The World War II Experience in Arkansas
‘Dutch’ Van Kirk to speak at Clinton School
The Arkansas Educational Television Network and University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service will present Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, navigator of the Enola Gay, as part of the school’s Distinguished Speakers series Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.
The Enola Gay and its crew were responsible for dropping the first atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. This event is free and open to the public. Seats may be reserved by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or calling 501-683-5239.
AETN and the Clinton School are presenting Van Kirk in conjunction with the premiere of “The War,” the seven-part documentary series directed and produced by Ken Burns that explores the history and horror of the Second World War from an American perspective.
Van Kirk was born Feb. 27, 1921, in Northumberland, Penn. After high school, he attended Susquehanna University and joined the Air Cadet program of the U.S. Army Air Corps in October 1941. He graduated from navigation school and in April 1942 was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at Kelly Field, Texas.
Van Kirk was then assigned to the 97th Bomb Group, flying B-17 missions out of England. He served as navigator on a crew with pilot Paul Tibbets and bombardier Tom Ferebee and flew most missions in the lead aircraft.
Van Kirk flew 58 missions in England and North Africa before returning to the United States. He was assigned to navigation training and in November 1944 became group navigator of the 509th Composite Group training for atom bomb delivery. Quietly, in June 1945, the group started moving overseas to the Pacific island of Tinian in the Marianas chain. Their familiar arrowhead tail markings were changed on both sides to the letter “R” in a circle, standard identification for the Sixth Bomb Group. The idea behind this change was to confuse the enemy if they made contact, which they did not.
On Aug. 6, 1945, Van Kirk was the navigator on the first atomic bombing mission. At 2:30 a.m., the Enola Gay lifted off North Field en route to Hiroshima, Japan.
“I knew when we hit the coast of Japan we were well on the way to completing a successful mission and the new bomb we carried would be a great help in shortening the war,” Van Kirk said.
At exactly 09:15:15, the world’s first atomic bomb exploded. When the Enola Gay landed back on Tinian Island at 2:58 p.m., the plane and crew were greeted by Gen. Spaatz, a large contingent of brass and jubilant GIs. Van Kirk later participated in the first Bikini Atoll atomic bomb tests.
Among his decorations are the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, plus many Theater awards.
In August 1946, having reached the rank of Major, Van Kirk returned to civilian life. He went back to his long-delayed college career, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s of science in chemical engineering at Bucknell University. After 35 years with a major chemical company, he retired in 1985.
“The War” will air in seven parts on AETN beginning Sunday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.
The Clinton School of Public Service promotes a vision of world leaders who work with others to build healthy, engaged and vibrant communities. Its mission is to educate and prepare individuals for public service, incorporating a strategic vision, an authentic voice, and a commitment to the common good. The Clinton School hosts free public programs, guest lectures and community conversations, providing a venue for the public to engage in intellectual discussions on the issues of the day.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s analog and digital transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.