My father became a POW of the Japanese Empire April 10, 1942 on Bataan. 60% of the Americans captured by the Japanes survived the war. My father had no bitterness towards the Japanese because they knew no better and treated each other badly. Upon his return to American control, he was fattened up for several months before the public could be allowed to see him. The survivors pretty much had to swear to secrecy about their treatment. If the US did not consider the possible need for Japan as an ally against the Soviets, there would be no Japanese today. The US was very careful to not have other allies, especially China and the Philippines, as part of the occupation of Japan. The Japanese rewarded many of their war criminals after the war, and will not teach their children about Japanese conduct during the war. Very few Japanese have shown any honor in accepting the past conduct of Japan. They don't realize how close they came to extermination as a race in response to the conduct of their military.
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