Births on January 24

Frederick Ashworth, American admiral (d. 2005)

Frederick Lincoln "Dick" Ashworth (24 January 1912 – 3 December 2005) was a distinguished United States Navy officer renowned for his pivotal role as the weaponeer aboard the B-29 Superfortress "Bockscar." On 9 August 1945, during the final days of World War II, it was Ashworth's critical responsibility to arm and release the "Fat Man" atomic bomb over Nagasaki, Japan. This devastating deployment, following the Hiroshima bombing, aimed to compel Japan's surrender and hasten the end of the global conflict, ultimately contributing to the cessation of hostilities.

Early Naval Career and World War II Service

A testament to his early commitment and prowess, Ashworth was a proud 1933 graduate of the esteemed United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, a premier institution for forging naval leadership. His early wartime contributions were significant; he commanded Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11), a unit equipped with the formidable Grumman TBF Avenger. Based on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, a crucial strategic location in the Pacific Theater, VT-11 played a vital role in the intense New Georgia Campaign. Ashworth's squadron executed a diverse range of hazardous missions, including extensive patrol and search operations, precise target spotting, impactful strike missions against enemy assets, and covert night mine-laying, all designed to support the Allied forces' advance through the islands. For his exceptional courage and leadership in these perilous aerial endeavors, he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, an award recognizing heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.

Continuing his critical involvement in the Pacific, Ashworth transitioned to serve as an aviation officer on the staff of Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner's V Amphibious Force during the island-hopping campaigns through the Gilbert and Marshall Islands. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in coordinating air support for the amphibious assaults, which were vital steps in the Allied progression towards the Japanese mainland, demonstrating his versatility and strategic acumen beyond direct combat.

Involvement with the Manhattan Project

By June 1944, Ashworth was rotated back to the United States, where his expertise in naval aviation and ordnance led him to a key position as senior naval aviator at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia. This facility was, and remains, a cornerstone for the research, development, test, and evaluation of naval warfare systems. His profound understanding of weaponry and aviation soon led to his assignment to the clandestine Manhattan Project in November 1944. This top-secret, monumental undertaking was the United States' highly classified research and development program during World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons. At Wendover Army Air Field in Utah, a primary training site for the 509th Composite Group, Ashworth meticulously supervised the rigorous testing of various atomic bomb components, ensuring their reliability and operational readiness for what would become one of the most significant events in human history.

His involvement intensified in February 1945 when he traveled to Guam, then a critical hub for Allied operations in the Pacific. There, he consulted with Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, a figure of immense authority in the war effort. Their discussions culminated in the selection of Tinian, one of the Mariana Islands, as the ideal base of operations for the 509th Composite Group. Tinian's vast runways, capable of accommodating the heavy B-29 bombers, and its relative proximity to Japan made it the strategic choice for the atomic missions.

Post-War Service and Legacy

Following the conclusion of World War II, Ashworth continued his distinguished career in the United States Navy. His deep involvement with atomic weapons technology extended into the post-war era when he was instrumental in selecting Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands as the site for Operation Crossroads in 1946. This series of controversial nuclear weapons tests aimed to investigate the effects of atomic bombs on naval vessels and equipment, further contributing to the understanding of nuclear warfare's devastating power.

Ashworth's career continued its upward trajectory; he was promoted to the rank of vice admiral in May 1966, a testament to his sustained leadership and contributions. Among his notable assignments, he served as Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy in 1958, a role critical in shaping the future leaders of the Navy. Later, from September 1966 to April 1967, he commanded the United States Sixth Fleet, a major naval force responsible for protecting U.S. interests in the Mediterranean Sea during the heightened tensions of the Cold War. Vice Admiral Ashworth retired from active service in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to his nation, spanning from the intense combat of World War II to the complexities of the Cold War era. He passed away in 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vice Admiral Frederick L. Ashworth

Who was Frederick Lincoln "Dick" Ashworth?

Frederick L. "Dick" Ashworth was a distinguished United States Navy officer, best known for his role as the weaponeer aboard the B-29 "Bockscar" during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in World War II. His career spanned from significant combat leadership in the Pacific to high-level command roles during the Cold War.

What was Ashworth's specific role in the Nagasaki bombing?

As the weaponeer on the "Bockscar," Vice Admiral Ashworth was directly responsible for the critical task of arming the "Fat Man" atomic bomb and overseeing its release over Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945. This was a highly sensitive and crucial technical responsibility.

What was the "Fat Man" bomb?

The "Fat Man" was the codename for the atomic bomb detonated over Nagasaki. It was a plutonium implosion-type device, distinct from the uranium gun-type bomb ("Little Boy") dropped on Hiroshima, and represented a significant advancement in nuclear weapon design at the time.

What was the Manhattan Project?

The Manhattan Project was a top-secret research and development undertaking by the United States with the support of the United Kingdom and Canada during World War II. Its primary objective was to produce the first nuclear weapons, which ultimately led to the creation of the atomic bombs used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What was Operation Crossroads?

Operation Crossroads was a series of post-World War II nuclear weapons tests conducted by the United States in 1946 at Bikini Atoll. These tests aimed to study the effects of atomic bombs on naval ships and equipment, contributing to the understanding of nuclear warfare's destructive capabilities and its impact on naval assets.