Finally, after years of work, we have done it. The first ever nuclear bomb has been detonated in Jornada del Muerto desert, New Mexico. The blast was 21 kilotons in strength (equal to 21’000 tons of TNT). It created a crater over 300 meters wide. 

We thought this new weapon would be destructive, but it was more than that. Something that could wipe out entire cities in a matter of seconds. I estimated that the explosion would be only 10 kilotons in size. Still a large explosion but I was far from the reality. The bomb went off with a force of 21 kilotons. It seems that this weapon could be used for much more than just bombing structures and ports. No weapon can match what we have just witnessed; the crater, the mushroom cloud, the shockwave (it managed to move a 200 ton steel crate that was half a mile away!). An explosion of massive proportions. 

I remember, in the few hours before the bomb went off, everyone was nervous. There was also some hearty humor, some was undoubtably questionable and not exactly humor. For example, to take people's minds off the potential repercussions if things went wrong, I chose to start a debate/discussion about if the bomb were to not just destroy Manhattan if things went wrong, but the rest of the world. Maybe causing a chain reaction in the atmosphere or an explosion like an asteroids. "Happy thoughts!" 

When Einstein and Szilard wrote to President Roosevelt, they were discussing smaller things using the bomb like blowing up ports. But this weapon could wipe out entire cities. To me, this weapon is a blessing. Japan will surrender to us. This war will end. People will stop having to die. We can go back to peace. This bomb could do all of that. All we would need is one deployment. And if the Japanese refuse to surrender, we will keep hitting them with this great weapon until they admit defeat.  

In the last minutes, after plenty of delays due to rain, tension was high. We all lay on the ground with our feet facing towards the site where the bomb would be detonated. We had some small chat and counted down until the explosion and the possible end to the world or Manhattan. And then, the moment of truth; the bomb went off. The glory and fury of the atomic bomb was unleashed, both frightening and especially euphoric. That was the day all our lives changed. We had done it, and without destroying the world! The first ever atom bomb had been deployed. And, most importantly, we were ready to win the war and avoid the invasion of Japan that was planned which would cost us thousands of lives. All we'll need is one deployment, maybe a second, and this brutal war will come to an end. 

On a brighter note, think of all the other things humans could create using this technology! There are endless possibilities. Things like creating energy using this process or maybe some sort of extremely powerful dynamite. These ideas may seem crazy, but it could happen in the future! I just hope I’m around to see it. I might even help create one of these devices. That would be extraordinary.  

Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without any of my colleagues and the more than 130’000 people who contributed to this effort. No matter how large or small my contribution was, it was still amazing to look at the bomb exploding first hand knowing that I had played a part in this dangerously beautiful weapon. All 130’000 people who have contributed to this project have helped humanity advance in leaps and bounds and end this soul crushing war much sooner than expected. Everyone should be proud of their efforts.  

I am honoured to be a part of the Manhattan project and having the opportunity to see the success of the first ever deployment of a nuclear bomb. This weapon could do great things and could lead to many more. The war will end, and the allies will reign victorious, just like the last war. This weapon is the key to an allied victory. It has helped us advance by leaps and bounds in weaponry and physics. The next question to ask is: Where to next? Only time will tell us the answer.