PERPETUATION OF TESTIMONY OF DANIEL RAFALOVICH
Chief Signalman, U. S. Navy (#382 17 79)
U. S. Naval Base, Terminal Island (San Pedro), California
My name is Daniel Rafalovich. My permanent home address is #390 14th Street, San Pedro, California. I am now 26 years old; born in Butte, Montana on 25 September 1919, but have lived in San Pedro, California, for the past nineteen years. My rating at the time of capture was Seaman, first class.
I enlisted in the United States Navy on 12 March 1940 at Los Angeles, California. I was immediately sent to Honolulu and spent the next six months there. From Honolulu I was transferred to Manila and was stationed there until 7 December 1941.
On 3 February, I was transferred to the Dutch Cruiser H.R.M.S. De Ruyter for communication purposes. Our ship was torpedoed by a Japanese destroyer at 11:30 p.m., on 27 February 1942. I was in the water for about seventeen hours in a life jacket before being rescued by a Japanese gunboat. I was then taken to the Jap cruiser "Naka"; I was treated good by the Japs aboard ship.
On 1 March 1942, I was put in a landing barge and transferred to Jap Army on Java. For the next three days, all prisoners were forced to unload ammunition and supplies for the Jap Army. We were fed one or two handsful of rice daily. For five weeks, I lived in a jungle clearing with no shelter or accommodations of any kind; many prisoners died from malnutrition, malaria, and dysentery. We were given no clothing of any kind, no cigarettes, and no drinking water except what we could find in wells and holes in the ground. Nobody had any medical attention of any kind, and many of the injured died.
On Easter Sunday, we were herded into trucks and taken to Surabaja, Java, where I spent the next six months. Considering what we had just been through, we were treated fairly well here. We were given food three times a day, such as it was; the rice was from the storeroom floors, and the soup was made from scraps and roots of vegetables. Later, we were given bread made from flour that was old and had worms and ticks in it.
In October 1942, we were transferred to Batavia, Java; we traveled by train in third-class cars. I stayed in Batavia only two days. The food was very poor in quality and quantity. From here we went to Singapore.
We traveled by ship from Batavia to Singapore; all prisoners were crowded into the hold, and hatches were kept closed at all times. We spent approximately a week aboard ship; the food was terrible, and water was rationed to us about two cups per person a day.
I landed in Singapore about 1 November 1942; we were treated fairly well here. The food was some better, and none of the prisoners were forced to work. We spent only about one month here.
We left Singapore around 1 December for Japan. We traveled by ship to Japan in about seven days, kept on deck all of the time, and landed in Nagasaki, Japan, on 7 December 1942. I was taken to Camp Fukuoka #2. We were totally unprepared for the cold weather and had only tropical uniforms. During the next two months, many prisoners died from pneumonia and dysentery. The food was also a contributing factor to the deaths here; we had only rice and this vegetable soup. The food improved during the summer and the deaths declined. The winter of 1943 was a repetition of 1942. During my stay in this camp, I was forced to work in a shipyard; all prisoners were distributed among the civilians, and all worked together in the shipyard. On 1 December 1944, I was transferred to Fukuoka #1, near Fukuoka, Japan.
It was snowing when we arrived in camp; our quarters were very rudely made huts with grass walls, and we had no heat of any kind. Many prisoners died from pneumonia, the food again was very bad, and we were forced to work on an airport. We were beaten many times by a Jap guard (real name unknown), but he was nicknamed "The Beast." On the day I was transferred to Camp #17, I saw "The Beast" beat a Dutch prisoner to death.
My next move was to Camp Fukuoka #17, near Omuta, Japan. This was by far the worst camp I had been in. We worked in a coal mine, and the food was the worst I had ever eaten. The majority of the men were nothing but skin and bone; dysentery and malnutrition was common in this camp. My weight dropped from 68 kilos to 58 kilos.
About June of 1945, I stumbled and fell with a jackhammer on my shoulder; I suffered a broken hand, which I reported to our foreman whose nickname was just "The Pig." He beat me about the head and shoulders with a piece of dynamite fuse which resembled a heavy piece of wire; he then kicked and slapped me for about a half hour. I was forced to work with a broken hand. Every time he saw me, he would throw rocks and coal at me. The next day, I turned in at sick bay, and my hand was simply bandaged. As a result, I have a badly healed hand.
About July 1945, a guard whose nickname was "The Sailor" beat me across the back and buttox with a rod of iron about ten or fifteen times. As a result of this, I could not bend over or sit down for about two months. This same guard beat me across the back with a coal shovel about thirty times, and he beat me in the face with his fist until I could not open my mouth. I was given these beatings for no apparent reason. The camp commander was Captain Fukuhara, who knew about the beatings, but only encouraged them.
On 15 August, we quit work in the mine; on 19 August, we were informed the war was over. On 13 September, we were officially liberated by the United States Army. I returned to the States on 22 November 1945, after completing about 5½ years of overseas duty.
(signed) Daniel S. Rafalovich
State of California
County of Los Angeles
I, Daniel Rafalovich, of lawful age, being duly sworn on oath, state that I have read the foregoing statement consisting of two pages, and that it is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
(signed) Daniel S. Rafalovich
Subscribed and sworn to before me at U. S. Naval Base, Terminal Island (San Pedro), Calif. this 27th day of August 1946.
(signed) Captain G. J. McMillin
U.S. Navy Planning Officer at U. S. Naval Base, Terminal Island (San Pedro),
Calif., authorized to administer oaths in accordance with Appendix "E-1"
Sub-par. "B", Naval Courts and Boards 1937.
IN THE MATTER OF GENERAL MISTREATMENT AMERICAN PRISONERS AT CAMP ONE, FUKUOKA, KYUSHU, JAPAN, DURING THE PERIOD FROM 17 APRIL 1944 to 20 JUNE 1945.
Deposition of Warren Otto ROGGE, formerly a civilian employee of Morrison & Knudsen, contractors executing navy contracts at Wake Island.
Taken at: Navy Yard Mare Island, California
Presence: F. W. Reyland, Jr., Lieut. Comdr., USNR
Date: 9 October 1945
Q: What is your full name, occupation, age and permanent home address?
A: My name is Warren Otto ROGGE, Carpenter and Millwright. My age is 28 years and my home address is with my mother, Mrs. Annabelle ROGGE, 490 Beck Avenue, Watsonville, California.
Q: Were you ever held as a prisoner of war by the Imperial Japanese Government?
A: Yes, I was not in the military service of the United States but was employed as a Carpenter and Millwright by Morrison & Knudsen on Wake Island from April 13, 1941 until I was captured by the Japanese forces which invaded Wake Island on December 23, 1941. I believe these forces were Japanese Marines although I am not sure. I was held as a prisoner and compelled to work completing the airport, unloading cargo and constructing pill boxes and trenches on Wake Island for approximately nine months until my removal to Camp 18 near Sasebo, on the Island of Kyushu, Japan.
Q: Did you know the names of any of the Japanese present on Wake Island during the period of your imprisonment?
A: The only one I knew by name was an interpreter named KATSUMI, whom I was told formerly owned or edited a newspaper in Honolulu.
Q: Will you state your major places of imprisonment during the entire time you were held a prisoner of the Japanese?
A: Yes, from October 1942 until April 1944 I was in Camp 18 near Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan. From April 1944 until June 1945 I was at Camp One, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan and from June 1945 until September 1945 I was at Camp 9, Miyata, Kyushu, Japan.
Q: Can you name any of the enemy officers or persons in authority at your places of imprisonment?
A: Yes, at Camp 18 a Japanese naval officer named IGAWA, whose rank was "Haso" (I do not know the corresponding rank in the U. S. Navy) was in charge from October 1942 to October 1943. From October 1943 to April 1944 Camp 18 was under the supervision of the army and an officer named IKAGAMI, whose rank was "Shoi" was in command. At Camp One at Fukuoka, an army officer named SAKAMOTO, whose rank was "Chui" was in command from April 1944 to March 1945. I do not know the name of the camp commander who followed him. When I was transferred to Camp 9 at Miyata, Japan, in June 1945, I discovered SAKAMOTO Chui was in charge of that camp.
Q: Will you generally describe the treatment of prisoners at Camp One, Fukuoka, Japan?
A: The treatment of prisoners at Camp One, Fukuoka, Japan, was not as bad as at Camp 18, near Sasebo. I was beaten on five or six occasions and compelled to work nine or ten hours a day. Our principal complaint at Camp One was the failure of the camp commander, SAKAMOTO Chui, to distribute the Red Cross boxes which we knew were there. On the rare occasions when these Red Cross boxes were distributed there was but one box for many prisoners. On one occasion one box for each twenty-two prisoners was distributed. In addition we never received a full box as the Japanese had always removed articles such as butter from them.
Q: Would you state some specific instances when you were beaten?
A: A mess sergeant named FOO (or FU) took a dislike to me and tried to make a "punching bag" of me. I would say he beat me at least a dozen different times with his fists. On one occasion, which I particularly recall, he saw me with some extra rice which a Japanese guard had given me. Although I explained where I had received the rice he made me stand at attention and he beat me with his fists. He then ordered me to continue to stand at attention and hung a Japanese sign on me which a guard told me said that anyone who passed me should strike me. Not many of the guards liked FOO so but few of them struck me. A guard, whom we called "Bucktooth", also beat me with his fists two or three times, usually for some minor infraction of the rules such as failing to bow to him or to salute him.
Q: Please describe the work you were compelled to do?
A: I served as the camp carpenter for the first two or three months I was confined at Camp One as the prison camp [at Hakozaki] had not been completed when I arrived. After that I worked with other prisoners in the construction of the Fukuoka airport for which we were paid ten cents per day and received two days off each month. We were permitted to go into air raid shelters during air raids.
Q: Were you injured while confined at Camp One?
A: Yes, in the summer of 1944 I stepped on a nail which passed clear through my foot. I was sent to the hospital where an American doctor was permitted to treat me. However, he was unable to obtain the proper medicine in sufficient quantities and I am still being treated for this injured foot. I was unable to walk without a cane and was confined to minor work around the camp.
Q: Are there other specific instances of mistreatment at Camp One concerning which you now specifically recall?
A: No there is not.
(signed) Warren Otto Rogge
(signed) F. W. Reyland, Jr., Lieut. Comdr., U.S.N.R. (Witness)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
County of Solano
I, F. W. REYLAND, Jr. certify that Warren Otto ROGGE, Civilian, personally appeared before me on the 10th day of October, 1945, and testified concerning war crimes; and that the forgoing is an accurate transcription of the answers given by him to the several questions set forth.
Place: Mare Island, California
Date: 10 October 1945
(signed) F. W. Reyland, Jr.
Lieut. Comdr., U.S.N.R.
Major Cecil M. Sanders, 0-374817
FUKUOKA CAMP NO. 1 -- January 1945 to April 26, 1945
Approximately 500 officers and enlisted men arrived in Moji the 30th or 31st of January. The detail was divided into four sections of which 193 men went by rail to Fukuoka Camp No. 1. Fukuoka Camp No. 1 was located between the railroad and a small bay about 2-2½ miles northwest of Fukuoka City [Hakozaki].
When this detail arrived at 10:00 p.m. on 30 or 31 January, they found the camp already occupied by British and Dutch soldiers and between 125 and 150 Americans of which the most of them had come from Wake Island.
The camp compound was approximately 300 yards long and 200 yards wide. The compound plus the vegetable farm was approximately 12-15 acres. The compound was surrounded by a bamboo fence.
BUILDINGS:
Newly constructed. Had no heating system whatsoever. One story buildings with dirt floors. Had lower bays with aisle down center. Approximately 50 to 55 in each building. There were about 13 barracks in all. Had dispensary building, kitchen, three buildings for Japanese guards, guardhouse at gate, clothing and food supply house, one building for bathing, number of latrines. As mentioned before no heating facilities, but did have five-gallon oil can which was used as stove, Japanese later prohibited use of this. Five small windows were on each side.
Of the 193 that entered this camp 53 died. There were 125-150 Americans who had arrived before us. Majority of these men were from Wake Island.
MESSING FACILITIES:
One central mess. Had cupboards where food was disposed for each barracks. Representatives from the barracks were sent down to draw the food and return it to barracks where it was divided among the personnel. Had corpsmen to aid from first month to six weeks when the men were very sick.
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
General dispensary, one American Doctor, two Dutch doctors and a British doctor. Split up into four barracks, one doctor to examine each barracks. Came through everyday to make inspections. Medical supplies were very limited. Had to write letters to Japanese doctors to obtain medicines, but then it took anywhere from week to ten days to receive same.
LATRINES:
Open slit latrines.
RECREATION:
Library, but two months after arrival were not permitted to use these facilities as Japanese feared that the contagious sicknesses would be spread.
RED CROSS SUPPLIES:
Received one box a short time after arriving. One box for three men. Japanese took salmon and corned beef to be given at a later day to all personnel, but never received by them because the Japanese considered them too sick to have it.
MAIL:
There was none.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Had a show when the Japanese learned of Roosevelt's death.
WORK DETAILS:
After we had been there about a month, the Japanese doctor inspected all men. They were separated into three different groups, according to how sick they were, and then put to work. Worked in gardens, emptied latrines, etc. Food remained same.
FOOD:
Rice and large portions of millet. Men began growing weaker, as this was hard to digest. Had some flour in camp and started feeding the men rolls. Soup three times a day, this was very weak. Meat about once a week. Had beef, fish and squid.
AFFIDAVIT OF DONALD JACKSON SCOTT, SGT., U.S. MARINE CORPS
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SS
County of Alameda
Donald Jackson SCOTT, being duly sworn, deposes and says:
My permanent home address is DeBeque, Colorado. I was born in February 1918 at DeBeque, Colorado, had 12 years schooling, enlisted in the Marine Corps 1 December 1938, was assigned to the 1st Separate Marine Battalion at Cavite Navy Yard, P.I., 10 May 1940, was transferred to Bataan 23 December 1941 and was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese Army 8 April 1942 at Kilometer Post 76, Bataan, P.I.
I was held prisoner with a work group by Japanese Army Engineers and worked on various military installations from then until 25 July 1942 when I was imprisoned at Camp #1, Cabanatuan, P.I. I was held prisoner at Camp #l from 25 July 1942 to 15 July 1944, when I was transferred by cargo ship to Japan and was held prisoner at Camp #10, Futase, Kyushu Island, Japan, from 4 August 1944 to 4 December 1944, and at Camp #1, Fukuoka, Kyushu Island, Japan, from 4 December 1944 to 14 September 1945.
One of the guards at Fukuoka Camp #1 was known to the prisoners as "The Bull." He acted as a guard at the camp in the months of January and February 1945. His was a Private Superior attached to the 72nd Regiment of the Japanese Army, and his identity would be well known to the camp interpreter, whose name was KATSURA. KATSURA lived near the camp, which was located across the river from the Kashii station. KATSURA's identity is well known to Lee WILCOX and Walter HOLKSON, both of whom were prisoners in our camp and who had previously been civilian workers on Wake Island.
In February 1945 Corporal IVERSON, 4th Marines, U.S.M.C. and Corporal Roy H. HEATH, Quartermaster Department, U.S.A. (of Oakland, California telephone, Fruitvale 6555-J) were caught smoking three minutes after the breakfast smoking period. They were taken out in back of our barracks and forced to assume a "pushup" position and were beaten by "The Bull" with a bamboo pole about 4' long and 2" in diameter. This beating continued off and on from 0715 to 0830, and they were beaten continuously for the first half-hour of this time. As a result of the beating HEATH was in the hospital for at least two months. IVERSON, although he was very much weakened by the beating, refused to go to the hospital and continued to work around the camp. He died a week and a half after the beating and, in my opinion, as a result of the beating.
KATSURA, the interpreter at the camp, frequently subjected the prisoners to indignities such as flicking the end of their noses and in general subjecting them to ridicule. In addition to this he stole considerable quantities of our Red Cross Supplies, and complete details as to what was stolen and when it was stolen are known by Les WILCOX, the above-mentioned prisoner of war.
22 October 1945
(signed) Donald Jackson Scott
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of October 1945 at Oakland, California, U.S.A.
(signed) R. B. Tucker?
Lieutenant, U.S.N.R.
Joseph D. Silar, Pfc., USMC, ASN (unknown), after being duly sworn at 29th Replacement Depot, Luzon, P.I. on 14 September, 1945, testified as follows:
Q: How old are you?
A: 26
Q: Were you captured by the Japanese and made a prisoner of war? If so, when and where?
A: Corregidor, 6 May 1942
Q: At the time of your capture of what unit were you a member?
A: 4th Marine F Co 2nd Bn
Q: By what Japanese unit were you captured?
A: Emperors Own Rgt
Q: Do you expected to be repatriated, and if so, to what country?
A: Yes, United States
Q: What will your complete address be after your repatriation?
A: Granby, Mo.
Q: Will you state the names and locations of the camps at which you were held as a prisoner of war and the dates you were confined at each camp?
Compound or Camp -- Location -- Dates
A: Bilibid -- Manila -- May 42
Cabanatuan -- May 42 - Oct 42
Ft. McKinley -- Oct 42 - Feb 43
Bilibid Hosp -- Feb 43 - May 44
Camp No. 10 -- July 44 - Dec 44
Camp No. 1 -- Dec 44 - Sept 45
Q: Do you know, or have reason to believe, that the Imperial Japanese Forces failed to treat prisoners of war with humanity or otherwise committed atrocities and 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 Camp No. 1 Fukuoka, Kyushu, the dates thereof, the perpetrators, giving their names, ranks, units and other identifying information.
A: 1. I was a prisoner at Camp No. 1 Fukuoka, Kyushu, from 3 December 1944 until 7 September 45. We lived in bark huts 50 men to the hut there were holes in the wall and snow drifted in on us. We had no heat at all and were given no gloves or socks and were made to work. I worked in a supply yard and my hands and feet became so sore and swollen I could hardly work. We had to send out and unload building supplies, steel, cement and dynamite. When an air raid was going on we may be working on a car of dynamite and we were given no protection at all. There were about 400 of us at this camp. There were about 200 English, 100 Dutch and 100 Americans. Lt. Sakamoto was in charge of the camp. When he wanted to punish anyone he would punish the whole camp. I had seven beatings with a pole in the five months I was there. About two thirds of the camp had dysentery and Diarrhea. We had only one tub of water for 400 men to wash in.
2. The night President Roosevelt's death was announced we were brought in to give a concert, sing and tell stories as entertainment for the Japanese party, which was a drunken party.
3. They has a Japanese interpreter named Katsura there who would do the dirty work for the camp commander; this man lived in San Francisco for 15 years.
4. There were three doctors at the camp, 2 Dutch and an American captain. The names were Captain Divine [de Wijn], Dutch; Captain Ensing, Dutch; and Captain Kostecki, American. The Japs would take the Red Cross medicine and give us Jap quack medicine.
5. Katsura and Yamauna a civilian guard beat us and allowed other guards to beat us. They would have Jap civilians come out to the job to see how tough the guards were when they beat us.
6. The latrine was in the middle of the compound and was open, there was always flies and lice and fleas over everything.
7. Sometimes the guards would line up 50 to 75 men on the job and slap all of them and nobody knew why. One time some Red Cross supplies were short, they stood us all out in the cold and kept us there half the night.
8. There were some American civilians at this camp. I only remember the names of two now, who could give you more information. They were Jack Wolfe about 38 years old and Lee Wilcox about 60 years old who were taken from Wake Island.
9. The Red Cross packages were always short, the Japs took the milk and cigarettes out of them they gave us 1 can of milk to 4 men.
10. Many men died of pneumonia and malnutrition.
11. Katsura was about 46 years old, short about 5 feet tall, weighed about 160 pounds didn't wear glasses, was smooth shaven, was a 3-star private and made his living in Japan by doing card tricks and was on the stage doing tricks he learned in the States. He traveled all over the West Coast of the States.
12. Major Hagan an army doctor who was at Camp No. 23 knows the Japanese doctor who was stationed at Camp No. 1, Fukuoka, Kyushu when I was there because he was later transferred to Camp No. 23.
(signed) Joseph D. Silar
Subscribed and sworn to before this 14 day of September 1945.
(signed)
Josiah B. Gatwright?, 1st Lt. Inf.
Investigating Officer
War Crimes Branch
PORTER RUSSLE WARDLE, a male citizen, after being duly sworn at 29th Repl. Depot, Luzon, P.I. on 17 Sept., 1945, testified as follows:
Q: How old are you?
A: 27
Q: Were you captured by the Japanese and made a prisoner of war, and if so, when and where?
A: Wake Island, 23 Dec. 41
Q: Where did you reside at the time of your capture?
A: Wake Island, T.H.
Q: By what Japanese unit were you captured?
A: Japanese Navy
Q: Do you expected to be repatriated, and if so, to what country?
A: U.S.
Q: What will your complete address be after your repatriation?
A: Boise, Idaho, Rte #3
Q: Will you state the names and locations of the camps at which you were held as a prisoner of war and the dates you were confined at each camp?
Compound or Camp -- Location -- Dates
A: P.W. Camp -- Wake Island -- 23 Dec 41 - 30 Sept 42
Camp #18 -- Sasebo, Kyushu -- 13 Oct 42 - 17 May 44
Camp #1 -- Fukuoka, Kyushu -- 17 May 44 - 10 Sept 45
Q: Do you know, or have reason to believe, that the Imperial Japanese Forces failed to treat prisoners of war with humanity or otherwise committed atrocities and 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 Camp No. 1, Fukuoka, the dates thereof, the perpetrators, giving their names, ranks, units and other identifying information.
A: From 17 May until Febr. 1945, the above camp was commanded by SAKAMOTO CHUI, an Army officer. I do not know what organization he belonged to. He was about 38 years old, 5'5" tall, weight 125 lbs., high forehead, clean-shaven and no glasses. He was very military and had a "cocky" appearance.
At least once a week, through an interpreter, Sakamoto Chui would harangue us. We were threatened with punishment, reduced rations and loss of Red Cross packages for failures to work hard enough and for minor infractions of the rules. He was a hard driver at all times, and seemed to be "work crazy."
He would have men knocked down for having a hat on crooked or similar thing, and would personally strike anyone who did anything to displease him. In cold icy weather we were forced to work in waist deep water. Men who were ill could not get treatment unless they were carried to the doctor. Our own doctors were unable to get enough medicine to satisfactorily treat any of us.
The Red Cross packages were always stripped of such items as butter, meat, soap, milk and jam. When the war ended we found in the camp warehouses ample supplies of much needed shoes, clothing and food that had been sent by the Red Cross as far back as 1942. This stuff was damaged and destroyed by rodents.
I have nothing further to add to this statement.
(signed) PORTER R. WARDLE
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 17th day of Sept. 1945.
(signed) R. H. GILLILAND
1st Lt. Inf.
Investigating Officer
War Crimes Investigating Detachment
WARREN, JOSEPH PAUL, Pfc., ASN 19049470, after being duly sworn at 29th Replacement Depot, Luzon, P.I. on 16 September, 1945, testified as follows:
Q: How old are you?
A: 32
Q: Were you captured by the Japanese or made a prisoner of war, and if so, when and where?
A: 11 April 1940, Bataan.
Q: What was your unit at the time of your capture?
A: 228th Signal Operations Co. (Sep)
Q: By what Japanese unit were you captured?
A: Army.
Q: Do you expect to be repatriated, and if so, to what country?
A: Yes. USA.
Q: What will your complete address be after your repatriation?
A: 2928 So. Oakhurst, Los Angeles, Calif.
Q: Will you state the names and locations of the camps at which you were held as a prisoner of war and the dates you were confined at each camp?
Compound or Camp -- Location -- Dates
A: Omuta Camp #17 -- Japan -- 2 Oct 43 -- 4 Dec 43
Fukuoka Camp #1-- Japan -- 4 Dec 43 - 20 Jun 44
Fukuoka Camp #12-- Japan -- 20 Jun 44 - 15 Aug 45
Q: Do you know or have you reason to believe that the Imperial Japanese Forces 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 Camp No. 1, Fukuoka, the dates thereof, the perpetrators, giving their names, ranks, units and other identifying information.
A: Lt. Sakamoto was the Camp Commander. On one occasion a buddy of mine, Marine Pfc. Tom Holland was severely beaten with a saber by Sakamoto because he took Dragon [daikon] (Radish). We had to help him back from the work detail and for four days he was unable to walk. He was given medical treatment by the American Doctor Walter Kostecki and a Japanese Doctor whose name I don't remember but I know that he was good to us and to Holland. The beating of Holland took place in December of 1944.
Sakamoto, 5'8", 150 lbs., hair completely shaved off, called "The Basher Wagon Driver". This is the best description I can give of Sakamoto.
This is all I know about this Camp.
(signed) Joseph P. Warren
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 16 day of Sept., 1945.
(signed)
John J. Mullahy, 1st Lt. Cmd.
Investigating Officer
War Crimes Investigating Det.
Affidavit of Kenneth R. WHEELER, Lieut. (SC), USN
State of California
County of Los Angeles
I, Kenneth R. WHEELER, 211 W. Maple Avenue, Fullerton, California, age 27, being duly sworn, upon my oath depose and state that:
I was a member of the U.S. Naval Forces that surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army in May 1942. After being taken a prisoner of war at Corregidor, I was moved to Cabanatuan Camp No. 2 where I remained until November 1942, after which I was moved to Davao Camp No. 1 where I remained until July 1944, after which I was moved to Cabanatuan Camp No. 2 until November 1944, after which I was moved to Bilibid until December 1944, after which I was moved to Fukuoka Camp No. 1, Kyushu, Japan, until April 1945, after which I was moved to Jinsen Camp No. 1, Korea, where I remained until liberated on 7 September 1945. I returned to the United States on 1 October 1945.
While at Camp No. 1 near Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan, during the period February through April 1945 punishments were readily meted out to prisoners for minor infractions of rules. The Commandant, Lieut. SAKAMOTO, often denied the prisoners use of fires during the bitter cold months of winter and passes rules which required windows and doors of the drafty huts to be open from early morning until night. Not even the huts containing pneumonia patients escaped this rule. Humiliating tasks were assigned to senior American officers at this camp, such as cleaning and emptying latrines, etc. Those unable to work were given less food than the others. Although few food parcels were ever distributed to the prisoners themselves at this camp, I have personally seen dozens of empty cans bearing American labels of the same brand names and dates of those of the American Red Cross prisoner of war food parcels in the refuse piles coming from Japanese Officers' and staff barracks and mess buildings. During the time the draft to which I was assigned was at this camp each American prisoner was issued one-third of the so-called weekly food parcels.
Mr. KATSURA, the camp interpreter, usually carried out the actual punishing of prisoners. Punishments included standing at attention for long periods of time in the bitter weather and the placing of prisoners in a "dog box". The box was made from slats with wide cracks between and so constructed that it was impossible to stand inside. The prisoner consigned to the "dog box" was allowed one blanket in the bitter cold and no shoes whatsoever. Major ROBY, VC, USA, was consigned to the "dog box" in March 1945 for a minor infraction of a camp rule. Major ROBY was first severely beaten by Mr. KATSURA. He remained in the "dog box" for several days and during this time suffered frostbite of both feet and very severe exposure. Previously an American prisoner had been assigned to the "dog box" for tearing a Japanese blanket. As a result of this exposure the prisoner died.
Lieut. SAKAMOTO is described as follows: age, about 45; height, about 5'2"; weight, about 125; hair dark; eyes dark; does not wear glasses; habitually keeps hands under blouse. No distinguishing marks. Mr. KATSURA is described as follows: age, about 40; height, about 5'3" or 5'4"; weight about l30; eyes dark; hair dark; speaks English with American slang; has a large scar on abdomen.
To the best of my knowledge, the testimony I have given herein covers all pertinent details of this incident.
(signed) Kenneth R. WHEELER
Lieutenant, (SC)
Serial No. 82872
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 26th day of November 1945 at San Pedro, California.
(signed) Frank J. McCANN
Lieutenant, USNR.
C E R T I F I C A T E
State of California
SS
County of Los Angeles
I, Charles F. CALDWELL, certify that Kenneth R. WHEELER, personally appeared before me on the 26th day of November 1945, at San Pedro, California, and made the foregoing statement concerning war crimes.
(signed) Charles F. CALDWELL
Chief Boatswain, USNR.
For the WAR CRIMES OFFICE
Judge Advocate General's Department -- War Department
United States of America
In the matter of atrocities committed at Sasebo Naval Camp, later Fukuoka No. 18-B, Kyushu, Japan
Perpetuation of Testimony of Edward J. White, internee.
Taken at: 1406 Cherokee Avenue, Gaffney, South Carolina.
Date: 4 February 1947.
In the Presence of: William R. Reed, Special Agent, Counter Intelligence
Corps.
Reporter: William R. Reed, Special Agent, Counter Intelligence Corps.
Questions by: Silas V. Strickland, Special Agent, Counter Intelligence Corps.
Q: State your name, permanent home address and occupation.
A: Edward J. White, 1406 Cherokee Avenue, Gaffney, South Carolina, carpenter.
Q: Have you recently been returned to the United States from overseas?
A: Yes, 20 October 1945.
Q: Were you an internee?
A: Yes.
Q: At what places were you held and state the approximate dates?
A: I was captured on Wake Island on 23 December 1941 and remained on Wake Island until 30 September 1942. From 30 September 1942 until 13 October 1942 I was enroute to Prisoner of War Camp Fukuoka No. 18, remained there until 17 April 1944. 18 April 1944 until 17 January 1945 I was at Prisoner of War Camp No. 1 in Japan. Original Camp No. 1 at Fukuoka disbanded 17 January 1945 and was relocated in the vicinity [Hakozaki], I was stationed there from 17 January 1945 to 5 August 1945 at this place I was liberated.
Q: Did you witness (or have you been told of) any atrocities or mistreatment of American citizens at any time?
A: Yes, in August 1943 at Prisoner of War Camp Fukuoka #18, Japan while under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Navy, three (3) men, American internees were severely beaten. These men were accused of stealing food, their names are: Frank Burns, Spokane, Washington; Fred Zey, San Francisco, California; and George W. Schmaljohn, Vancouver, Washington. These beatings began at 1800 hours and continued until 2200 hours, the entire group of Prisoners of War were lined up to witness these beatings. They were beaten with pick handles and large sticks. In my opinion a Japanese Naval Petty Officer in charge whose name is Egawa was responsible for this incident, and he is described as follows: clean cut, weight 140 pounds, height five feet, four inches, quiet spoken, shifty looking, blinked his eyes, age 30 to 35 years, spoke some English and was dressed in a Japanese Naval uniform. Egawa was in charge of Fukuoka #18, Japan, from 13 October 1942 until about 1 October 1943. Fred Zey was sickly and later died in a Prisoner of War camp probably due to this beating. George W. Schmaljohn was beaten down, then held up by a Japanese sailor and beaten unconscious by Egawa. At no time was any medical attention rendered after the beating was administered.
Q: State what was told you about that incident.
A: I witnessed the incident as related.
Q: Mr. White, please state what you know regarding other incidents where American citizens or prisoners of war were mistreated.
A: At Japanese Prisoner of War Camp Fukuoka #18, about 27 November 1943, while on duty at the rock crusher, a Japanese foreman, a civilian who was known as "Grandma" continued to pick on an American civilian by slapping and continual abuse. this victim struck "Grandma" over the left eye with a shovel. The victim was tried by a Japanese Courts-Martial, convicted, imprisoned in the big prison at Fukuoka, Japan, where he later died. the Prisoner of War Camp Commander, a Japanese 2nd Lieutenant named Ikegami caused twenty-seven (27) Japanese guards to administer beatings to approximately two hundred and fifteen (215) prisoners of war. We were all beaten until 2300 yours, and the Camp Commander would not allow any supper to be served that day. The Japanese known to me as "Grandma" is described as follows: slouchy, lower lip hung down, several gold teeth in front, could not speak plain, spoke no English, height five feet five inches, weight 135 pounds, son of a wealthy Japanese, Japanese civilian foreman, at rock crusher of Camp Fukuoka #18, color real brown, close cropped hair, and should have a scar over his left eye. The Japanese Camp Commander at this time was "Ikegami" and is described as follows: well dressed Japanese Army Officer, short about five feet four inches, weight 130 to 135 pounds, was at Camp Fukuoka #18 from October 1943 until April 1944. The original victim in this incident whom I did not see before or after, name unknown, is described as follows: height six (6) feet, weight two hundred (200) pounds normal weight, blonde hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, American citizen, captured on Wake Island, worked at the Asphalt plant on Wake Island, had no visible scars or marks. He was an American civilian who was working on Wake Island prior to his capture.
A2: At Prisoner of War Camp Fukuoka #1, about December 1944, an American soldier, name and address unknown, who was captured in the Philippine Islands, was accused of breaking a shovel handle. The victim admitted breaking the shovel handle. A Japanese civilian guard, formerly a Japanese soldier who was wounded, later discharged to perform guard duty. This guard was known to me as "Buck Tooth", beat the American soldier with the remainder of the shovel handle until he was completely unconscious. Then the interpreter, a Japanese soldier, three star private, named Katsura, demonstrated jujitsu with the unconscious body. This mistreatment was performed without authority from higher officials. No aid was rendered the victim. "Buck Tooth" is described as follows: wore Japanese army uniform with no rank, height five feet nine inches, weight 150 pounds, wore his hair long, did not speak plainly, wounded in foot and walked with his foot turned outwardly and appeared to be crazy. The interpreter, Katsura, is described as follows: height five feet four inches, weight 140 pounds, spoke fluent English, wore close cropped hair, and did not wear glasses. The victim is described as follows: height six feet, weight 140 pounds, blonde hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, age 20 to 25 years, appeared frail and been sick. Name, rank and organization unknown but had been captured somewhere in the Philippine Islands.
A3: At Prisoner of War Camp Fukuoka #18, about the last of December 1944 or early January 1945, an American soldier was caught with some turnips that were grown in areas immediately surrounding our work area. The victim was beaten unconscious with a garden tool that resembles a pick, and the victim had to be carried back to camp on a cart. This beating was administered by a Japanese soldier, a one or two star private who was known to me as "The Beast", and I never saw him again after this incident. The victim died enroute to camp or immediately after arrival at camp. The beating was administered on the site of the new Camp Fukuoka #1 [Hakozaki] which we were constructing. "The Beast" is described as follows: height five feet four inches, weight one hundred and forty pounds, color very dark, a Japanese soldier, one or two star private and possessed very mean features. The victim's name, rank, organization and description is unknown to me. Incidents as related above were personally witnessed by me, and nothing was related by others.
(signed)
EDWARD J. WHITE
State of: South Carolina
SS
County of: Cherokee
I, Edward J. White, of lawful age, being duly sworn on oath, state that I have read the foregoing transcription of my interrogation and all answers contained therein are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
(signed)
EDWARD J. WHITE
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of February 1947.
My commission expires: at will of the Governor
(signed)
Francis U. White
Notary Public for South Carolina
CERTIFICATE
I, William R. Reed, Special Agent, Counter Intelligence Corps, certify that on 6 February 1947, personally appeared before me Edward J. White, and gave the foregoing answers to the several questions set forth; that after his testimony had been transcribed, the said Edward J. White read the same and affixed his signature thereto in my presence.
Place: 1406 Cherokee Avenue, Gaffney, South Carolina
Date: 6 February 1947
(signed) William R. Reed
Special Agent, Counter Intelligence Corps.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SS
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
In the matter of the severe beating of John La Pey administered by Takeo Katsura at Camp #1, Fukuoka, Japan, in 1944.
I, JAMES OTTO WILLIAMSON, 11527 Chandler Boulevard, North Hollywood, California, age 42, being first duly sworn upon my oath, depose and state:
I am an American citizen and was employed on Wake Island as a powerhouse foreman by the Pacific Naval Air Base Contractors at the time I was captured by the Japanese, which was on 23 December 1941. I was held as a prisoner on Wake Island until 30 September 1942 at which time I was taken to Japan on a collier and tanker #265. I arrived in Japan on 11 October 1942 at Yokohama and was held at Camp #18, Fukuoka District for 18 months, and then on 7 April 1944 I was taken to Camp #1, Fukuoka, and held there until I was liberated on 17 September 1945.
While I was held as a prisoner of the Japanese at Camp #1, Fukuoka, Japan, a Japanese interpreter by the name of Takeo Katsura administered many beatings to Allied prisoners of war, some of which resulted in death. One beating which I observed was that in which Katsura unmercifully beat an American civilian by the name of John La Pey. This beating occurred late in the summer of 1944. We were all in our barracks for evening roll call when a Japanese non-commissioned officer, a Japanese soldier, and Katsura lined us up and called off our names. We were supposed to answer roll call in a very loud voice. One prisoner, John La Pey, answered when his name was called, but did not holler loud enough to satisfy the Japanese so Katsura jerked him out of line, hit him several times with his fists, knocked him down and kicked him. La Pey was so seriously injured as a result of this beating that he was unable to work for three days.
The victim, John La Pey, was a mechanic employed by the Pacific Naval Air Base Contractors at Wake Island until his capture by the Japanese on 23 December 1941. His home was in Spokane, Washington.
Takeo Katsura was a Japanese interpreter for the camp and was a first class private in the Japanese Army. His home address was Asani Oshima-Gun, Kagoshima- Ken, Japan. Katsura was about 30 years of age, 5' 6" in height, had a husky, heavy build, had light and dark blotchy skin on his body, heavy beard for a Japanese, very thick legs, a swaggering walk, harsh voice and spoke good English. His nickname was "Catsy". He told us that he had gone to school in Houston, Texas, and had spent sixteen years in various places in the United States. Katsura was one of the most vicious of the Japanese personal at the camp. I heard from other prisoners of war that beatings administered by him resulted in the death of an unknown half-caste Dutch-Indonesian, an English barber, name unknown, and an American soldier, name unknown.
The Japanese Commanding Officer of the prison camp at the time of this incident was a Captain in the regular Japanese Army. I do not know his name but we called him "Commander Baka", for he called everyone "Baka" (crazy). He was about 45 years of age, tall for a Japanese, being about 5' 7", slender build, thin face, sharp features, prominent gold tooth, and had a dark complexion for a Japanese. He bragged about his previous Army service in the China campaign, where he had won his rank of Captain for some brave military maneuver. He was relieved of his command at this prisoner of war camp about three months before the Japanese surrendered, and it was rumored about the camp that he killed himself. I do not know where his home was in Japan.
I believe Mr. Lyle Graham, 405 North Date Street, Toppenish, Washington, was present at the time John La Pey was beaten, and could corroborate this testimony. I think that Major Kostecki, the American senior medical officer at this camp, whose home was in Boston, Massachusetts, also observed this beating and could corroborate this testimony.
The above facts constitute all of the details of the above incident insofar as I can now recollect.
(signed) JAMES OTTO WILLIAMSON
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 8th day of March 1946, at LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
(signed) PHILIPPE de C. GARNIER
Captain MI
SUMMARY COURT
CERTIFICATE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SS
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
I, Herman L. Schultz, Jr., Agent, SIC, 9SC, certify that JAMES OTTO WILLIAMSON personally appeared before me on the 8th day of March 1946, CALIFORNIA at LOS ANGELES, and made the foregoing statement concerning war crimes.
(signed) Herman L. Schultz, Jr.
- - - - - - - - - -
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY SERVICE FORCES
OFFICE OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL
WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
16 October 1945
SUBJECT: Request for interrogation of James Otto Williamson
Commanding General, Ninth Service Command, Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah ATTENTION: Director, Security and Intelligence Division
1. It is requested that Mr. James Otto Williamson, 11527 Chandler Blvd., No. Hollywood, California, be interviewed and that his testimony regarding war crimes be taken under oath in question and answer form.
2. Mr. Williamson should be questioned concerning his internment as a Japanese prisoner of war. He should also be requested to turn over any records that he may have in his possession.
3. If Mr. Williamson has left your area, this request should be forwarded to the headquarters of the service command in which he is located, directed to the attention of the Director, Security and Intelligence Division.
4. It is requested that this matter be expedited and that the depositions taken be returned to this office by air mail.
FOR THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL:
(signed) C. L. YANCEY
Major, JAGD
Executive
War Crimes Office
JACK MORSE WOLF (Civ.), a Male - white citizen, after being duly sworn at 29th Replacement Depot, APO 238 S. Francisco on 16 September, 1945, testified as follows:
Q: How old are you?
A: 34 years
Q: Were you interned by the Japanese or made a prisoner of war, and if so, when and where?
A: 23 Dec. 1941 - Wake Island, T.H. - (Yes)
Q: Where did you reside at the time of your capture?
A: Wake Island, T.H.
Q: By what Japanese unit were you captured?
A: Japanese Navy - Tigoons
Q: Do you expect to be repatriated, and if so, to what country?
A: U.S.A.
Q: What will your complete address be after your repatriation?
A: 3006 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska (parents)
Q: Will you state the names and locations of the camps at which you were held as a prisoner of war and the dates you were confined at each camp?
Compound or Camp -- Location -- Dates
A: Wake Island -- Military Island -- 23 Dec 1941 to 30 Sept 1942
Sasebo -- Japan -- 13 Oct 1942 to 17 Jan 1944
Fukuoka No #1 -- Japan -- 17 Jan 1944 to 5 Sept 1945
Q: Do you know or have you reason to believe that the Imperial Japanese Navy-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 Camp #1 Fukuoka, Japan, the dates thereof, the perpetrators, giving their names, ranks, units and other identifying information.
A: Arrived there Jan 17, 1944. Compound Bks. #5. I was hut commander. The following men committed the atrocities attached:
Lt. SAKAMOTO - camp commander; he permitted the guards to have their own way. He often beat the prisoners to force them to work harder at the airport. He struck them with anything nearby (wood, bamboo, picks, etc). He was the worst of any. I saw these beatings with my own eyes. I cannot recall the names of any victims.
Mr. KATSURA - interpreter in Camp #1. His address is Kobe or Kagoshima. His first name is "Takeo". He beat many boys. I saw him beat an American soldier named Pvt. CHERNE, of Oklahoma. He asked the soldier how the shovel handle was broken near a railroad. He did not know anything about it. He struck him with a shovel handle, and with his fists, kicked him and ju-jitsued him until exhausted. This occurred about October 1944 - was 15 yrs. in U.S.
Pvt. OKI ("JOTOHAY") - 3 star private. He came from Camp #18 to Camp #1. He generally got drunk, and just mean. He would hit the men with anything. Studied to be an actor, and knows some English. He struck me; Ike Wardel; James Stone; Dave Tallman for no reason. He called us damn fools, in Japanese "Nixima".
Pvt. HATA ("JOTOHAY") - 3 star private like Oki. (a) Men received prescriptions from the Jap doctor for medicine. Hata had charge of the pharmacy. He would tear up the prescription, and then beat the sick man unmercifully, and never issue the medicine. Many men had died.
Dr. KOSTECKI, Capt. (MC), U.S.A. - can relate all about this Japanese soldier. He was left there when I left for another place. (b) After returning from work at the end of the day, everyone was forced to exercise in the evening. This included the sick men. If anyone could not carry on for the 30 minutes, Hata would be walking around with a large stick and beat them, until black and blue. I cannot recall the names of the victims because there were so many of them. Many sick men died due to these cruel punishments. He would make some men stand in the sun holding a bucket of water over their head with their arms extended for hours.
Sgt. HOSEMA ("GUNSO") - (2 star and bar):- Nicknamed "The Bull". 5 ft. 10 in. tall, 170 lbs., large features; complexion brown yellow, not too dark, heavy low voice, thick eyebrows; speaks English slightly; was a ju-jitsu expert. He used to practice ju-jitsu on all the men, if you resisted his ju-jitsu he would strike you, or injure the kidneys. At present he is teaching school, the art of ju-jitsu, in Kumamoto, Japan.
About Jan. 1944 in Bks. #7 he beat up very badly William A. Hansen, Dalas, Wisconsin. He was sick in bed, had his arm in a sling, and it was infected. He was slow in coming to attention. He went over to him and started to beat him using ju-jitsu; we all thought that he'd kill him. Then he made him stand there and not allow him to lie in bed.
He struck me several times for practice.
(signed) JACK M. WOLF
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 16th day of September, 1945.
(signed)
SAMUEL ROWE, Capt., QMC
Investigating Officer
War Crimes Investigating Detachment
CERTIFIED A TRUE COPY:
(signed)
Charles H. Sullivan?
Capt. C.M.P.
- - - - - - - - - -
[ON SEPARATE DOCUMENT]
DETAILS OF ATROCITIES
KIND OF CRIME -- WHERE IT HAPPENED -- WHO WAS THE VICTIM (include name, nationality & whether military personnel or not). -- STATE IF YOU SAW IT YOURSELF. IF YOU DID NOT SEE IT, WHO TOLD YOU ABOUT IT.
(A) Execution -- Wake Island -- Julius M. Haufmeister -- I was forced to witness it. He was an American civilian.
(A) Murder -- Sasebo, Japan -- Knox, an American civilian, first name unknown, was put in Dog Box and starved until he died.
(B) In Sasebo, Japan, a Jap by the name of Egawa Haeso done everything in the book.
Below is a list of Japs who committed atrocities.
Sakamoto
Katsura
Oki
Hata
Honda (Buck Tooth)
Hosema (The Bull)
The Froo
CHECK LIST for John M. Wright, Jr.
1. Date of your arrival at: Fukuoka No. 1
30 Jan., 1945
2. Please state its exact location if possible, or if this cannot be done, please describe its location with reference to other cities or prominent land marks.
West coast of Kyushu. Designated Fukuoka Camp Number One. About a five hour train trip from Moji, Kyushu.
3. When was camp first occupied by prisoners of war? Were the first occupants Americans, British, Dutch or Australians?
Camp was occupied by Americans from Wake Island, British from Singapore, Dutch, and Australians when we arrived.
4. Number of Americans in your group and name of senior American officers.
193 Americans. Col. C. T. Beecher, USMC. Col. Alexander, USA
5. Please give figures on personnel in this camp to the best of your knowledge. Your own group should be included in these figures.
Americans: 193
Army: 175
Navy: 8
Marines: 10
Civilians: 0
British: 400 (?)
Dutch: 200 (?)
Australians: 100 (?)
Chinese: 0
Any other nationality: 0
Total: About 900 (?)
6. Names and titles of Japanese camp officials.
Interpreter - Katsura
7. Please describe the condition of the following facilities:
a. Size of compound and type of fence: Wood fence. About 5 acres (?).
b. Housing
1. Number of barracks: 13
2. Size of barracks: About 90' in length and 20' in width.
3. Type of construction: Low wooden buildings with steep roof to walls about three feet high.
4. Type of roof: Wood, roofing paper.
5. Type of floor: Sand
6. Type of interior construction: Shelves along each side for beds. Sand aisle in center.
c. Latrines
1. Location: About three, about 100' from barracks.
2. Type: Hole in floor, individual rooms. Unheated.
d. Bathing
1. Location: One bath house, about 100' from line of barracks.
2. Type: Concrete floor. About four tin tubs 4' square and 4' deep. Hot water.
3. Size: About 150 men allowed to bathe at one formation, once a week.
d. Mess
1. Type: One mess run for whole camp, staffed with British personnel. Considerable graft in management.
2. Amount of food: Barely a maintenance ration.
3. Preparation: Poor. Dirty.
4. Quality:
f. Medical attention and type of hospital: British, Dutch, and American doctors and corps men. British very inconsiderate of our needs. Inadequate medicine or bandages.
8. Type of work performed by prisoners of war.
a. Officers: Policing camp area and working in garden.
b. Enlisted men: All types manual labor.
9. What were the working conditions?
Not oppressive, but too much on the poor ration.
10. Describe the conditions and restrictions on the sending and receiving of mail.
No mail received. No mail sent.
11. How much were the prisoners of war paid?
a. Officers: 30 yen, 1st lieut.
b. Enlisted men: ?
12. Number of Red Cross parcels received and dates received.
One parcel for 3 men. About 1 Feb. 1945.
13. Clothing situation
a. What was issued by the Japanese and dates?
2 pr. trousers, 2 shirts, 2 blouses, 2 pr. underwear, one overcoat. 1 Feb. 1945.
14. How was your treatment?
We were almost completely ignored.
15. How was morale?
Fair.
16. What were the religious facilities?
Church of England held occasional services.
17. Date of departure from this camp?
27 April 1945
18. Number of Americans in this group?
130
19. Conditions en route and names of towns through which you passed.
By boat across straits to Fusan, Korea. By train to Keijo, then train to Jinsen. Regular food and considerate treatment.
20. Destination: Jinsen, Korea
21. A rough sketch of the camp's lay-out showing the approximate size of the buildings. Please make sketch on reverse side of check list.
22. Name, rank and address of other officers or enlisted men who can furnish information concerning this prisoner of war camp.
Col. C. T. Beecher, USMC
Col. Wm. D. North, MC, USA
Col. Carl Englehart, CAC, USA
23. Your name, rank, serial number, organization and home address.
John M. Wright, Jr., Maj., O-23057, CAC
1055½ So. Stanley Ave., Los Angeles 35, Calif.
NOTE: Any other information which in your opinion will be of interest to this office should be placed on the reverse side of the check list.
Worst feature was lack of food and intense cold in unheated barracks. We were all nearly starved, sick, and wounded upon arrival and not fitted for the winter. British could have helped, but brought upon themselves only resentment for their lack of consideration.
Affidavits ? - > |