New Developments Station 2 WEAPONS

Atomic Bomb Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico Head Developer: American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer directed scientific research Notes: The early operations of the bomb took place on Manhattan Island in New York City, but was later moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico for testing. The project was given the nickname the “Manhattan Project” as a codename. The US had been warned by Albert Einstein that the Germans had begun testing and developing atomic weapons thanks to nuclear power and energy. In response, the US began their own project, testing their first bomb on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico.

M18 Rifles Location: Fort Benning, GA Head Developer: Jackson B. Davis Notes: The M18 and M18A1 recoilless rifle were developed late in World War II for use as a way to combat attacking soldiers or tanks, much like a bazooka was. It was light enough to be fired from the shoulder of any soldier, but powerful enough to be effective. The M18 was used by Marines in Okinawa (a battle we will study next week). The recoilless weapon was much more attractive to soldiers, as it eliminated the need for massive recoiled mechanisms required for previously conventional artillery. Removing mechanism made gun use much easier for soldiers and likely saved users’ lives.