Bat Bomb: “Japs”, Bats, “Nuts”, and a Tiger!

World War II led to many important military and technological developments. While the atom bomb was perhaps the most significant, it was not the only unconventional weapon developed by the Americans. Surprisingly, and now even perhaps laughably, “Project X-Ray” began development of the oft overlooked “bat bomb”. These were exceptional times and exceptional solutions to the Japanese “problem” needed to be found. This paper explores the development of the project, its high-profile supporters, including President Franklin Roosevelt, and the reasons behind the idea. It will reflect particularly on American assessments of Japan and the Japanese which made such a project possible.