill located in the heart of the city. This mission, while part of a larger effort, was crucial in targeting Japan’s ability to continue producing war materials.

The Tense Bombing Run Over Kobe

As the fleet of B-29 bombers approached Kobe, the tension in the air grew. Dwyer, as the lead bombardier, had the responsibility of hitting the target first. His accuracy would set the tone for the rest of the mission, as the other bombers would follow his lead in dropping their payloads. Peering through his bombsight, Dwyer locked onto the steel mill, ready to release the bombs that would strike a critical blow to Japan’s industrial base.

However, just as the bombers were preparing to drop their payloads, a swarm of Japanese fighters appeared. These fighters, known for their agility and firepower, were waiting to ambush the bombers. The B-29 gunners sprang into action, spraying the skies with bullets in an attempt to keep the fighters at bay. The crew of the Sweet Sioux knew that if they couldn’t hold off the fighters, their chances of completing the mission and returning safely would be slim.

Despite the intense pressure, Dwyer released the 19 bombs aboard the Sweet Sioux. One after another, the other B-29s followed suit, hitting their targets with precision. Relief washed over the crews as they realized they had accomplished their goal. But the danger was far from over. As Dwyer looked up from his bombsight, he saw a Japanese Zero fighter plane headed straight for their B-29. The pilot’s intent was clear – he aimed to ram the Sweet Sioux.

Dwyer’s Quick Reaction and the Fight for Survival

Acting quickly, Dwyer grabbed his gun sight and aimed at the incoming Zero. Waiting for the enemy plane to enter the target circle, he fired a single burst. His aim was true, and his shots hit their mark. But before the Zero went down, it fired a burst of its own, hitting the Sweet Sioux with four 20-millimeter cannon shells. The damage was severe: two of the B-29’s engines were knocked out, leaving the plane limping with only two functional engines.

With their aircraft heavily damaged, the crew of the Sweet Sioux knew they couldn’t make it back to their home base on Tinian. Instead, they set their sights on Iwo Jima, a recently captured island that lay halfway between Japan and Tinian. Iwo Jima had become a vital emergency landing site for damaged planes returning from missions over Japan.

As the Sweet Sioux approached Iwo Jima, the situation remained tense. The plane came in low, skimming over the ocean, and hit the runway hard upon landing. Once on the ground, the crew breathed a collective sigh of relief. They had survived one of the most dangerous air battles of the war.

Their mission had been a success, not only in hitting their target but also in surviving the fierce attack by Japanese fighters. The crew of the Sweet Sioux had three confirmed and two probable kills, making their run-in with enemy fighters one of the most successful of the war.

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