by Lee Depkin

On Monday I was privileged to talk to Major Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk at his home in Stone Mountain.  Now 90, he was the navigator and is now the only surviving member of the 12-man crew that flew the B-29 Enola Gay on its mission over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.  He had flown 58 missions in the European Theater before being picked by then Col. Paul Tibbets for the top-secret atomic bomb flight, his 59th and final mission.  His recollection of events during World War II remains keen and he is in demand as a speaker at historical and veteran events.  He is also nearing completion of a new book about his experiences during WWII.  More information on him can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Van_Kirk

May we always remember and honor those who gave so much for our country.

Lee