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Klamath Falls, Oregon: Japanese Balloon Bomb Victim Graves

In May 1945, a balloon bomb -- launched from Japan and landing in Oregon -- went off and killed a group of Sunday school picnickers. Three of the children are buried in Klamath Falls.

Linkville Pioneer Cemetery

Address:
Upham St., Klamath Falls, OR
Directions:
Linkville Pioneer Cemetery, Upham and East Streets, Block 32.
Admission:
Free.
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Detail of grave of three teenagers killed by an enemy balloon bomb in 1945.

Japanese Balloon Bomb Victim Graves

This is an untold story in history. Before today I had no idea the balloon bombing took place.

[Brrappninja, 09/02/2019]

Balloon bomb victims.

Japanese Balloon Bomb Victim Graves

On May 5, 1945, a balloon bomb launched by Japan exploded after a group of picnickers approached it on the ground northeast of Bly, Oregon. The detonation killed six people -- five Sunday school children and the pregnant wife of a minister. The US government didn't officially warn citizens about the threat of the bombs until a few weeks later.

Three of the dead are buried at Linkville Pioneer Cemetery in Klamath Falls -- the inscription on the headstone says "All killed by enemy balloon bomb."

[Jennifer E, 12/10/2011]

The six killed that day were the only US mainland casualties of World War II's Pacific conflict.


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