Jim DeBrosse, Ph.D.

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.

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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"

Day 7: "A hit, a miss, then a parade of successes"

Day 8: "Success comes, but at huge cost to Desch"

NCR Bombe codebreaking machine

Joe Desch in 1942

Nazi Enigma encoder

Photos courtesy of the NCR Archive at Cincinnati History