Shot Down Over Japan - The Treatment of American Airmen (Episode 1)

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[GEM]

When my dad was stationed in Japan in the 70’s, there were occasions when riding the trains that older Japanese spit on us. It only happened a few times and my dad explained that it was because of the devastation brought about by the bombing campaign against Japan during WW II. I find it ironic that Japan wants to talk about Hiroshima and other bombings. I don’t hear anything from them about Nanking or Manila atrocities perpetrated by their troops.

[markf]

In a social media world, there thrives so much false, trivial fluff and profit seeking nonsense.
And then there are guys like Mark, who make it all worthwhile and informative. I really enjoy his stories.

[corychecketts]

Thank you for making this video, Mark. My great uncle was Lt Col Chase Nielsen who was the navigator on The Green Hornet. His B-25 was the sixth plane to take off the USS Hornet of the Doolittle Raid. He was also one of the four raiders who survived the Japanese POW camps.

He was very open about his experience as a POW in Japan. I can vividly remember some of the stories he told our family about the hardships he endured. But through it all, he forgave the Japanese people and taught others how to forgive their enemies.

He's one of my personal heroes, so I can't thank you enough for sharing these stories with the world.

[somerandomdudethatyoudontknow]

When I saw the word “japan” and “treatment” I was already like “I don’t like where this is going...”

[thegunslinger]

I remember hearing that captured allied airmen. Where used in experiments at Unit 731. And at medical schools in Japan itself.

[aussietaipan]

My father escaped Singapore in early 1942 and island hopped to New Guinea where he rejoined the Australian army in Port Moresby. He was seconded to the US marines as an aircraft and instruments technician and helped to repair broken B29s in Tinian in 1944 and 1945. When he was assigned to a broken plane he kissed it for good luck. All of them survived and were never shot down but some came back damaged and again another kiss and off you go!.

[ral_master]

You know your day is going to be good when Mark Felton uploads

[Nathan-jhho]

I like how the Japanese talked about war crimes. Not ironic at all.

[PontiacBanker]

I was honored to meet Hap Halloran at the 73rd BW Reunion in Omaha, NE in 2002. I bought his book and had him sign it. Hearing him tell his experiences in person was very special. May he, and all B-29 crew members who have passed away, Rest In Peace!

[wtfbuddy]

Nice presentation - Any and all prisoners ( Army, Navy, and Airforce) were ill treated, abused and killed, Lest we Forget those who did not come home. Cheers and stay safe

[theunlawfulsponge]

Considering my great grandmother was held in a Japanese prison camp it pisses me off how easy the Japanese got off with these unspeakable crimes yet they always seemed to be portrayed as the victims because of the atom bombs

[lancelot]

My uncle was an officer on a USN Destroyer that was sunk in 1944. About 40+ sailors/officers were rescued by a Japanese ship. Men were segregated according to rank, enlisted were beaten, some decapitated, and were thrown overboard with weights and/or their arms/legs tied. The few officers, my uncle included were brought in to the mainland POW camp for torture, trying to get military information. Out of the 6-7 rescued officers, three were killed in captivity after long torture sessions. My uncle was beaten for nearly a year and saw some of his companions being dismembered. In 1945, as Japan was being bombed, he was praying that bombs would go astray and kill him to end the carnage.
According to my aunt (his wife), he never recovered, nightmares, fears, scars... and never forgave his captors. He volunteered for and saw action in Korea. He wrote several "diaries" (part of some therapy) but he finally committed suicide in 1955 upon return from Korea. His nightmare was over... Grand-ma donated his writings, diaries, memorabilia to the Smithsonian. I read them - it was absolutely unthinkable what he went through (along with many fellow Allied prisoners). His captors tortured him with "finesse", keeping him and his fellow POW between life and death to prolong the agony.
I still get "unhinged" when I see or hear liberals claiming "how bad we (Americans) were to firebomb and drop an Atomic bomb on Japan". How quickly does the world forget tyranny and infamy! Peace be with you all, lest not forget, ever! Ciao, L (US Veteran)

[Montblanc]

I knew a man who wouldnt let his hate for them go because of this

[tomgore]

My Dad was a bombardier flying in B-17Gs, stationed at Foggia, Italy, from 10/44 through VE day. At the time of the A-Bomb attacks, he and the rest of the AAF bomber crews in the European theater were awaiting transit to the US, for training in the B29. I thank God he didn't have to go through a second round of hell over Japan. War is always a tragedy, but defeat and subjugation at the hands of the Axis powers would have been infinitely worse.

[KonradAdenauerJr]

As one veteran B-29 crewman and POW told me, "beheadings with samurai swords were very common."

[eal]

A big thumb-up to Dr. Mark Felton for the real history of the Japanese cruelty depicted so realistically.

[RCAvhstape]

Japan: "Hey bombing us is not fair, we're gonna pass a law making it illegal!"
B-29 crews: "I don't think you understand how this works."

[roberthart]

My dad was not spared Japanese torture. His plane was shot down and he was captured and tortured. He barely survived. He suffered the rest of his life because of the Japanese. He was a very kind gentle man. I miss him.

[obamabin-laden]

Mark, you deserve your own TV show. Your content truly is that good.

[rycarpenter]

My Grandfather was an ANZAC POW transferred from Bruma to Japan after being captured in Java in 1942. I’m so grateful he was spared the retribution that befell these pilots.