DOCSLIB.ORG

Another Perspective on Pearl Harbor, Containing an Epic Story with Powerful Characters Life of Mitsuo Fuchida to Be Unveiled in Upcoming Book, Possible Film

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Another Perspective on Pearl Harbor, Containing an Epic Story with Powerful Characters Life of Mitsuo Fuchida to Be Unveiled in Upcoming Book, Possible Film Another perspective on Pearl Harbor, containing an epic story with powerful characters Life of Mitsuo Fuchida 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 attack on Pearl Harbor, 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 China 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 missionary 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 United States, 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 Nagoya on Dec. 5, 1951. (AP Photo) © 2013 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Guide to the Doolittle Tokyo Raider Association Papers (1947
    Guide to the Doolittle Tokyo Raider Association Papers (1947 - ) 26 linear feet Accession Number: 54-06 Collection Number: H54-06 Collection Dates: 1931 - Bulk Dates: 1942 - 2005 Prepared by Thomas J. Allen CITATION: The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Association Papers, Box number, Folder number, History of Aviation Collection, Special Collections Department, McDermott Library, The University of Texas at Dallas. Special Collections Department McDermott Library, The University of Texas at Dallas Contents Historical Sketch ................................................................................................................. 3 Sources ................................................................................................................................ 3 Additional Sources .............................................................................................................. 3 Series Description ............................................................................................................... 4 Scope and Content Note...................................................................................................... 5 Collection Note ................................................................................................................... 8 Provenance Statement ......................................................................................................... 8 Literary Rights Statement ................................................................................................... 8 2
    [Show full text]
  • Commander of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
    Mitsuo Fuchida Commander of the attack on Pearl Harbor Sunday Morning in Pearl Harbor The date was December 7, 1941. At approximately 7:49 a.m. Commander Mitsuo Fuchida, 39, led a fleet of 360 Japanese fighter planes through the billowy clouds high above Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He had one thought in mind—cripple the American enemy. As Fuchida and his forces zeroed in on the peaceful harbor, the commander reached for his microphone, smiled, and ordered, "All squadrons, plunge in to attack!" _________________________________________ "All squadrons, plunge in to attack!" __________________________________________ During the ensuing hours, a pounding fury swallowed up the quiet waters as, one by one, American battleships were hit and began tilting into the sea—succumbing to the surprise invasion. Fuchida’s fleet mercilessly bombed nearby airfields, dry docks, and barracks. And 3,622 U.S. military personnel were reported killed or missing, with more than 800 wounded. With the famous words, "Tora! Tora! Tora!" Commander Fuchida signaled over the radio waves to his Japanese generals that the attack had been made. "It was the most thrilling exploit of my career," Fuchida later stated. Meanwhile... That same morning, Sergeant Jacob DeShazer was on KP duty peeling potatoes at a U.S. army base in Oregon. When news of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese came over the loudspeaker, DeShazer became enraged and shouted, "The Japs are going to have to pay for this!" At that moment, intense hatred for the Japanese was born in young Jacob DeShazer’s heart, and it grew with every passing day.
    [Show full text]
  • 12.10.06 Something to Boast About Jeremiah 9:23-24, 31:31-34
    12.10.06 Something to Boast About Jeremiah 9:23-24, 31:31-34 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church I’d like to talk with you today about an ancient human practice that is found anywhere you find people – boasting . People will boast about just about anything including how smart, strong, or rich they are. Folks will go on about their achievements or status, their looks, their kids, don’t even get them started on grandchildren – boasting is as old as humanity. If you don’t believe me, just wait for the Christmas letters that will be arriving in the coming weeks. This past week, former Boston Celtic and Basketball Hall of Fame member Larry Bird turned 50 years old. Bird was well known for his boasting or what is now more often called “trash talking” on the court. In one memorable incident the Celtics were down a point against the Seattle Supersonics in Seattle and the Celtics called a play for Bird to take the last shot. Coming out of the time out, Bird approached the man guarding him, Xavier McDaniel, a strong, big man known for his defense, and Bird said, “I’m going to get the ball right over there, and I’m going to shoot it right in your face.” Sure enough, Larry got the ball exactly where he said, and hit the game winning shot with McDaniel all over him. Describing the incident later, McDaniel could only shake his head in amazement. Another athlete known for his boasting, baseball slugger Reggie Jackson used to say, “It ain’t bragging, if you can back it up.” Even President Abraham Lincoln had a memorable line about boasting that Ken Burns included in his production The Civil War .
    [Show full text]
  • Doolittle Raiders Month
    Ciwor\(/est Cohrnbia Bidgirrg Pau, Present and Fuure Proclamation Doolittle Raiders Month Whereas, during World War II, the United States of America launched the fnst air raid on the Japanese home island of Honshu to demonstrate that Japan was vulnerable to Allied air attack and as retaliation for Japan's unprovoked attack of Pearl Flarbor on December 7 , l94l1' ard Whereas, the air attack was planned and led by Lieutenant Colonel James 'Timmy' Doolittle, USAF, whereby 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers would be launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet deep within enemy waters to hit military targets in Japan; and Whereas, on April 18, 1942, while still about 650 miles from Japan, the USS flornet was sighted by a Japanese patrol boat which radioed a waming to Japan, forcing the decision to launch the B- 25 bombers even though the aircraft did not carry enough fuel to retum to the carrier; and Whereas, after bornbing their targets all 16 aircraft were 1os1 166rrgh crash landings in Chinn or ditching at sea" and of the 16 five-merrber crews who took off tom the USS Hornet,l l men were killed or capured, with 69 men eventually retuming safely to the United States or to Allied control; and Whereas, through the courageous actions of 80 brave men" who knew when they lifted off from the USS Hornet tlnt they could not possibly return, a sipificant and demoralizing blow was stuck at Japan resulting in both material damage to specific targets and psychological repercussions to the Japanese leadenhip; and Whereas, on April 16, 17 , and 18, 2009 the Doolittle Raiders 67h annual reunion will be held in Columbi4 SC to commemoraG the bravery and sacrifice of the 80 crewmen who took offfrom the flight deck of the USS Hornet and flew their aircraft into American history.
    [Show full text]
  • The American Legion Magazine [Volume 81, No. 6 (December 1966)]
    THE AMERICAN 20c-DECEMBER ^^^^ ^^^k. Hi i ^^^1 MAGAZINE % THE STORY OF THE GREAT INDONESIAN BLOOD BATH \ 4 4 ,i A ^ HOW CHRISTMAS AND ITS CUSTOMS BEGAN WHAT WILL LASER BEAMS DO NEXT? DOOLITTLE'S RAID ON TOKYO "SEVEN-UP" AND "7-UP" ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS IDENTIFYING THE PRODUCT OF THE SEVEN-UP COMPANY COPYRIGHT 1966 BY THE SEVEN-UP COMPANY : The American DECEMBER 1966 Volume 81, Number 6 LEGION POSTMASTER Send Form 3579 to P.O. Box 1954 Indianapolis, Ind. 46206 Magazine The American Legion Magazine Editorial & Advertising Offices 720 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10019 Contents for December 1966 Publisher. James F. O'Neil Editor Robert B. Pitkin SHOULD THERE BE A DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMERS? 6 Art Editor Al Marshall TWO SIDES OF A NATIONAL QUESTION Assistant Editor pro: rep. benjamin S. ROSENTHAL (D-L, N.Y.) John Andreola con: rep. JOHN N. ERLENBORN (R-ILL.) Associate Editors Roy Miller James S. Swartz Assistant Art Editor THE STORY OF THE GREAT INDONESIAN BLOOD BATH 8 Walter H. Boll BY THOMAS A. HOGE Production Manager Art Bretzfield narrative A account of the great anti-Communist explosion in Copy Editor Indonesia that has seen Sukarno toppled and nearly Grail S. Han ford half a million Reds wiped out si7ice Oct. 1965. Circulation Manager Dean B. Nelson Indianapolis, Ind. Advertising Director WHAT WILL LASER BEAMS DO NEXT? 12 Robert P. Redden Chicago Sales Office BY ROBERT P. ISAACS iSick Amos 35 East Ifs just a beam of light, hut the seven-year-old laser is doing \^"acker Drive Chicago, 111.
    [Show full text]
  • A Lonely Faith: Lessons in Spiritual Resiliency Learned from the Isolated, Captive, and Rescued
    LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY A LONELY FAITH: LESSONS IN SPIRITUAL RESILIENCY LEARNED FROM THE ISOLATED, CAPTIVE, AND RESCUED A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY By Jeff Schlenz Lynchburg, Virginia March, 2014 Copyright © 2014 by Jeff Schlenz All Rights Reserved ii LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET ______________________________ GRADE ______________________________ MENTOR Dr. Charlie Davidson, Director, Doctor of Ministry Program Associate Professor Chaplaincy ______________________________ READER Dr. David Hirschman, Acting Dean Assistant Professor of Religion iii A LONELY FAITH: LEARNING SPIRITUAL RESILIENCY FROM THE ISOLATED, CAPTIVE, AND RESCUED Jeff Schlenz Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014 Mentor: Dr. Charles N. Davidson Americans have always traveled abroad whether as merchants, military service members, missionaries, reporters, or simply, “tourists.” Most return safely, but some have been taken captive by foreign governments, terrorists and criminal organizations. Though many have studied their struggles, no wide-scale attempt has been made to understand the role religious faith played in enduring their captivities. If understood, such information could be used in training those who may be exposed to similar circumstances in the future, and may have devotional value for others enduring crises. In this study, one hundred seventy-eight international travelers are surveyed, assessing their expectations of and preparation for, the spiritual dynamics of a potential captivity. Historic cases are presented, observations are made, and recommendations are presented for those at risk and those ministering to them. Abstract length: 128 words. iv CONTENTS ABSTRACT . iv CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION. 1 Statement of the Problem.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Peace That Conquers Troubles and Fears John 14:27 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church
    07/21/19 Finding Peace that Conquers Troubles and Fears John 14:27 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church Summer is a season known for eating lots of fresh fruit. The New England Journal of Medicine had an article about a connection between eating strawberries and being more loving, eating blueberries increasing joy, and eating bananas was corelated to being more peaceful. Of course, that’s not true, I made it up, but wouldn’t it be great if it was? Wouldn’t life be better and simpler if we could just eat certain fruits to grow in the fruit of the Spirit? If eating strawberries gave us a boost of love and eating watermelon filled us with kindness, etc., and these things would be healthy for you anyway. Wouldn’t it be nice to just eat the fruit you need, and have it change your heart, mind and spirit? It’s too bad it doesn’t work that way. Why didn’t God do that? God designed a more challenging process that requires more active participation on our part. I still think it would’ve been nice if God had made it so all I had to do to become more peaceful was to eat bananas. Listen to the process for finding peace that conquers troubles and fears that Jesus describes in John 14:23-27 (NRSV), “Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
    [Show full text]
  • Jacob Deshazer, US, US Army Air Corps Bombardier December 29
    Jacob DeShazer, US, US Army Air Corps Bombardier December 29. Jacob DeShazer. On December 7, 1941, in a surprise attack, hundreds of Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor and inflicted much damage, including 8 battleships and more than 300 airplanes. More than 2,400 Americans died, and another 1000 were wounded. Within a month, the United States had planned its own surprise attack on Tokyo and four other Japanese cities, and—in April—the attack was led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle. Sixteen bombers and eighty volunteer bombardiers were to attack and then fly to the safety of the east coast of China, which they did, but of the sixteen bombers, some landed in China and some crashed there. Some were helped by the Chinese people, but DeShazer and his team were captured by the Japanese. On this date in 1948, DeShazer returned to Japan as a missionary, and during his stay there, he established 23 new Christian churches throughout Japan. Listen to this. Hate can’t destroy a man who is determined to obey Christ. DeShazer was a bombardier—one of the eighty men in the famous Doolittle Raid over Japan shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. During the raid, DeShazer and his fellow crewmen bailed out of their B-25 Bomber over China and were taken captive by the Japanese as prisoners of war. The Japanese moved DeShazer from one prison camp to another, where he saw how the Japanese treated Chinese citizens. He wondered how humans could to that to others. “It was the first time that I had ever been in such a wicked environment,” he said.
    [Show full text]
  • Foxholes Faith In
    CHRISTIAN HISTORY Issue 121 Faith in the Foxholes Seeking hope amidst war’s despair Special expanded issue on the World Wars SHATTERED Private Paul Oglesby stands in front of the damaged altar of a Catholic church in Italy in 1943. PUT IT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT One surprising World War II Bible use was as cigarette papers for POWs. Gavan Daws, in Prisoners of the Japanese (1994), wrote: A Dutch Jesuit chaplain on Sumatra said the Word of God was sanctified, not the paper, so roll away. Sick men smoked their army-issue Bible after reading it. Or they smoked without reading, and about this the chaplains had nothing to say except that it was better for the men to get the Word in them by inhaling than not at all. For those who were willing to read before rolling, where should they start? An English chaplain said Revelation, which no one EFENSE Did you know? understood anyway. The Dutch Jesuit said the Old D Testament, then the Acts of the Apostles because they were only practicalities, then the Gospels; RTMENT OF CIGARETTES, CHAPLAINS, AND THE A leave the Sermon on the Mount for last, and learn EP D . S CONFESSING CHURCH it before smoking it. U THE VICAR IS A PACIFIST THEY CAME FOR MANY PEOPLE LY, 1943 / A T G. A. Studdert-Kennedy (1883–1929), an English Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) is I slum vicar who became a World War I chaplain, famous for the statement “First they came for the developed an unusual way to get the attention of Socialists.
    [Show full text]
  • Doolittle Raid
    Doolittle Raid Doolittle Raid Part of World War II, Pacific War A B-25 taking off from Hornet for the raid Date 18 April 1942 Location Tokyo, Japan Result U.S. morale victory minimal destruction First attack on Japanese Home Islands Tactically Indecisive Combatants United States Japan Commanders James H. Doolittle Hideki Tojo Strength 16 B-25 Mitchells Unknown number of troops and homeland defense Casualties 3 dead, About 50 dead, 400 injured 8 POWs (4 died in captivity); 5 interned in USSR all 16 B-25s 1 Pacific campaigns 1941-42 French Indochina – Pearl Harbor – Thailand – Malaya – Hong Kong – Philippines – Guam – Wake – Dutch East Indies – New Guinea – Singapore – Australia – Indian Ocean – Doolittle Raid – Solomons – Coral Sea – Midway Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle (second from right) and his crew pose in front of a B-25 on the deck of the USS Hornet Lt. Col. Doolittle wires a Japanese medal to a bomb, for "return" to its originators. Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle (center) with members of his flight crew and Chinese officials in China after the attack. The Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942 was the first air raid by the United States to strike the Japanese home islands during World War II. The mission was notable since it was the only time in U.S. military history that United States Army Air Forces bombers were launched from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier on a combat mission. The Doolittle Raid demonstrated that the Japanese home islands were vulnerable to Allied air attack, and it provided an expedient means for U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • September 24, 1918-October 15, 1942
    William G. “Billy” Farrow September 24, 1918-October 15, 1942 William G. Farrow was born on September 24, 1918 in Darlington. Those who knew him recall a young man who lived an exemplary life, a leader in youth activities at First Baptist Church, an Eagle Scout at 16, an excellent student and a 1935 graduate of St. John’s High. Farrow was one of three USC students selected to begin pilot training at the Hawthorne Aviation School in Orangeburg in the fall of 1939. He then received his commission and the silver wings of an Army Aviator in 1941. He was then transferred to his duty station, the 17 Bomb Group in Pendleton, Oregon, and he transitioned to the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, the newest weapon in the Air Corps. In January 1942, the 17 Bombardment Group had just moved from Oregon to the new Columbia Army Air Field when Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle asked for volunteers for a “secret,” highly hazardous mission. Training over Lake Murray and flying cross-country to Bush and Daniel Fields in Augusta, was soon replaced with puzzling short field take-off training in Columbia, and then Eglin Field, Florida. On April 1, 1942, the crews and the B-25s were loaded aboard the USS Hornet and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, destination unknown, for a mission that would become part of the Doolittle Raid story: Lt. Billy Farrow’s plane — the “Bat out of Hell,” Crew #16 — launched toward Nagoya, Japan’s fourth largest city. There, the plane’s bombs dropped from 500 feet, destroying an oil storage tank and inflicting damage with incendiary cluster on the Mitsubishi Aircraft Factory.
    [Show full text]
  • Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
    “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Matthew 5:9; James 3:17-18 Evert D. Osburn On December 10, 1980 in Oslo, Norway, in a great hall shining with gold and crystal, a little old lady, wearing a simple white robe and sandals, stood with a king. It was Mother Teresa (マ ザー・テレサ), humbly receiving the Nobel Peace Prize (ノーベル平和賞) for her decades of selfless work among the poorest of the poor and dying in Calcutta, India. One of the phrases Mother Teresa repeated over and over when asked about her Christian faith and work with the poor and sick is “love in action.” The Bible says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16), and Mother Teresa insisted that, if we really believe in God, then we must demonstrate it by putting His love for all people into living action. It doesn’t matter how small the action may seem, as long as the motivation for it is sincere love. In fact, Mother Teresa once said, “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” After she passed away in 1997, her Catholic “sisters” continued her work, doing “small things with great love” for people of all races and many different religions. Mother Teresa first established her Missionaries of Charity (神の愛の宣教者会) organization in Calcutta in 1950, and now there are 4,500 sisters actively serving in 133 countries around the world. Mother Teresa was the embodiment of the famous “Peace Prayer” (「平和の祈り」). Though St. Francis of Assisi (アッシジの聖フランシスコ) (1181-1226) didn’t actually write it (it being most likely penned by an anonymous French writer in 1912), there’s little question that his life of love and service to the poor 800 years ago served as the inspiration for it.
    [Show full text]