Source: RG 331 Box 940
Notations for fact or clarity added by Center For Research in [RED]

State of Washington
Country of Pierce

I, James Stanford Cope, being of lawful age and being first fully sworn, on oath depose and say:

That I am a Private, 5th Class Specialist, in the United States Army, my serial number is 18036677, my permanent home address is 214 North Park, San Angelo, Texas. [24th Pursuit Group, 21st Pursuit Squadron] I was a prisoner of war of the Japanese Army from 9 April, 1942 to 5 September, 1945. That I was confined at various places during such period and particularly at Prison Camp #3 at Funatsu, Honshu, Japan from 4 September, 1944 to 5 September, 1945.

That on or about the 1st of August, 1945, a Pvt. Mann whom I cannot identify further except to say that he had been a Corregidor man, attempted to escape from Prison Camp No. 3 at Funatsu [PFC James S. Mann, 60th Coast Arty, L Battery, 18048996]. He was re-captured the following day. The Japanese brought him back in. Stripped off all his clothing and commenced beating him with ropes, clubs, fist and anything else that was convenient. They kept beating him for a period of about 10 days. During this ten day period, he was given one third of a normal ration; so he received 2 ounces of watery soup and 2 tablespoons of rice twice a day with a small slice of bread at noon. They would throw in a handful of salt with each meal and then refuse to give him water. They kept his hands tied behind his back and pulled them up high like a hammerlock; then they would run the cord around his throat and pull his neck back. He was forced to eat from that position too. I saw him beaten by approximately 20 men; they would take turns knocking him down; he was covered with blood and bruises, and one of his ears was nearly torn off. About the tenth day of this, or on or about 11 August, 1945, he died as a result of these beatings.

I am unable to name, describe or identify the Japanese who were responsible for this; however Major Wayne C. Liles, 825 Nowaht, Clinton, Oklahoma, was the commanding officer at the camp and he undoubtedly can. He is about the only person I can think of who can give further information about this.

/S/ James S. Cope, Pvt, 18036677
James Stanford Cope, Pvt. 18036677

In the Presence of:
/S/ Clarence A. Bartoce
Agt. SIC, NSC

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12 Oct. 1945 at Fort Lewis, Wash.
/S/ Arthur G. Bouley
Arthur G. Bouley
CWO, USA
Asst Adjutant General
ASFTC Fort Lewis, Wash.