Nobuo Fujita, the only person in history to drop a bomb on the United States

The confrontation between the United States and Japan in World War II took place in the Pacific region and in Southeast Asia. But this does not mean that Japanese aircraft did not try to strike the States. True, during the entire conflict there was only one case when a Kwantung Army aircraft was able to reach the mainland and drop bombs. It was flown by Japanese fighter pilot Nobuo Fujita.

On September 9, 1942, the Japanese seaplane Yokosuka E14Y took off from the submarine I-25 and, breaking through American air defense, reached the Oregon coast. Pilot Nobuo Fujita dropped two incendiary bombs that landed in the forest. They were supposed to cause a massive fire. But the weather was not the most suitable for this, and the damage was minimal.

The only community that was in the fire danger zone was Brookings, located in southwest Oregon. The community was saved by the vigilance of firefighter Howard "Razz" Gardner. He was on duty in the forest on a fire tower and noticed a Japanese plane in time. Help arrived at the scene of the bombing in the form of firefighter Keith W. Johnson. Together with Gardner, they found the location of the fire and were able to localize the fire, which was later extinguished by their colleagues.

Exactly 20 years later, in 1962, Brookings officials invited seaplane pilot Nobuo Fujita to visit the city. The former pilot agreed, but the Japanese government asked for guarantees that he would not be arrested as a war criminal. The formalities were settled and Fujita arrived in Oregon.

The Japanese took part in the city festival and addressed the city residents. Fujita apologized for what he did 20 years ago. As a sign of his complete repentance, he presented the city of Brookings as a gift to the main family heirloom - a samurai sword. The weapon, which was more than 400 years old, took place on a special stand in the city library.

A true friendship began between Nobuo Fujita and the residents of the American city. The Japanese was invited to ceremonial events, and he visited Brookings 4 more times. The last visit took place in 1995. In 1997, the pilot passed away. Fujita's sword is still in Oregon and is considered a local relic. It symbolizes the sincere repentance of a man who once wanted to destroy the city.