“An 8-Day Series: Dayton’s World War II Codebreakers”
NCR Bombe vs. Nazi Enigma
How NCR engineer Joe Desch, working in secret in Dayton, Ohio, designed a pioneering codebreaking machine to help win World War II. Desch suffered a nervous breakdown but won the nation’s highest civilian honor for his struggle. His story would not be told until decades after his death.
By Jim DeBrosse
An 8-part series from The Dayton Daily News
Day 1: “A daughter’s curiosity opens the door to an untold tale of valor”
Day 2: “A complex man chosen for a complex mission, Desch had to look back to see ahead”
Day 3: “Intense scrutinity, feelings of guilt were heavy burdens for Desch”
Day 4: “Daughter’s quest raises more questions”
Day 5: “The enemy codes crack, but not Joe Desch’s staff”
Day 6: “WAVES roll in to work on top-secret project”