Source: NARA RG 331 Box
942, Mansell NARA 8
Questionaire: Sidney D. Schwartz, rescued at Nagoya #3
Funatsu
Filed with Nagoya #10 Fushiki files in error; mis-identified
camp name; notations for clarity or fact by Center for Research
[red]
RESTRICTED
SCHWARTZ, Sidney D., ASN 19056573, Sgt., after being
duly sworn at 29th Replacement Depot, Luzon, P.I., on 16 September
1945, testified as follows:
Q. How old are you?
A. 24
Q. Were you captured by the
Japanese or made a prisoner of war, and if so, when and where?
A. Yes.
Q. What was your unit at
the time of your capture?
A. 693rd Ord, Aviation
[Nichols Field]
Q. By what Japanese unit were you captured?
A. Army- unit unknown
Q. Do you expect to be repatriated,
and if so, to what country?
A. Yes - U.S.
Q. What will your complete
address be after repatriation?
A. 100 N. University, Peoria,
Illinois
Q. Will you state the names
and locations of the camps at which you were held as a prisoner
of war and the dates your were confined at each camp?
A. Nagoya #10, Funatsu Japan,
4 Sept 44 - 6 Sept. 45 [actually Nagoya
#3 branch at Funatsu; arrived on Canadian Inventor]
Q. Do you know or have reason to believe that the
Imperial Japanese Army failed to treat prisoners of war with
humanity or otherwise committed atrocities or war crimes against
them?
A. Yes.
Q. Will you state all facts
in detail pertaining to atrocities, war crimes, violations of
Rules of Land Warfare and human decency at Nagoya #10 [#3] - Funatsu, Japan, the dates
thereof, the perpetrators, giving their names, ranks, units and
other identifying information?
A. On or about the 5th of
April, 1945, I was working on a construction detail engaged in
making repairs to buildings, digging air raid shelters, and general
police work. I started to [the] supply room to get some tools
to be used in our work. The kitchen being located in the same
building, I picked up a boiled potato with the consent of a Japanese
woman that did the cooking for the Japanese. A Japanese private
came into the litchen and took me to the orderly room.
There were no officers or non-coms in the orderly room at the
time. Only Japanese privates. Three Japanese privates took me
outside and started beating me with small clubs and rubber shoes.
I was beaten periodically from about 7:00 A.M. until 2:30 P.M.
- I was beaten only in the face. I had a hole through my lower
lip, black and blue marks all over my face. My face was swollen
to an enormous degree. The right side of my chin was swollen
to such an extent that it touched my shoulder. Scars and marks
still remain on my face as a result ot the beating.
From about 2:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. I was periodically forced
to kneel with bamboo poles underneath my knees and ankles. From
about 7:00 A.M. until about 5:30 P.M. I received no food or water.
The temperature was approximately 35 degrees [F].
The name of the Camp Commander was 1st Lt. Furushima [Furishima]. He was about 5 feet,
6 inches tall, slender build, weighed about 140 lbs., feature
more or less portrayed cruelty and harshness. He had a very prominent
forehead. Spoke English very little. Kept his hair closely cropped.
The three Japanese privates that beat me could not speak English.
One of them was named Kamiashmiba (?). He was very short, about
5 feet 4 inch tall, weighed about 135 lbs., and had a very heavy
beard. One of the other Japs was named Hori (?). He was about
5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed about 155 lbs. He had exceptionally
short arms. His complexion was very, very dark. He had a broad
nose and thick lips. He was nick named him "negro"
by the Allied P.W.s. The name of the third Jap I do not know
but believe that he was in charge of medical supplies for the
P.W. Camp [Cpl Asai]. I know no further information regarding
the identity or description of the perpetrators.
/S/ Sidney D. Schwartz
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 16th day
of Sept. 1945.
/S/ Gar. G. Riley, 1st Lt Inf
Investigating Officer
War Crimes Investigation Detachment
RESTRICTED
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