The Balloon Bomb That Changed Everything | Dover News

On May 5, 1945, a Japanese balloon bomb exploded near Bly, Oregon, killing Elsie Mitchell — who was pregnant — and five children, making them the only civilian casualties on U.S. soil during WWII. Part of a chilling campaign to send explosives across the Pacific via jet stream, this attack was the deadliest outcome of Japan’s balloon bombing strategy. Decades later, K.C. Winters uncovered the story while sorting family photos, turning a personal project into a 17-year historical quest that culminated in her book “One Balloon,” honoring the forgotten victims and preserving their legacy for future generations. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/92e2e93a18ef44f6