Another perspective on Pearl Harbor, containing an epic story with powerful characters Life of to be unveiled in upcoming book, possible film

Donald L. Gilleland, retired in Suntree, served 30 years in the military and is former corporate director of public affairs for General Dynamics Corp.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

On Dec. 8, 1941, as part of a declaration of war, President Franklin Roosevelt said, Dec. 7 “ is a date which will live in infamy ...” Since then, many books have been written about the Japanese , but most of them are strictly from an American perspective.

“Wounded Tiger,” a book about to be published, will give Americans a somewhat different view, because much of the story is told from a Japanese perspective. Written by T. Martin Bennett, “Wounded Tiger” is a historical nonfiction novel based on the life of Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Fuchida was a Japanese hero because of his aviation skills in the war with from 1937 to 1941. Because of his record in the Chinese theater, he was picked to plan and lead the attack on Pearl Harbor, after which he was promoted and given a personal audience with Emperor Hirohito.

Following the war, Fuchida met Staff Sgt. Jacob DeShazer, an American member of the Doolittle Raiders who had spent most of the war brutalized in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, a Navy launch pulls up to the before becoming a Christian blazing USS West Virginia to rescue a sailor, Dec. 7, 1941, during the attack to Japan. The confluence of on Pearl Harbor (AP Photo/U.S. Navy) events between these two warriors transformed Fuchida’s life.

Later, Fuchida converted to Christianity and spent the remainder of his life as a Christian missionary in Asia. He became filled with remorse for the part he played in the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1952, he toured the , apologizing at every stop for his role in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In 1960 he became an American citizen and he and DeShazer became lifelong friends.

Bennett has woven together a gripping tale, based on the real-life relationship of these two warriors. I was privileged to read a pre-publication copy of “Wounded Tiger” and was mesmerized by a unique and touching World War II tale I had never before heard.

Bennett describes in detail the exhilaration Fuchida felt on the success of the Pearl Harbor bombing, followed by the anguish that consumed him over his participation, once he became a Christian. Bennett also takes us into the hell hole DeShazer lived in as a Japanese prisoner for 42 months.

“Wounded Tiger” is a story of brutal wartime experiences, followed by redemption, conversion and Christian love. It is a page-turner that leaves the reader breathless and unable to put the book down until the last page. It gives the reader a much different perspective of the Pearl Harbor story.

After reading “Wounded Tiger,” his daughter, Miyako Fuchida Overturf, said: “He remains a national hero in Japan. I have no idea how the world accepts him today. Some will call him a villain, others will call him a proud warrior who found redemption.”

The publication date for “Wounded Tiger” is Feb. 14, 2014; however, those interested in purchasing it can pre-order it online at www.Wounded TigerBook.com. The list price is $23.50, but is available at 25 percent off via pre-orders.

Mitsuo Fuchida, commander of “Wounded Tiger” is also being considered by Hollywood producers to be Japanese airmen who attacked made into a film that could hit the screens in the next year or two. Pearl Harbor, poses on his farm at on Dec. 5, 1951. (AP Photo) © 2013 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online