Developed the atomic bomb's detonator and was on the USS Indianapolis when it was torpedoed, later becoming a key figure in the development of the US Navy's nuclear program.
William Sterling Parsons, a renowned American naval officer, is best known for his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, particularly as the weaponeer on the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.
Parsons was born on November 26, 1901, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1922. He began his naval career serving on various warships, starting with the battleship USS Idaho.
Parsons was trained in ordnance and studied ballistics under L. T. E. Thompson at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia. In July 1933, he became the liaison officer between the Bureau of Ordnance and the Naval Research Laboratory, where he developed an interest in radar and recognized its potential to locate ships and aircraft. Parsons worked alongside Merle Tuve of the National Defense Research Committee to develop the proximity fuze, a radar-triggered fuze that would explode a shell in the proximity of the target.
In June 1943, Parsons joined the Manhattan Project as Associate Director at the Project Y research laboratory at Los Alamos, New Mexico, under J. Robert Oppenheimer. Parsons became responsible for the ordnance aspects of the project, including the design and testing of the non-nuclear components of nuclear weapons.
On August 6, 1945, Parsons climbed into the cramped and dark bomb bay of the Enola Gay to arm the atomic bomb in flight, avoiding the risk of a nuclear explosion if the aircraft crashed and burned on takeoff. For his bravery and expertise, Parsons was awarded the Silver Star.
Parsons' contributions to the development of radar and proximity fuses significantly impacted modern warfare. His work on the Manhattan Project and the Enola Gay mission forever changed the course of history. Parsons' legacy serves as a testament to the power of innovation and dedication in the pursuit of advancing military technology.
Parsons passed away on December 5, 1953, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of military technology and innovation.
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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.
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A highly decorated war hero and master strategist who led troops to victory in World War I and II, and later became a prominent figure in the occupation of Japan.
Born in 1886
A highly decorated naval officer who played a crucial role in several key battles in World War II, including the Battle of Midway, and later served as a diplomat.
Born in 1884
Led the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, masterminding the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, and later became a symbol of Japanese military power and strategy.
