An American naval officer who played a crucial role in the development and deployment of the atomic bomb during World War II, serving as the weaponeer on the Enola Gay. He was responsible for arming the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.
Frederick Ashworth, a United States Navy officer, is famously known for being the weaponeer on the B29 Bockscar that dropped the Fat Man atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945, during World War II. This monumental event marked a significant turning point in world history, and Ashworth's role in it earned him a place in the annals of time.
Born on January 24, 1912, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Ashworth was the third child of Fred Ashworth, a draughtsman and tool designer, and his wife Minnie. He had two older brothers, Phil and Bentley. Phil graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in 1931, paving the way for Ashworth's own future in the Navy.
Ashworth graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1933 and went on to command Torpedo Squadron Eleven VT11, a Grumman TBF Avenger unit based on Guadalcanal. During the New Georgia Campaign in the Solomon Islands, he flew patrol, search, spotting, strike, and night minelaying missions, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism.
He then participated in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign as aviation officer on the staff of Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner's V Amphibious Force. In June 1944, he was rotated back to the United States and became senior naval aviator at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia.
In November 1944, Ashworth was assigned to the Manhattan Project, where he supervised the testing of atomic bomb components at Wendover. In February 1945, he travelled to Guam, meeting Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, and selected Tinian as a base of operations for the 509th Composite Group.
On August 9, 1945, Ashworth's skills as a weaponeer came to the forefront as he was responsible for the successful drop of the Fat Man atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. This event marked the second atomic bombing of Japan, just three days after the Hiroshima bombing, and played a significant role in ending World War II.
Remaining in the Navy after the war, Ashworth rose to the rank of Vice Admiral in May 1966. He served as Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and later as commander of the United States Sixth Fleet from September 1966 to April 1967. He retired from the Navy in 1968.
Ashworth's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the United States Navy and his role in one of the most pivotal moments in world history. His bravery and expertise as a weaponeer have left an indelible mark on the annals of time, serving as a reminder of the importance of strategic military planning and technological innovation.
Ashworth passed away on December 3, 2005, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of military personnel, historians, and civilians alike.
Born in 1885
Led the U.S. Pacific Fleet to victory in World War II, playing a crucial role in defeating Japan and ending the war. He was a highly respected and decorated naval leader.
