Hayfork in Trinity County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Japanese Bomb Balloon

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

1. Japanese Bomb Balloon Marker

Inscription. The Japanese paper balloon landed in a tree near the Charles Lafffranchini Ranch 2½ miles N.W. of here on the afternoon of February 1, 1945 and after time exploded leaving the gas valve lines, ballast, 4 bombs, sandbags and the bomb carriage unit. This balloon, made of paper and glue, was launched into the jet stream by the Japanese Army.

These balloon incidents were the best kept secrets of W.W. II.

Erected 1978 by E Clampus Vitus, Trinitarianus Chapter 62.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1848.

Location. 40° 32.662′ N, 123° 11.41′ W. Marker is in Hayfork, California, in Trinity County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of California Route 3 and Morgan Hill Road. This marker is on the Trinity County Fairgrounds in front of the Fair Office. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hayfork CA 96041, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kellogg Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); Salt Creek School (approx. 5 miles away); Big Flat – Big Bar (approx. 13.7 miles away); Junction City Centennial

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(approx. 14.7 miles away); The La Grange Mine (approx. 16.9 miles away); Moving Mountains... (approx. 16.9 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . .
1. Japanese Balloon Bombs. In 1944, during World War II, Japan launched a top secret project, nearly two years in the making, to send thousands of "balloon bombs" (called Fu-Go Weapons) to the United States. The goal of the attack was to create panic, forest fires, and show the United States that it could be attacked from afar. (Submitted on June 5, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

2. 1945 Japanese Balloon Bombs to North America - YouTube. This is a video on the Japanese Balloon Bombs. (Submitted on June 5, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

2. Japanese Bomb Balloon Marker

Fu-Go, the Japanese Bomb Balloon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Military Images.net, circa n/a

3. Fu-Go, the Japanese Bomb Balloon

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,489 times since then and 67 times this year. Last updated on January 13, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.