Morris R. Jeppson

Morris Richard Jeppson (Born June 1923 in Carson City, Nevada) was a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as assistant weaponeer on the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6 1945. In September 1945, Jeppson was awarded the Silver Star for his service during the war.

Related Topics:
June - 1923 - Carson City, Nevada - Second Lieutenant - Army Air Corps - World War II - Enola Gay - Hiroshima - Japan - August 6 - 1945 - Silver Star

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After the war, Jeppson worked as a scientist and helped develop microwave technology as well as stabilizers used on helicopter news cameras. During the 1950s, Jeppson worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California after the war developing hydrogen thermonuclear weapons.

Related Topics:
1950s - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - California - Thermonuclear weapon

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For many years, Jeppson refused to speak publicly about the mission for fear of reprisal against himself and his family. On 45th anniversary of the dropping of the bomb in 1990, Jeppson granted an interview and recounted his part in the mission.

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In recent years, Jeppson has been more willing to speak about his service to his country through interviews. A reunion for the 60th anniversary that was to take place on the island of Guam had been in the planning stages, but never materialized.

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TIME Magazine published an in depth issue commemorating the 60th anniversary of the dropping of the bombs on Japan. Jeppson and other crew members gave accounts of their experiences.

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Now retired from his work as a physicist, Jeppson lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his second wife. He has three children and five grandchildren.

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