Heritage Auctions to Sell Co-Pilot's Logbook from Hiroshima Atomic Bombing
Heritage Auctions is set to close bidding on the logbook kept by Co-Pilot Capt. Robert A. Lewis during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. This logbook, considered a significant artifact from that historical event, provides a firsthand account of the mission aboard the Enola Gay. Capt. Lewis recorded details from takeoff to the return flight, including his observations of the atomic blast. His entries describe the flash, the physical effects felt on the aircraft, and the subsequent mushroom cloud that reached altitudes of 50,000 feet. Lewis's logbook is unique as it offers a personal commentary, including his emotional reaction to the devastation, famously writing, 'My God what have we done.' The logbook also contains notes made after the return and some by New York Times reporter William Laurence, for whom Lewis was keeping the account. The item has been sold at auction three previous times, with its value steadily increasing.
