Source: RG 331 Box 920;
Mansell NARA 7; IMG_0048
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO (State Seal)
In the Matter of Atrocities Committed at
Prisoner of War Camp FUKUOKA NO. 2, Japan
AFFIDAVIT
I, JAMES HENRY SHOOK JR, Lieutenant (jg), USN, File Number
490 811, residing at 704 59th Street, San Diego, California,
stationed at Naval Training Center, San Diego, California, being
first duly sworn according to law, upon my oath depose and say
that:
I was a survivor of the sinking of the USS Pope in the Java Sea
south of Borneo on 1 Mar 42. I, along with other survivors, was
picked up by a Japanese destroyer and taken to the Celebes Islands.
Two nights later, I was taken to Macassar where I was confined
in the native jail for a period of 30 days. On 24 Oct 42, I arrived
at POW CAMP FUKUOKA NO. 2, after a 7 day trip aboard the ASAMA
MARU. I remained at FUKUOKA NO. 2 until 19 Jun 45, at which date
I was removed to ORIO, near YAWATA to POW CAMP NO. 9. The name
of this latter camp was subsequently changed to POW CAMP FUKUOKA
NO. 6.
I was liberated from FUKUOKA NO. 6 by American forces and returned
to the United States on 23 Oct 45. I have given previous statements
concerning war crimes, having made one such statement at the
Oakland Naval Hospital, Oakland, California in Oct 45. The last
such statement made by me was given at the Naval Training center,
San Diego, California in October or November, 1946.
Reference is made to basic communication from General Headquarters,
Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Legal Section, APO 500,
File No. 013.36 (16 Dec 46) LS-P, dated 16 Dec 46, Subject: Request
for Deposition. Attention is directed to paragraph 2(a) reference
letter. In this regard, I do hereby expressly state that at no
time during my internment at POW CAMP FUKUOKA NO. 2 was I ever
put into a cell for any reason whatsoever. I do further state
that I can recall no civilian interpreter, nor any other person,
named "BEETHOVEN" or "SUMIOKA". I confess
that I have a very poor memory for names, and therefore suggest
that the person hereinafter referred to as "INTERPRETER
NO 2" and "SUMIOKA alias BEETHOVEN" may be identical
.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Conditions at FUKUOKA NO.2 were not good at any time. The camp
was quite new when we arrived, and, from a standpoint of physical
make-up of the camp, would have not been too intolerable. As
the war progressed, the lots of the POWS became harder and harder.
To my knowledge, there were approximately 60 deaths at this camp.
These were due primarily to pneumonia, dysentery, [and] malnutrition.
Contributing factors in such deaths was the weakened physical
condition of the POWS brought about through the forced working
of the sick, beatings and slappings, and the continuous, ever-present
state of apprehension on the part of the camp's inmates. The
food was the usual Japanese fare of rice and soup served three
times per day, and was, of course, inadequate, ill prepared,
and in insufficient quantity. The work consisted of strenuous
manual labor at the dockyards across the channel from Nagasaki.
Beatings and slapping were common everyday occurrences engaged
in by almost every Japanese connected with the camp and the dock
area, with the exception of the camp commander and the camp doctor.
For any infraction or supposed infraction of regulations, a POW
was beat on the spot. More often than not, a POW was so beaten,
was thereafter ordered to report to the guard house where he
was beaten again. I was never sent to the guardhouse. Except
as is hereafter stated, I can recall no specific instances, circumstances,
perpetrators or victims of beatings, slappings or other forms
of abuse. I witnessed no incident od such nature to which I could
refer to as an immediate or direct cause of death. As stated
previously, I can remember very few names or nicknames of the
Japanese personnel. For the purpose of this statement I have
identified personnel that I remember as hereinafter stated.
MASS PUNISHMENTS
At one time, I cannot recall the date, a kilo of sugar was found
missing from the galley. Sugar in the galley was always kept
in the Honcho's room in a bucket. When the POW cooks required
sugar, they told the honcho of such need, the honcho then put
the sugar directly into the kettle where sugar was required.
None of the POW cooks or KPs had access to sugar in the galley.
When the sugar was missed, the Japanese HAKARI SAN, the honcho
hereinafter referred to as HONCHO NO.3, and HARITA, and the POWS
were asked "Who had stolen the sugar". FELIX WALTON
[Felix Burrell Walton], a machinist
mate from the USS Perch and two other POWS stepped out and admitted
the theft. HONCH NO.3 then got up on the old ranges, which were
about table high, and went down the line of POS, myself included,
hitting each man on the side of the head with a wooden "go-ahead",
a Japanese shoe. In addition to such punishment, WALTON and the
other two POWS were viciously beaten about the face by HAKARI
SAN and HARITA. I believe one of the Japs had stolen the sugar;
that the three POWS who admitted the theft, did so in the knowledge
that punishment would have been worse if no culprit was found.
I admit that POWS stole food intended for the Jap mess whenever
they thought they could get away with it. I have done so myself.
But the Japanese, knowing that the POWS could be blamed, were
guilty of most of the thefts that occurred.
On another occasion, I cannot recall the date, about 3 pounds
of "mizo paste". A type of soy bean mixture that tasted
like a combination of sawdust and vinegar, and which was practically
unpalatable, was discovered missing from the store room. BOKKA
GO and HONCHO NO. 3 investigated the matter, but could not get
[any] POW to admit guilt. Because a culprit was lacking, BOKKA
GO ordered a suspension of meals for all POWS, a total of approximately
1500 men. The suspension order was issued after the evening meal
had been prepared but not yet served to the men. As a result
of such order no POW received an food that evening, the following
morning, and the following noon. On the afternoon of the day
of the third meal omission, a POW, unknown to me, admitted the
theft. It is my belief that such POW accepted the blame for theft
innocently so that our meager could be resumed. That evening
we were served the meal, unheated, that had been prepared for
the previous evening. By that time, the rice was cold, soggy,
and smelled like a sewer.
FORCED WORKING OF THE SICK
During the early part of our internment at the camp, POWS who
were to ill to work were so certified by the Dutch POW doctors,
and such certification was honored by the Japanese. As time went
on, the recommendations of the POW doctors were lesser regarded.
Men certified as too ill to work by the POW doctors were required
to visit the Japanese camp doctor, who would in almost every
instance refused to excuse such men. So many men were going in
to see the Jap doctor for excuses from work, that BOKKO GO issued
an order requiring POWS who claimed to be too sick to work and
were so certified by the POW doctors, to see him, BOKKA GO, before
seeing the Jap doctor. To my knowledge, no one was ever excused
from work by BOKKA GO. The Dutch POW doctors dis all they could,
bu they were practically helpless. Dr. VIZNISH (phonetic), a
Dutch POW told me that he had received orders from the Jap doctor
to excuse no more than 15 men. 1% of the internees, per day from
work.
As stated previously, most of the work done by the POWS was performed
at the Navy docks which were 1-1/2 to 2 miles distant from the
camp proper. There, under the control of the Imperial Navy, POWS
drilled holes in heavy iron plate. Using slow Japanese drills
that weighed over 40 pounds. When no drilling, the POWS were
made to move heavy chunks of scrap iron about, from one pile
to another. On many occasions, I have witnessed POWS, who were
too weak to walk the distance from the camp to the dock, draped
about and being carried by stronger POWS.
LOOTING OF RED CROSS SUPPLIES
During my entire imprisonment at FUKUOKA NO.2, I received but
two-thirds of one Red Cross food parcel. Each man, (POW) received
one pair of Red Cross shoes, which he was permitted to wear at
any time in the dock area, and seldomly (sic) in the camp area.
The reason given was conservation at the camp, and the shortage
of shoes among the Jap civilians at the dock area. All of the
Jap personnel at the camp, from the commander on down, wore American
Red Cross shoes. These shoes were the brown army-type shoe. I
did not see any other item of Red Cross clothing worn by the
Japs, but strongly suspect that they were wearing warm American
underwear.
I worked in the camp galley for a period of approximately 8 months
prior to 17 Jun 45. During this time, and more so toward the
end of my stay at FUKUOKA NO.2, I saw many trays of American
"SPAM" go out of the galley to be served in the Japanese
mess. I have eaten "Spam" many time since I have been
in the service, and could not possibly mistake "Spam's"
sight, color, shape or smell for anything else. On the rare occasions
when the POWS were served "Spam", the Japanese also
ate "Spam". The distribution was apportioned at 5 POWS
per 12 ounce tin, and two Japanese per 12 ounce tin.
NOTE:
Enough Red Cross supplies were sent to Japan to give every Allied
POW a five pound box of food every week. In general, most POW
received less than two boxes during their entire captivity.
Japanese personnel, from the camp commander on down, smoked American
cigarettes. These were "Camels", "Lucky Strike",
"Chesterfield" and other, less popular, American brands.
The Japanese carried packages of such cigarettes in their pockets,
and openly exhibited the familiar packs whenever they decided
to smoke. POWS received a meager irregular ration of cigarettes,
most of which were of the less desirable Japanese type.
SPECIFIC INCIDENTS OF BRUTALITY
Incidents of brutality, beatings and slappings were so commonplace
that I find it difficult to recall specific circumstances, perpetrators,
victims, and similar details concerning such incidents. I have
endeavored, to the best of my recollection to state all of the
facts and details I can recall in the following incidents. Un
less otherwise stated, the following incidents are of my own
knowledge, I having been a witness thereto:
INCIDENT NO 1
At about 0600 during the winter of 1944, the work party was assembled
in the camp compound preparatory to the march to the dock area.
The party was just getting ready to move out, when one of the
POWS, I cannot recall his name, collapsed and went into convulsions.
A Dutch doctor, who we called "Sleepy Sam", addressed
the Jap hereinafter referred to as INTERPRETER NO. 1, requesting
him to ask BOKKA GO to excuse the convulsive POW. Although such
conversation took place within my hearing distance, I did not
hear all of the conversation nor the provocation of what was
to follow. INTERPRETER NO. 1 started beating "Sleepy Sam"
and continued doing so until he was tired. Said beating, I estimate,
lasted about one and one half minute. "Sleepy Sam"
was beaten about the face with fists and open handed slaps. I
observed "Sleepy Sam's" face immediately after the
beating stopped, and could distinguish thereon welts and bruises.
"Sleepy Sam" was thereafter ordered to the guardhouse
by INTERPRETER NO.1. I was later told that "Sleepy Sam"
spent 2 or 3 days in the guardhouse, and that the provocation
for the beating was "Sleepy Sam's" inadvertent use
of the word "Jap" for "Japanese" in addressing
INTERPRETER NO.1. I don't know whether the convulsive POW was
excused or not as I moved out with the work detail.
INCIDENT NO.2
I did not witness the incident herein described as INCIDENT NO.
2. This incident was related to me via scuttlebutt. I believe
that D.W. Herndon [Herndon, Donald Whitehead],
CMM, USN, now stationed at the Naval Air Station, Ottumwa, Idaho,
and the two survivors from the USS Perch, named Klacky [Klecky, Rudolph] and Delman [Deleman,
Bernard] respectively may have been eyewitnesses. The
incident is as follows:
At or about 0600, at a preparatory to work muster in the compound
area of the camp, a civilian POW who had been taken prisoner
on Wake Island, collapsed while standing in formation. This man
was set upon by BOKKA GO and beaten so severely that he had to
be carried to a cell in the guard house, where he died two days
later. I recall the victim as a man of about 50-60 years of age,
an American civilian, a hunchbacked little fellow. I saw this
man's body upon a table in an unused POW room No 300231 for about
a day and a half. The body was under a blanket. Since this was
the only death occurring at or about that time, I presume it
was the man's remains. This incident is said to have occurred
between November 1944 and February 1945. I can state positively
that I never saw this victim again after the time this incident
was said to have occurred.
[This man is identified as civilian Harry
Eldon Reed. Wake Island, whose date of death was recorded by
the Japanese as 3 April 1945. The Japanese noted the cause of
death as heart failure]
INCIDENT NO.3
During the early part of our imprisonment at this camp. We were
paid for working, some of the POWS would pool their money to
purchase a newspaper so that they could get some war news. I
believe a newspaper was purchased through a civilian in the dock
area where it was secretly read, and then passed on to Major
Horrigan, who passed it along as scuttlebutt. The Japanese tried
to find out how the news was getting into the camp. One night,
I cannot recall the date, after the POWS were in bed, HAKARI
SAN came into our room and pulled STRAUSS [Strouse,
Milton Harold "Milt"], a survivor from the USS
Pope, out of bed. Strauss returned some seven days later, in
a beat up condition. His face had been beaten almost to a pulp;
his features were almost unrecognizable. Strauss later told me
that BOKKA Go, INTERPRETER NO.2 and a Jap hereinafter referred
to and identified as the person whose likeness appears on the
photograph entitled EXHIBITS "A" and "AA",
had beaten him up in an attempt to learn how the news was getting
into camp. When STRAUSS returned, DELEMAN and an Englishman named
HAZEL [Hazel, George Oliver, Gunner]
were taken and similarly interrogated in this regard. DELEMAN
and HAZEL also returned in a beat up condition although neither
of them looked as bad as STRAUSS had. I, as well as STRAUSS,
DELMAN and HAZEL and other POWS who knew about this incident,
believe that these POWS had been informed upon by an American
civilian POW hereinafter referred to as "JAPSTOOGE"
for the purpose of this affidavit. Neither I nor any of the other
POWS familiar with this incident have any direct knowledge that
JAPSTOOGE had informed on these men, but we believe that he singled
out STRAUSS, who, JAPSTOOGE knew, was getting about quite a bit
on his, STRAUSS' personal bartering deals by which he procured
rice, cigarettes and other supplies.
INCIDENT NO.4
One morning, I cannot recall the date, when my galley shift was
on duty starting at 0100, we decided to bake some sweet potatoes
rather than put them in the soup. The potatoes had been baked,
and one of the POWS had begun to eat one, when BOKKA GO entered
the galley. BOKKA GO lined up the crew of 11, including myself,
and beat us in turn with his fists about our faces. I cannot
recall the names of the other POWS then on duty in the galley.
None of us were seriously hurt at this time.
INCIDENT NO.5
One morning, I cannot recall the date, at about 0830, during
the time when the days provisions were being taken from the store
room to the galley, I witnessed the beating of FELIX WALTON,
CMM, [Felix Burrell Walton] a survivor
of the USS Perch, by HAKARI SAN. WALTON had been in the store
room scooping sugar with his hands from the store room barrel,
into the honcho's bucket. Japanese sugar is damp and sticky.
When WALTON had finished with the sugar, he began licking the
surplus sugar that was stuck to his hands. HAKARI SAN jumped
on WALTON and beat him with his fists until his was tired. WALTON
was beaten about the face for a period of about 2 minutes. At
the conclusion of this beating, WALTON'S face showed welts, some
bruises, and was quite swollen.
INCIDENT NO.6
At the dock area where we worked, there was a Japanese overseer
named HARANO, alias MOUSTACHE. I believe that at one time or
another this man has beaten every POW who ever worked under him.
I can safely say that I have seen him administer over 500 beatings
to the POWS. I have seen him beat men with his fists, with iron
bars, clubs, poles, and anything else that was handy for not
drilling holes fast enough or for what HARANO considered to be
loitering in the latrine. I recall HARANO'S beating of D.W. Herndon,
hereinbefore identified, only because I have seen HERNDON beaten
by him no less than 25 times, in the manner herein described.
I have seen HARANO kick HERNDON in thye back while the latter
was bent over his drill working on iron plate. I have seen HERNDON
go down under such kick, and have seen HARANO then proceed to
kick him in the ribs and in the face, or beat him with a club
or piece of iron. I also saw HARANO beat up a POW named LEMBECK,
[Urban William Lembeck] a survivor
of the Pope in an identical manner.
At the docks, the favorite sport of the Japanese Navy men was
to knock down a POW by use of their fists, after they discovered
that a POW could be knocked down in this manner. For reasons
such as slowness in saluting, or for hesitation on the part of
a POW required to "count off" in [the] Japanese language,
such a POW was immediately knocked down.
EXHIBITS (Identification Photographs)
Attached hereto are photographs marked Exhibits "A",
"AA", "B", "C", "CC".
"D", "DD", "E". "EE",
and "F" respectively, each and all of which bear my
signature, are a padret hereof and expressly incorporated herein.
Ref Exhibits "A" and "AA"
I cannot recall this man's name, nickname or rank. I believe
his insignia showed two stars on a gold bar. He was an administrative
assistant of some sort in the camp office, but wandered the camp
quite a bit. He had the reputation of having, at one time or
another, beaten every POW in the camp. He himself would frequently
boast that he was the toughest man in the camp. He once caught
me eating some food I had stolen out of the galley. I was beaten
by him on this occasion but was not hurt. This man couldn't do
much damage with his fists. Many times, he would call in a guard
whom he would order to beat a POW, for various infractions. Frequently,
this man would sneak into the prisoners' quarters in order to
catch someone smoking in other than the manner prescribed by
regulations. Regulations provided that when smoking, a POW must
be seated at the table, and have an ashtray in front of him.
Such regulation was, in my opinion, reasonable in view of the
fire hazard. After beating, or having a POW beaten, this man
would usually send such POW to the guard house, where he would
be beaten again. I was not sent to the guard house after I was
beaten by this man.
Ref Exhibit "B"
I positively identify this man as the commanding officer of POW
CAMP NO.2 during approximately the last 10 months of my imprisonment
therein. This man's rank is unknown to me. He was quiet, mild
mannered, and gave the impression of being well educated. To
my knowledge this man was not known to have ever beaten a prisoner
or to have directly ordered a POW beaten. Nor is this man know
to have ever interceded on behalf of a prisoner being beaten
in his presence. On many occasion, I have seen this man stand
directly beside a guard who was beating a sick prisoner and never
say a word or make any motion to halt such brutality. At times
when this man was walking about the camp, I have seen members
of his guard escort viciously beat POWS who failed to salute
or who were considered too slow in saluting. Such events were
almost daily; they occurred so often, it is impossible for me
to single out any one incident.
Ref. Exhibits "C" and "CC"
I am not certain concerning this man. He strongly resembles the
Japanese previously referred to an hereinafter described as INTERPRETER
NO.2. This man's lips and mouth seem that of INTERPRETER NO.2.
The outstanding feature of INTERPRETER NO.2 was his bushy, puffed
out, ridiculous head of hair. In the absence of such hair, I
cannot be certain concerning this man. If this man and INTERPRETER
NO.2 are not identical, I cannot identify the exhibit.
Ref. Exhibits "D" and "DD"
I positively identify this man as the Japanese referred herein
as BOKKA GO, alias "MAD SOW", "GLASS EYE",
"THE DOPE" and other such appellations that I cannot
recall. I don't know his rank although he wore, I believe, 3
stars. He was probably the Japanese equivalent to Sergeant-Major,
as he literally "ran the camp". This man was in on
everything, issued most of the orders, and was, in my opinion,
half-crazed. He had a wild starey (sic) look in his eye that
gave him the appearance of being "doped up". Insofar
as the beating of POWS is concerned, this man was the worst and
most frequent offender. He also sent his victims to the guard
house for more pinishment more frequently than did the other
Japs. He would come into the POW quarters at night, after the
men were in bed, pull men out for such petty reason as not having
their shoes lined up properly. He would beat them on the spot
and then send them to the guard house. Then the men were given
extra duty work on the air raid shelters, after their return
from the docks and without having their evening meal. This extra
duty on the air raid shelters ordered by him so often accounts
for his name, Bokka Go, which means "air raid shelter"
in the Japanese language. POWS who to work in this manner would
work until 2000 or 2100 hours and then get their evening meal
which at that time was cold and soggy. Many times, POWS eating
at this late hour were beaten by other guards for eating at other
than the prescribed time. This man was a beast who became wilder
and more vicious as time went on, until the end of the war, at
which time, I believe he was absolutely insane.
Ref. Exhibits "E" and "EE"
This man is unknown to me. I cannot identify him.
Ref. Exhibit "F"
I do not recall this man's name. For the purpose of this affidavit
I shall designate him as HONCHO NO.1. He was the "honcho"
in charge of the galley before I ever went to work in the galley.
I have heard from other POWS who worked under him that he frequently
lined up entire galley crews and socked each man in turn with
a wooden "go ahead". I also heard that at one time
he had drawn his sword and had threatened to cut off a POW's
head. I don't remember whether or not this man ever slapped me.
I didn't have much contact with him, but can state positively
that I have seen him slap POWS no fewer than 500 times. I can
recall no single incident or victim.
JAPANESE PERSONNEL NOT IDENTIFIED BY EXHIBITS
HONCHO NO.2
This man succeeded the man hereinafter to as HONCHO NO.1. He
was an army man, his insignia carried two stars. He was about
30-35 years of age, weight approximately 130 pounds, had a wide
head, mouse face, and short hair. I had very little contact with
this man, but have seen him slap POWS. I recall no specific incident
or victim. He was 5' 3" tall approximately.
HONCHO NO.3
This man succeeded HONCHO NO.2, and was the honcho in charge
of the galley during the time I worked there. He was an army
man of two star rank, 30-35 years of age, approximately 5'9"
tall, weight 190-200 pounds, ordinary Jap nose, fair shaped mouth,
heavy lips, short clipped black hair, brown eyes. This man had
an extremely military bearing and was very powerful. He was able
to place a 75 kilo weight from the floor on his shoulder with
the use of but one hand. He engaged in beatings and slappings
frequently as did all the Jap personnel at the camp. I recall
being hit by him on one occasion. He hit me with a "go ahead"
as heretofore described.
INTERPRETER NO.1
This man was a civilkian interpreter on duty at the camp until
about January, 1945. He was a Japanese, 40-45 years of age, 5'1"
to 5'2" tall, weight 110-115 approximately; runty slender
build, black hair combed straight back, no hair line recession,
low forehead, round face, dull featured, flat wide nose with
shallow root, very small slitty brown eyes, Light brown complexion,
medium lips, small mouth with a slight amount of gold in it.
This man spoke perfect English and stated at one time that he
had lived in Santa Monica, California for 15 years. He frequently
slapped and beat prisoners, many times employing a club or a
stick. I can recall no single incident or victim.
INTERPRETER NO.2
This man replaced INTERPRETER NO.1 and remained in camp for a
period of approximately 3 or 4 months. His most outstanding feature
was his extremely bushy hair which he wore puffed out at the
sides. Atop his head he wore a Jap army cap which ad the appearance
of a tin can on an elephant's rear end. The man looked so ridiculous
we had to forcibly restrain ourselves to keep from laughing out
loud. Although he was a civilian, he always wore a Jap army uniform.
He was about 30-35 years of age, 5'2" to 5'3" tall,
weight approximately 120-125 pounds, slender build, black bushy
hair, medium "monkey style" face, medium forehead,
blotch shape puffed out mouth. Large "nigger lips",
had some gold teeth in his mouth. He spoke very poor English
and was practically useless as an interpreter. I didn't see this
man much during the time he was there, as I was, at that time,
working in the galley. I have seen him slap and beat POWS and
"pick them up" on the flimsiest pretexts. He also usually
sent his victims to the guard house after he had beaten them
personally. I was never beaten by this man. I recall him beating
up a Dutch POW whom he had caught re-steaming his rice at the
steam table outlet. The Dutch POW was not seriously hurt and
was sent to the guard house. One time, after an alleged sinking
of an allegedly well-lighted Red Cross ship, this man assembled
the entire American group and relieved himself of a somewhat
comic relief harangue concerning the barbarism and cruelty of
western civilization in general and the United States in particular.
HAKARI SAN
This man was in the Jap army and wore three stars on a red background
as insignia of rank. His job was that of a store keeper and bookkeeper
ref. food eaten at the camp. He was 30-35 years of age, approximately
5'4-1/2" tall, weight about 125-130 pounds, slender build,
black hair clipped short, brown eyes; thin face, wore thick heavy
glasses. He had a somewhat hooked nose and a small shark-like
mouth. Thin lips and sharp features. He was nicknamed "The
Jew" and "Little Rat". He too, was always beating
and slapping prisoners.
LIVERLIPS
This man was in the Jap army, rank unknown, and worked in the
galley. He was about 40-45 years of age, 5'4" tall, weight
about 140 pounds, medium build, black hair, brown eyes, wide
flat Jap nose. His mouth was scarred, poxy appearing and had
a blubbery look. His right arm was almost useless as a result
of an injury received in China, and the right side of his torso
was covered with wound scars. He frequently beat up the POWS
working in the galley. I once saw him give a Dutch POW a terrific
beating for stealing a rice cake. LIVERLIPS his the POW with
his good arm as hard as he could until he was tired. The POW'S
face was bruised rather badly. I am not certain but I believe
the POW was thereafter sent to the guard house.
HARITA
This man also worked in the galley. He was an army man of three
star rank, and he also served in China. He was about 35-40 years
old, 5'7" tall, thin slender build, and had the usual ordinary
Jap features, and wore glasses. His right foot had been injured
to an extent that he seemed to have little control over it. When
he walked, he gave the impression that he was throwing out his
right foot without any idea of where it would settle; his was
the flopping type step. This man also slapped and beat prisoners
on the slightest, ofttimes without, provocation. I can recall
no paricular incidents or victims except as hereinbefore stated.
HARANO, alias MOUSTCHE
This man was a civilian who lived in Nagasaki who was employed
as a overseer at the docks where the POWS worked. He was about
40-45 year of age, 5'3" tall, weight about 115 pounds, skinny
slender build. He had the usual Japanese features and a small
moustache. He was a former army man who had served his time in
China. This man was a manic-depressive type. On some days he
seemed kind and sympathetic toward the POWS and would give them
nuts and small cakes that he had brought with him from Nagasaki.
Usually, however, he was sadistic and cruel and would beat men
as hereinbefore described. I believe this man was very patriotic
and that his mood was governed by the tenor of the war news.
I was never beaten by this man.
JAP CAMP DOCTOR
This man was a regular army officer whom I seldom ever saw. I
never saw him beat a POW but believe him responsible for the
forced working of sick POWS as previously stated. Doctor Viznish
and the other Dutch POW doctors could furnish more information
concerning him. He was about 35040 years of age, 5'5" tall,
140-150 pounds, heavy set, dark complexion, had short clipped
black hair, brown eyes, and, I believe, spoke German.
JAPSTOOGE
This man was an American civilian POW who had been captured on
Wake Island. I have designated him as "JAPSTOOGE" for
the purpose of this affidavit. I do not know his name, and cannot
recall any nickname given him as the camp. He was about 30-35
years of age, 5'5" tall, approximately 150 pounds weight,
reddish hair that was thinning at the temple, grey or brown eyes,
light skin that seemed to sunburn easily. He had a pinch mouth
and a sneaky manner. By sneaky manner, I mean, he would never
look at a person to whom he was talking. He walked with a long
stride and seemed somewhat out of proportion. He didn't speak
much, but when he did, he spoke at a normal speed. His accent
and inflection in speech gave me no clue to any possible geographical
section of the United States from which he might have emanated.
I believe he was part Irish. I could identify him from a photograph.
[Suspected to be Fred M. King]
This man was highly regarded by the Japs and thoroughly distrusted
by almost all the POWS. The some 24 other American civilian POWS
with whom he lived on the other side of the camp, despised him.
I was told by some of these civilian POWS that JAPSTOOGE frequently
visited the camp office after the other POWS had gone to bed.
That sometime, a Japanese guard would come to the room and escort
him to the office. These civilian POWS and other POWS also stated
that this man received favors in the form of extra cigarettes
and food from the Japanese. At one time LIVERLIPS told me that
this man was "number one", meaning that LIVERLIPS regarded
him highly. We considered him an informer for the Japanese and
the person who put the finger on STRAUSS as states previously
herein. I have no direct knowledge that he was informing for
the Japanese, but all the circumstances as related by persons
closer to him than I was, indicated such action. I never saw
him get slapped or beaten by the Japs, and he had the reputation
for never having been beaten, slapped or otherwise abused.
CONCLUSION
I know of no Japanese at FUKUOKA NO.2 who at any time showed
any indication of sympathetic understanding or who lifted so
much as a finger to help any of the POWS imprisoned there.
This constitutes all the information I can recall concerning
atrocities committed at FUKUOKA POW CAMP NO.2.
/S/ James Henry Shook, Jr.
SWORN to before me and subscribed in my presence this 10th
day of February, 1947 at San Diego, California.
/S/ H. N. Sanders, Lieut USN
Auth: Act of Congress 9 Apr 43
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
(State Seal) CERTIFICATE
County of San Diego
I, Joseph Burwasser, Special Agent, CIC, 6th Army, certify
that James Henry Shook Jr. appeared before me February 4, 1947
and made the foregoing statement consisting of 13 pages, including
title and signature pages, and attached exhibits.
/S/ Joseph Burwasser, S/A CIC
Sixth Army
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