Chinese Spy Balloons - WW2 Weapon Updated for 2023

The recent discovery of a Chinese military balloon over US territory reminds us that nothing in warfare is new - the idea of using balloons over America has its origins in a daring Japanese operation in WWII to bomb the US and Canada.
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; United States Air Force; Chase Doak

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

CORRECTION: In the video I mention that three of these balloons entered US airspace during the Trump administration. I understand that this has not been officially confirmed, so please disregard this as a research error on my part. The short Chinese balloon part of the video is based on sources emanating from a fast-moving and fluid ongoing news story, unlike the historical Japanese part of my video. Many thanks.

[@flagmichael]

In a February 7 interview, reported by the Denver gazette (online): "Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, yesterday answered questions from reporters about the balloon, which the U.S. government shot down off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. The Chinese government said the balloon is a civilian aircraft that drifted into American airspace accidentally." "So, every day as a NORAD commander, it's my responsibility to detect threats to North America. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And that's a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out. But I don't want to go in further detail."

[@tonys1636]

Has since been confirmed (yesterday) that incursions did take place during the Trump administration but not reported at the time.

[@skwalka6372]

Terrible indeed. An innocent nation, the USA, which never ever engages in spying and always, always always respect other countries airspace, has been cruelly subjected to spying by Asiatic balloons! Horrible.

[@chrishoff402]

Out of curiosity, is there any evidence that attempts were ever made to send manned hgh altitude balloons on missions over enemy territory. Imagine a Japanese pilot floating across the entire Pacific ocean in a pressurized capsule, far beyond the reach of any WW2 interceptor. A small propellor driven engine to correct course, food, water, a few bombs. When you consider the high altitude parachute jump records set with balloons starting early 1960s, maybe the Americans were thinking that way to spy on the Soviets. Maybe it's been going on convertly since the Zeppelin age.

[@nicefarmscreamery6945]

Good Correction Mark!

[@cgrooney9945]

This is why history is so important! it's scary how many people don't have an interest or learn about history and even scarier is the amount of people who think they know history but don't have a clue

[@morrisbuschmeier2047]

*_Historia magistra vitae est_*

[@Hochspitz]

History is mammoth. Where does one begin? History is as mind boggling as quantum mechanics for the average well educated person. I had never heard of the Japanese balloons before this this video. I learnt something new today at 72 years old!😄

[@johncostello2948]

Well, they'll get a wake-up call with that first mushroom cloud.

[@danielmcgillis270]

“History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.” Mark Twain.

[@stevethomas211]

Very well Said. History is important, I am learning something new every day about history.

[@alanrogers7090]

Living in Portland, Oregon, this story is a "Local Legend". The adult and children killed were a Sunday School teacher and some of her class who were having a picnic. Other children were present, but were not killed, although two of them were injured by the blast. There is a memorial that my family and I visited several decades ago. I'll take my four grandchildren to see it.

[@wolfmauler]

If Antifa doesn't destroy it first 🤔

[@vkrajuk]

Don’t worry most of the europ people will die more and more Asian coming to Europe to capture in next 10 years

[@jpgunman0708]

On Friday,there was another balloon found in Alaska,America.Fortunately,this time the US shot it down. Unfortunately this balloon came from an American University

[@northwestprof60]

Not exactly "local" to Portland....lol

[@TheBaBaTV]

@@northwestprof60 your mom is “local” to Portland ….lol

[@glasair38sr]

Flew right over my house in SC! Couldn’t believe how visible it was.

[@randomcoyote8807]

I live in Idaho and was told about the Japanese balloon bombs when I was a kid; my family spent a lot of time in the mountains and my dad always warned me about picking up "interesting things" I might find while hiking. It was the first thing I thought of when I heard about the Chinese balloon. Dr. Felton, I would love to hear more about Japanese actions and equipment from the war. There's not much out there about Japanese armored vehicles, for example. They are frequently belittled these days but considering Japanese doctrine, strategic goals, tactical limitations and logistical constraints (from industry to shipping) they made sense and used what they had as well as they could. The videos you've done so far on Japanese stuff is fantastic and illuminating.

[@Shinzon23]

There's actually a LOT out there. Look up "Japanese tank Meme", or look up "Nicholas "The Chieftain" Moran", he's done hours long videos on tanks from all nations.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

Well, yeah, but that is good advice for when hiking or camping anywhere

[@petershen6924]

If Japan got ICBM or intercontinental bombers, they won't have used balloons. In this case, China already got a sophisticated spy satellites network to get things done.

[@masahige2344]

If you'd like to know more about the development of Japanese armoured doctrine, the best units to look at are the Chiba Infantry School Armoured Training Battalion (1925-31) the 1st Independent Tank Company (during the Mukden Incident), and Sakai Koji's 1st Independent Mixed Brigade, the testbed for true combined arms use of tanks. Remarkably, it was Tojo's influence (he was an 'infantry supremacist') in his role as Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army during Operation Chahar in 1937 which scuppered the potential for combined arms. Instead of using Sakai's brigade as a combined arms force, he split off its tanks to support infantry assaults, causing the outnumbered tanks to take disproportionate casualties against China's best anti-tank units. Despite being Tojo's old underclassman at the Army Academy, Sakai raged that Tojo was an 'utter moron.' Combined with severe tank losses at the battles of Nomonhan in 1939, this gave those in the General Staff opposed to an independent tank arm all the fuel they needed, and tank production did not become sufficiently prioritized before 1941 to avoid the Navy getting steel priority in the Pacific War. Of course, the Kwantung Army did achieve its three armoured divisions, which performed well in China in 1944, and the elite 4th "Hagane" Armoured Division would have been an unpleasant surprise to the US forces invading the Chiba region.

[@covertops19Z]

Randon Coyote, I figured the Chinese copied the WWII Japanese fire balloons. Be safe in the gym state💯👍.. years ago some people were killed when they discovered the dud contents of one of these balloons..

[@diegoferreiro9478]

First thing that came to my mind when the balloon news broke out. Dr. Felton, you are unique at blending history and breaking news!

[@Marcopolo12as]

Same here, funny stuff haha

[@martysmith5260]

Me, too. Do you think any of our military leaders had a similar reaction? I would hope so, but I wonder.

[@blackbarnz]

The Japanese fire bomb balloons were the 1st thing that came to my mind too when I heard about the Chinese spy balloon. Despite being aware of the Japanese weapon Dr. Felton managed to presented details & updates I wasn't aware of. The man is a well of historical knowledge that never runs dry.

[@edamnaf9265]

news becomes history in rather short order...the disciplines are intertwined in my opinion

[@nedludd7622]

Not unique, there is The History Guy whom I mentioned above.

[@powellchester6580]

I knew it. As soon as I heard about the Chicoms lastest exploits, I knew Mr. Felton would make a Japanese incendiary ballons video.

[@arcturionblade1077]

History doesn't repeat but it sure does rhyme.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

He probably had it ready to go for awhile. Just waiting for the right time.

[@jessestout8646]

Hey Powell, I sure miss Rush!

[@TomCooper]

The first thing I thought about were the US spy balloons flown over the Soviet Union. Some of them were downed, and the Soviets discovered the film was really good - and used it on their first spy satellites.

[@monitor1862]

I thought the same thing.

[@SuperStarwarsfan101]

The moment I heard about the Chinese balloon, the first thing that came to mind was the WWII Japanese balloons. Glad to know I wasn't the only one!

[@bruhism173]

This is why they don't teach history like they should.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

Yup, probably a lot of us thought about them.

[@thechroniclerstale6255]

The Albuquerque Baloon Museum (the same place as the annual baloon fiesta) has an entire display area that talks about the Japanese baloons, as well as a life sized replica.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

@@thechroniclerstale6255 That is great information. I want to go the balloon thing now, to visit the museum while I am there. There must be great Tex / Mex food there too I would guess. A plan is forming.

[@drewwagner4802]

Me too!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Just an addendum, once the war was over the American public were informed of the Japanese balloon bombs and told to be on their guard if any were found. There was no point in keeping it secret anymore. Great story Dr. Felton!

[@whereswaldo5740]

So glad our government reacted so quickly and made a Public Service Announcement to this affect.

[@L33Reacts]

I wonder if the ship that was seen at the battle of LA was one of those. Much more explainable then UFO lol

[@gdutfulkbhh7537]

The original, syndicated article about Kenneth Arnold’s “flying saucers” includes a mention of the Japanese balloon bombs, in fact.

[@thescatologistcopromancer3936]

@@L33Reacts If anything was in the sky that wasn't identifiable, it was literally a UFO.

[@L33Reacts]

@@thescatologistcopromancer3936 this is very true. Should have specified “extraterrestrial ufo” 😂

[@masahige2344]

I recently presented my research on civil-military cooperation in the defence against Fu-Go to the annual Canadian military history conference, and people have naturally been making this comparison to me repeatedly! Glad Dr. Felton has used it as an opportunity to educate a wider audience!

[@waynemasters8673]

It hovered over Kamloops Salmon Arm and Kelowna Jan 31st 2023.

[@guyh.4553]

My dad talked about Japanese military balloons in 1944. He was raised in South West Idaho. He & my grandfather saw one over SW Idaho. Grandad called it in. They sent up a B-17 from Gowen Field to shoot it down, it couldn't get high enough so they went home. A P-51 from Mountain Home Air Force Base was sent up. It couldn't get up high enough so they just tracked it.

[@ZaHandle]

Weird choice to send a bomber to gun it down

[@nathanz7205]

@@ZaHandle even weirder that a bomber couldn't get high enough

[@guyh.4553]

@@ZaHandle it was the closest. Only 30 miles away. Plus they really couldn't judge how high it was. Just watched a PBS video on these balloons and the Air Force finally figured out that they went as high as 70,000+ feet

[@guyh.4553]

@@nathanz7205 nor the P-51! Sheesh!

[@fuckyougoogle1148]

@@nathanz7205 Quite difficult to run a piston engine where the air is thin. Similarly, it's one of the reasons helicopters can't be used to rescue people from high mountains like Everest .

[@yjp9795]

Great work, as always! Just a small correction: fusen (風船) = balloon so "fusen bakudan" literally means "balloon bomb"

[@ICarus-eu3jv]

Addendum: 'genshi 原子 bakudan' = atomic bomb.

[@philmccracken1392]

Gweilo

[@ICarus-eu3jv]

@@philmccracken1392 What's up with the pejorative?

[@geosqueezebox4016]

Mr. Felton I just want to congratulate you on great work again. I do want to say one thing. Years ago I was watching a video on the Fugo Balloons. Another thing that helped them come to the American West Coast shores was that the Japanese knew about the jet stream in the upper atmosphere winds and at the time American meteorologist didn't know much about the jet stream. Thank you again sir.

[@mediocreman2]

Nice video. Interesting to see a time when media understood the importance of national security.

[@keithweiss7899]

Wow! I didn’t realize one of the Japanese bombs had landed close to Thermopolis where I go to soak in hot springs. It’s amazing the history I find by watching this channel!

[@michaeldriggers7681]

Wow, I live in Wyoming and have been to Thermopolis several times; I had also never heard of this incident.

[@NewHampshireJack]

The WW2 attempted balloon attacks on the US were the very first thing that came to mind when reports of the "spy balloon" began to appear. Dr. Felton increased my knowledge of the WW2 event with additional facts I had not learned about. We appreciate his in-depth research and excellent communication skills

[@TheGM-20XX]

Thus marks the end of the saga of the Chindenburg.

[@ddoherty5956]

Oh the inhumanity....towards the Urghars

[@wesleypeters4112]

Three Japanese Fu-Go balloons landed in Iowa during the war. The 30th confirmed balloon bomb landed on a farm near Laurens in Pocahontas County, IA on February 2, 1945. The balloon was dragged by car onto Main St in Laurens where it was placed on public display. Residents took pieces of the balloon fabric as souvenirs. The bomb carriage, pieces of the fabric, and rigging from the Laurens Fu-Go balloon are now displayed at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston, IA. The other two balloons (numbered 82 and 126) landed near Holstein and Pocahontas, IA.

[@flagmichael]

Iowa! I had no idea.

[@MyTagYourIt]

This is a perfect example of the importance of “learning from our history”. Very important factors regarding gathering intel, spreading ready teams, and deploying countermeasures. Thank you Mark, we so appreciate your work.

[@bruhism173]

Never thought I'd see Mark Felton cover WW3.

[@macblackadder93]

Well someone has to before we end up having EndWar.

[@HD4all]

As shown before, history repeats in one way or the other. Theferore it still makes sense also to look back when we look at the future @Mark Felton, thanks once more

[@joegordon5117]

It's terrifying to think so many decades after the end of the war, that someone just out enjoying a hike could come across the potentially explosive remains of one. Much like the "iron harvest" still regularly unearthed by farmers on the former Flanders battlefields, a reminder that history is never really past, it pushes into the here and now, sometimes in dangerous ways.

[@setoredan]

I was thinking about these Japanese balloons during WW2 when they finally revealed the Chinese balloon.

[@LarryWater]

The Chinese ballon has a new variant of covid.

[@voodootrucker1896]

@@LarryWater and then some

[@timothyhouse1622]

@@LarryWater sure it does, lil feller. Now sit quietly while the adults talk.

[@Manco65]

@@timothyhouse1622 whatever gramps ...yeah sure take the Red Chinese at their word. 🙄

[@timothyhouse1622]

@@Manco65 How about our own DoD? Will their word do? Or how about thinking RATIONALLY about something, or is that beyond the capabilities of conservatives?

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

I lived in Hayfork, California where one came down- once you know what to look for you'll see monuments on The West Coast.

[@tombrunshidle4788]

It is amzing that we get more information from Dr Felton then US media

[@kayeninetwo3585]

My mom told me many years ago about seeing a Japanese balloon bomb with a pair of binoculars when she was a young adult in Omaha. I don't know if she saw the one that came down there, or one that was traveling farther east. I do know that she said she was aware that it was a balloon bomb, as I recall her saying she was fearful of it. If there was a media blackout, as you say, then maybe the balloon that came down in Omaha created some alarm though word of mouth around the city. If that was the case, it would make sense that the one she saw was traveling farther east after the balloon landed in Omaha. I remember her saying it was at a higher altitude, hence the binoculars.

[@pittbullking87]

Early morning coffee and the latest Mark Felton video. A great way to start my day.

[@owenmerrick2377]

The Fu-Go project relied on the winter jet streams, long known of by the Japanese; the early B-29 raids against Japan came up against these winds.The latest find was of gondola parts near McBride, BC Canada in 2019. Konnyaku is the potato variety used to make paper glue, and the bomb was known locally as the 'konnyaku bakudan', the konnyaku bomb.

[@themudthedirtandthesand9079]

I know another Japanese Balloon Bomb was found near the town of Merritt BC Canada in the 1970's, I found an article in the local newspaper archives when I lived there many years ago. As we have seen in recent dry summers all over Western North America, forest fires started by these balloon bombs could have been catastrophic if a long hot dry summer had occurred during the war, forest fire suppression was only seriously developed during the 1950's. No doubt many more lost WWII balloon bombs still exist in remote areas, the balloon itself would now have rotted away, but the munitions may still be dangerous.

[@owenmerrick2377]

@@themudthedirtandthesand9079 They are dangerous, the remnants of one found near Lumby, BC in 2014 had the 33 lb. AP bomb sticking out of the dirt. Destroyed in place by a navy disposal team. Forest fires were not a terrible threat, as the project was carried out over the winter of 1944/45.

[@dustylover100]

You're on top of it all, Dr. Felton!

[@helloimskip]

Dr. Mark Felton on the help 💪

[@ethanmcfarland8240]

Wait he’s a doctor?

[@klebleonard]

@@ethanmcfarland8240 yeah, he's also an astronaut, a fire fighter, a dentist, a policeman, electrician, plumber...

[@moappleseider1699]

@@klebleonard and a biased left wing rube.

[@klebleonard]

@@moappleseider1699 i dont think he's a leftist really, but more of a center guy

[@thescatologistcopromancer3936]

@@moappleseider1699 we get it, you think American conservatives aren't neoliberals

[@shawnr771]

Dr Felton would you also cover the balloon operation done by England during WW2. They released barrage balloons trailing wire to short out electrical systems.

[@PauloMestre]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6DWmXVsmc2YY5I

[@SiVlog1989]

The Fugo balloons were exactly what I thought when I heard of the Chinese Spy Balloons. Sure enough, Dr Felton produced a video about that exact subject, talk about being a mind reader

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Project Genetrix, also known as WS-119L, was a United States Air Force program designed to launch General Mills manufactured surveillance balloons over China, Eastern Europe, and the Soviet Union to take aerial photograph and collect intelligence. The Genetrix balloons reached altitudes of 50,000--100,00 feet (15--30 km), well above any contemporary fighter plane.

[@dammad8584]

Take us back in time to see the importance of history...As always the best of the best...TY Mark Felton

[@PantherBlitz]

I love how the press was patriotic and sensible enough to keep the story quiet. Today's tabloid press would be slamming Roosevelt 24/7 over this.

[@M167A1]

I grew up in Yakima Washington and we were warned about Fugos in school and in the Scouts.

[@MrXdmp]

Thanks Dr. Felton!

[@gregmiller9710]

....Dr Felton mixing current events with history....marvelous! :)

[@franciscouderq1100]

Always so documented , stunning work !

[@01cthompson]

I *think* I read in account of Unit 731(A Japanese bio warfare unit) that they were going to adapt plague bombs (cylinders of infected fleas) to work with balloon bombs IF the latter proved to be effective. And, that the Japanese were indeed studying US news publications for reports on fires/bombs. I'll have to look at that book again.

[@mikloridden8276]

I read it in a book about 731 as well. General Ishii was apparently fascinated with attaching plague bombs to balloons since the wind would spread germs easily. They tested them using observation balloons in Chinese cities and they worked. They killed people up to 1947 and affected the local population for generations.

[@KM-ud9io]

So these new balloons could potentially carry viruses, bacteria for chemical bio warfare?

[@heathwirt8919]

I can recall either reading or watching a history of WWII program mentioning Japanese weaponized air balloons but never described in the detail revealed here. A very timely and interesting report.

[@GhettoWorms]

I knew this video was coming. Not many people know about the Japanese balloons during WWII

[@flagmichael]

I don't know - I have not met any adult that was unfamiliar with them. I've seen them mentioned in at least half a dozen articles.

[@stephanier.680]

I actually don't recall hearing about them before and I watch WW2 docs. So I'm learning something new at the very least.

[@peterkerr4019]

even fewer know about the British using balloons to attack Germany. Dr Felton once did a clip on those, too.

[@funveeable]

I know that almost everyone in the US Navy knows about it. We are all pretty concerned that we can defend America from nuclear missiles but we can stop nuclear missiles hanging below a balloon launched from Montana into Montana.

[@cyberbullysc]

Very cool Dr. Felton

[@AYVYN]

Thank you for describing the engineering. Most history channels don’t do that.

[@stoneyll]

As usual, an excellent lesson from Professor Felton.

[@martysmith5260]

One of my favorites is on how we disposed of the bodies of Nazi war criminals. I must admit, I never even thought about it, but turns out it was a very complex operation.

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

Except that it's not a good lesson it's full of lies and propaganda. Mark's gotten lazy in his years fact checking s*** not one single balloon came into the US under the Trump administration That's a b******* story fabricated by the corrupt administration that currently resides in the White House

[@Kloverkill]

Fantastic work as always Dr. Felton.

[@waffensachverstandcom5505]

Doc Felton on the pulse of time 😊

[@3dcritter]

The British also had a balloon bombardment project over Nazi-occupied Europe: Operation Outward. Over 99,000 balloons were released from by the British equipped with either crude incendiary bombs or long trailing wires designed to short out power lines. Post war, the United States developed high altitude surveillance balloons (Project Mogul and project Skyhook) to monitor the Soviet Union for atomic bomb tests.

[@michaelpeterson1482]

Great job Mark, as usual. A blend of contemporary with the historical.

[@M3chUpN8y]

Dr Felton finally updates about the Chinese spy balloon, given the earlier WW2 Japanese bomb balloons. Thank you Dr Felton!

[@jaws666]

Proffesor Felton delivers yet ANOTHER jem.👍👍👍

[@parkerholden7140]

Mark, Great coverage. My father was an infantry officer in the Alutian Islands After the Japanese abandoned the Alutians he was assigned to Balloon patrol on the Bearing Sea Coast. It was a 3 man assignment based in the Catholic Church in Hoopers Bay and consisted of Dad, a Tech SGT who was an explosive expert and a Civilian plane and pilot. It was a Waco and was 3 seat and had both floats and skies. I have a large photo album of pictures taken in the Eskimo villages visited. The natives liked the ballons for the goodies that they salvaged from them. One part of their assignment was to send sand sample from the sand bags to the Army labs where the source of the sand eventually helped locate the factory. By then war was well along and the the factory closed.

[@JustinH2421]

Mark never misses a beat. Truly an inspiration.

[@williamswetnam4070]

During the American Civil War (1861 - 1865) balloons were used for aerial survellience of the battlefield and surrounding area for enemy positions.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Not for long though. In a war of movement like the Civil War balloons were found to be impractical, they just couldn't keep up with the army. One was used pretty effectively at the Battle of Fredericksburg but that was the exception. Napoleon tried balloons fifty years earlier but dropped the idea for the same reason. Observation balloons wouldn't come into their own until WW1 on the Western Front which was essentially static for four years.

[@MajorHenryL.]

It was only a matter of time! When I saw this on the news I knew Mr. Felton would do this piece in the near future. Even the wind drift the balloon followed was similar.

[@nicolausenzweiler346]

This is incredible. I was born in Omaha NE and live in Grand Rapids MI. I had never heard of these balloons landing there, let alone anywhere else until this video. Thank you Mark, amazing work as always!

[@sejembalm]

7:39 Of 9,300 balloon bombs launched from Japan, only 212 were confirmed as having reached the US and Mexico.

[@jaymudd2817]

I think 1 plane dropped a bomb in Washington or Oregon.

[@jonathanperry8331]

Did you know that the b-29s we're being crushed by anti-aircraft fire because the jet stream was so strong they would only be traveling at 60 miles an hour at ground speed.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

And if they tried going WITH the jet stream they had a ground speed of over 500 MPH which made accurate bombing impossible.

[@jonathanperry8331]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 exactly

[@1pcfred]

Japanese air defenses were almost non-existent. The US bombed over Japan with impunity.

[@diegoferreiro9478]

Other aspect of the Japanese Balloon Campaign is how much of those balloon sightings impacted in the post-war UFO madness.

[@1pcfred]

It is theorized that "UFO madness" may be caused by the stress of knowing about nuclear warfare. The whole UFO thing happened after the atomic bombings of Japan. Or maybe those strikes attracted aliens? I doubt it. I'd sooner think it drove some folks batty.

[@jimwiskus8862]

Timely & fascinating as always. Thank you Dr.

[@markcampbell369]

I knew about these WW2 balloons (and the deaths at the picnic), but I had no idea that many successfully reached North America.

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Dr. Felton made the connection between the two technologies and the in depth description of the workings of the Japanese Fugu balloons in which he explained in an intelligent and succinct manner, and as always, extremely interesting. It is incomprehensible for us to imagine the resolve and resourcefulness of the Japanese engineers. One thing that I had read about Unit 731 was that the scientists were intent on using the balloons to spread biological weapons but were unable to contain it in a practicable way. It is a testament to Dr. Felton's integrity that he would admit to having been premature in his mention of alleged balloons entering the U.S. airspace during the previous administration. When a historian gives us topics which are interesting and relevant it piques our interest to pursue further investigation. Thanks so much in earnest for your hard work.

[@starzkream]

I was wondering about this very issue. Thank you for doing this video!

[@grapeshot]

The Triple Nickels was the first all-black paratrooper unit in the US Army.

[@EricToTheScionti]

Nigels

[@mrhamburger6936]

Buffalo Soldiers from the buffalo on a nickel

[@gurglejug627]

I'm sure you as a historian will know as well as anyone that the UK launched 'weather balloons' to fly across the Soviet Union from Kiruna in the far north of 'neutral' Sweden, even in the 70s.

[@shawnr771]

During WW2, The British released barrage balloons trailing wire to float across the German occupied continent to cause power outages.

[@Anmeteor9663]

Of course, being British we wouldn't dream of being ungentlemanly and using a weather balloon to spy on someone else. Just not cricket don't you know.

[@tubatits]

Oh wow! I live near Lumby, BC, Canada and I never heard about the parachute remains being found there until hearing this episode. Im off to do some googling now

[@POLOLOUS3]

Great video Mr. Felton. How ironic a balloon bomb hit damaged power lines to the engineering manufacturer of plutonium for the Manhattan project.

[@rodchallis8031]

The Chinese balloon sent me googling about the Japanese WWII balloons. I had previously thought all the Japanese balloons that made it to North America detonated on the west side of the Rockies. I was astonished to learn of one that landed in central Michigan, as Dr. Felton mentioned.

[@fordson51]

You should consider doing a video on the Triple Nickels. They were the first al black parachute infantry battalion who did make a difference in fighting forest fires during the war. There is another parachute unit that did the same thing made up of individuals who did not want to kill, but still wanted to serve during the war. Both are interesting stories and contribute to today's smoke jumpers legacy.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Already have - link in end screen

[@fordson51]

@@MarkFeltonProductions Thank you.

[@bloodybones63]

You sure they weren't starting those fires?

[@crolekid1988]

I was waiting on someone to cover this subject and relation to the Japanese 🇯🇵 balloon attacks on the United States 🇺🇸 in WW2 and you cover it well. Thank you.

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Mark, I live literally next to Ft Bragg in North Carolina, USA. It’s definitely an interesting place to reside. The balloon was visible from our area. Not to mention the nuclear and secret areas this thing flew over in the central US , but it flew rather close to Camp Mackall, where our SF troops are initially screened and trained as well as other bases in this general vicinity. If they didn’t get a scan of a good percentage of the country and bases, they missed a damn good opportunity. Keep up the great work and God bless!🤙

[@nedludd7622]

This is quite detailed about a specific historical period. If you would like a wider review of the history of use of balloons, try The History Guy who recounts the history of over 200 years.

[@hughgordon6435]

2 minutes in and over 80 thumbs up? Jesus Mark you doing something right? Keep it up!

[@MusicJunky3]

I know he is good but you mean "Jesus, Mark " surely ...

[@jimihayes150]

Haha no he means jesus mark

[@hughgordon6435]

@@jimihayes150 as in the same as gun jesus?

[@mattgeorge90]

Knew a video would be made after that Chinese spy ballon. And we were given one. Excellent as always. Thank you so much!

[@AtheistOrphan]

It’s a re-upload of an old video, updated for 2023.

[@hughsmith7281]

Thank you, Dr. Felton.

[@tim7052]

As soon as I heard about that balloon I thought the same thing - China's version of Japan's WWII bombing of the US.

[@jw0stephens]

I remembered the Japanese fire and explosive ones.

[@marvincderuyscher9676]

Interesting you did this feature on the Japanese balloon bomb story! I recalled the reading about the picnicking family deaths that occured during WW2. It was the first thing that came to my mind when this recent Chinese spy balloon appeared in the news the other week.

[@kennethvenezia4400]

Always comes up with the most interesting side notes of wwii. Thanks Dr F

[@bigbiswatchingyou2641]

Up early in America to watch your vid!

[@wyattbernhard5855]

@markfelton I personally would like to thank you for covering these japanese bomb balloon considering I'm from Oregon and did a history paper on these for highschool very fun... Went to the site of the picnic where they unfortunately past

[@chaddamp2894]

Mark, you always say thanks for watching...but we thank you for your presentaions,they are very professional. Thankyou

[@davidbradshaw3107]

Dr. Mark ... on the mark!

[@marvwatkins7029]

I was thinking of those Japanese balloons too and thought 'I think Dr. Felton will soon discuss them'. And yes, not surprisingly, I was right.

[@lorrycamill6502]

Thanks 🙏 for your history videos very interesting and a lot to learn from the past

[@stevenkreiss2113]

I was waiting for this from Mark and he delivered.

[@BROKEN-PILOT]

Bravo! Once again, Dr. Felton has hit...the Mark.

[@robest334]

The downed balloon is suspected of having surveillance capabilities. Dont disregard other payloads like for electronic warfare/communications denial/anti-satellite weapon/various jamming capabilities.

[@mrcmoes]

I have a theory that China didnt want or need the data. It was to freak people out mostly. But I'm a just a Dingus.

[@anthonywinebarger]

@@mrcmoes Not sure if this was the real cause, but sounds hilarious. the thought of China sending in an entire air fleet of plain balloons just to waste America’s arsenal had me dying

[@mrcmoes]

@@anthonywinebarger I was thinking more all the drama in the public. Lessen confidence in the government and millitary. They would need to flood the skies for it to be about military equipment which you are right would be funny.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Tha last speculation I've read is that the balloon was sent to gather signals intelligence, which kind of makes sense to me since you can't steer a balloon, it can only go where the prevailing winds take it. It couldn't be routed over defense installations but could certainly listen in on radio and possibly microwave transmissions as well. It could also gather intelligence on current radar tracking technology.

[@mrcmoes]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 you can roughly "steer" ballons by changing thier altitude to where the wind has a different direction and/or speed, a lot of them can be predictable, and even with good public weather data it could be done autonomously. it just all matters on luck and planning. Signal intelegence would make some sense though. It would be a lot of hope on winds if it was just for a specific picture.

[@hughgordon6435]

Just how many firsts can a Dr Mark video generate?

[@StalinTheMan0fSteel]

I remember seeing this on "The secrets of World War 2" on the history Channel back in the 90's.

[@babuzzard6470]

You never fail to enlighten and teach Dr Felton, I knew about the Japanese balloons but thank you for enlightening another generation or two.🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@neville132bbk]

🇳🇿

[@RasVoja]

Next they gonna upgrade Cherry Blossom Japanese Balons with bio weapons

[@brett4264]

Good history of the balloons Mark. Thanks.

[@imathreat209]

Chinese been spying on everyone who has tik tok for years. So not sure why everyone is suddenly losing their shit

[@Charles_Anthony]

Ignorance is bliss.

[@shawnr771]

That and every other app company. There was an article about fitness trackers a few years ago. Apparently because people were wearing the things in secure facilities there were highly detailed maps the insides of secure facilities.

[@paunixon]

I imagine a lot more of the 9000 ballons came down in British Columbia, Canada. Vast, underpopulated and heavily treed. Remnants of what might have been a few Japanese fire balloons have been found on Vancouver Island, including one on display in Comox, BC, found on Denman Island. It's not hard to surmise that many more lay "out there".

[@bloodybones63]

I want to believe...

[@danielmarshall4587]

Mr Felton thank you for another fantastic video.

[@MPGunther1]

More fascinating history that can only be told as Dr. Felton can

[@seannordeen5019]

Hopefully the US learns from this and creates a nation wide balloon defense system. We can't fall behind in the weaponized balloon race. If we can build a ballistic missile defense system, surely we can mount a few low power lasers on a plane to melt a small hole in a balloon to bring it down in one piece; the excuse in not shooting it down was possibly creating a large debris field over a low populated area, though the small amount of debris over the ocean seemed to contradict that fear.

[@flagmichael]

"We cannot afford a mineshaft gap!" Seriously, a missile was the only practical weapon for bringing it down where we wanted it. This was not the first downing of a hostile balloon. They are not like party balloons - they don't much care if you riddle them with holes, but they will come down eventually... hours or days later. The missile brought it down as intended, in shallow water of a specific part of US territorial waters. Lasers and bullets could never do that: it had to be a virtually instantaneous loss of all lift.

[@jakethetool698]

Seems these days, satellites would provide any desired images. A ballon would be a better means for seeding the atmosphere with biological weapons

[@1pcfred]

Do you have any idea how many Chinese nationals are in the USA right now? Why the hell would they need to use a balloon? They could just infect an agent and send them over. Infect a thousand agents. You think China is running out of people?

[@MightyMezzo]

I can understand the reason for the press blackout on the Japanese balloon bombs. But I have to wonder if a general warning against touching or picking up strange stuff would have saved the lives of those children and their mother on May 5, 1945.

[@1pcfred]

It may have saved those specific lives but ultimately it would have cost far more when Japan found out their campaign was having an impact. That was the decision the US had to make at the time. Britain did the same thing with V2s They said they were gas leaks. Sometimes you just can't report on things to keep your enemy in the dark.