This book presents a compilation of photographs and an extensive chronology of the Manhattan Project and the establishment of the 509th Composite Group of the U.S. Air Force. In words and pictures, the authors describe the people involved and what occurred as a result of the war in the Pacific Theater of World War II from September 1944 to the early aftermath of the bombings. The book contains many personal recollections of members of the 509th Composite Group and many of their personal photographs taken during the war. It includes a photographic prologue, and five appendices that contain reprinted documents and photographs from the bombing missions. The book also contains a reasonably detailed bibliography. Originally published as Ruin from the Air, the book was substantially revised and updated for this publication.