I was amazed! It was a simple question to which I gave a brief, personal answer about whether I thought the dropping of the bomb was necessary to end the war with Japan. But it elicited over 100 very thoughtfully considered comments. I was immediately hooked by Reddit's ability for me to converse with thoughtful (probably young) people.
Along with many of you, I learned so much. Anyone interested in this topic can find a wealth of information from studies like Operation Coronet reported on my AMA site,
https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/40cmzb/i_am_90_years_old_an_officer_during_wwii_a/
But to summarize the responses. Filmmaker Ken Burns' personal observation after his series on WWII is quoted as concluding that casualties on both sides would have been significantly worse had the bomb not been dropped. While I was most overwhelmed by the interest and knowledge about the topic. Most striking to me was this reply:
"I actually live in Yokohama - and when you study the war from the Japanese side, the destruction in the firebombing of Tokyo/Yokohama was equally destructive. In some ways (including the casualties) it was substantially worse. Had the Americans invaded, Japan could have expected relentless, non-stop firebombing of this type, more or less completely unopposed, as the Japanese were incapable at this point of mounting any serious air defense. And that would have been before the invasion. It's highly likely that the destruction to Japanese civilians without the bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki would have been much, much worse. Interesting point - most Japanese I speak to blame all of this squarely on the Japanese government, not the Americans."
Along with many of you, I learned so much. Anyone interested in this topic can find a wealth of information from studies like Operation Coronet reported on my AMA site,
https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/40cmzb/i_am_90_years_old_an_officer_during_wwii_a/
But to summarize the responses. Filmmaker Ken Burns' personal observation after his series on WWII is quoted as concluding that casualties on both sides would have been significantly worse had the bomb not been dropped. While I was most overwhelmed by the interest and knowledge about the topic. Most striking to me was this reply:
"I actually live in Yokohama - and when you study the war from the Japanese side, the destruction in the firebombing of Tokyo/Yokohama was equally destructive. In some ways (including the casualties) it was substantially worse. Had the Americans invaded, Japan could have expected relentless, non-stop firebombing of this type, more or less completely unopposed, as the Japanese were incapable at this point of mounting any serious air defense. And that would have been before the invasion. It's highly likely that the destruction to Japanese civilians without the bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki would have been much, much worse. Interesting point - most Japanese I speak to blame all of this squarely on the Japanese government, not the Americans."
So what's my personal take-away from the discussion? I was of course gratified that my own (selfish) position on the wisdom of dropping the bomb was substantiated by respondents. And I had two further reactions:
- At first I felt that readers had a knee-jerk reaction to the first comment on my bio - that I was a veteran of WWII.
- As a former high school "Social Studies" teacher, I was delighted with the interest in History and a recognition that knowledge of history is important to help us avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
And now it is time answer more questions that I can report on next week.
I am also 90, I was born May 27 1925 in a midwifes home in the small town of Glen Ullin ND. I started school at the age of 5 this was probably a mistake since all my class mates were a year older , a big difference when your young. I was 13 when I got my first job, it was herding cattle for a absent owner, I was to be paid 25 cents a day plus my meals however the man had a heart attack & died after I had only worked 7 days and only received 50 cents. My next job was a year later (1940)it was working for a farmer, it was during summer vacation from school when he paid me after 3 months he left it in a envelope with my parents I was expecting 90 dollars but only received 6 times were still bad and he quit farming a few months later. My summer School vacation 1941 I lied my age and with 2 freinds we joined the CCC (civilian conservation core, this was one of many of the Govt make work projects we were sent to a camp in South Dakota Our pay was 30 dollars a month however 15$ was sent to our parents 7.00$ was saved for us we were charged 50 cents a week for our laundry we got a chit book with 20 5 cent coupons each week so when payday came we would get 1.50 to 2.00 dollars for our month spending money. My older brother joined the navy January 1941 and was a crew member of the USS Holland a Submarine tender they were at Manila in the Philipines when world war 2 started, he happened to be ashore overhauling the batteries on a Submarine the Porpoise. When his ship received notice that Pearl Harbor had been attacked it pulled out to sea and he was left on the sub. Later taken to Coriegador where he was attached to the army, there he was wounded twice and surrendered with the Marine Corp. At this time he was listed as missing in action I quit School in my Senior year and went to Tacoma WA where I obtained a job as a machinist helper & I also spent 2 hours after work without pay studying to be a Machinist so after 9 months I was paid the top pay of $1.20 an hour. Early may 1943 I went back to No. Dak. to join the navy but was told I could not join as I was color blind but they had just started something new called the Seabees so this was what I joined. I spent two years in the south pacific, my job was Malaria control so most of my time was spent in the Jungle,( with a spray tank on my back ) In July of 1945 we were shipped to the French Island of New Caledonia.At this time we were attached to the 10th army getting ready for the invasion of Japan Within days we would have been leaving when the first Atomic bomb was dropped this put things on hold then the second brought the end we had about an hour to celebrate then was told to get back to work.People have asked me if I thought we should have dropped the bomb I have always answered yes but we should have dropped leaflets first to give a weeks notice to abandon there cities. I think both my brother and I would have been killed if we had to invade and still think of my friends that were killed. Today in my mind I am still 25 married to the same wife for 67 years I read a lot 3 or 4 books a week + numerous Magazines & newspapers, hours every day on the internet, a little stiff in the joints and can do most things I have ever done , drive my cars, mow the lawn, clear the snow from the driveway etc. My wife is in good health but is going to need a hip replacement she has turned 91. I have had my right knee replaced & right hip replaced also blood clot on my lungs + a heart attack 4 years ago .If I could give anyone advice it would be do the job you have been putting off or the thing you hate to do the worst the first thing in your work day and you will feel good about yourself all day I know I do. William Schultz
ReplyDeleteI can't thank you enough for sharing this with me. You had all of the war experiences I didn't. I hope you have put your story down for others. Did you know that the Library of Congress is making a compilation of stories like yours. You must get in touch with them.
DeleteWhile our war experiences were totally different, I believe we have a lot in common and much to be thankful for. I hope you have a chance to come see the world war two memorial. It is a tribute to men like you.
Perhaps you've seen how much publicity my story has gotten – the best result of it would be to have a great many other people read your story. I'd like to hear more about your captivity and how your brother came through his ordeal.
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DeleteThanks for sharing your story. I'm only in my 20s and my grandfather who was a WWII vet died before I was born so I never got a chance to hear these types of stories/experiences. I'll also use your bit of advice in my life. Take care!
DeleteAnd thank you Ron for this insightful blog!
Ron, I'm 18 and my grandfather is 90 and went to UMich Ann Arbor when you were there. Would you perhaps know Calvin Chamberlin (90), he also sold houses throughout Detroit with Chamberlin Real Estate. Some older people have told me that they looked at houses with him! Thanks for your time. I'm enjoying your thoughtful responses on Reddit.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I did not meet your grandfather. I was in the school of education and it sounds as though he might've been in the business school. Those were great years to be in Ann Arbor. While the city is changed a great deal it still holds great memories for me – to supplement my G.I. Bill I worked at Ulrich's bookstore. I feel fortunate that I still get to Ann Arbor great deal since my son is on the staff there.
DeleteThanks for checking out my Reddit answers.
I just found your blog. And I am delighted I did. I have no idea what Reddit is. However, I am active on Twitter and Facebook. Are you?
ReplyDeleteI am 73, used to blog but gave it up couple of years ago. You have inspired me to think about it again.
I of course had no idea about what Reddit is, but I was taught by my grandson. How important that we continue to learn from young people. And by doing AMA, it appears that quite a number of them are ready to listen to their elders. I think we need more constructive dialogue.
DeleteAre you familiar with Ronni Bennett and her "Time Goes By" blog? http://www.timegoesby.net/ I am thinking I have seen your name on a comment.
DeleteI really enjoy connecting with people. I go by MissDazey online. My email is LindaCrim@gmail.com.
Found your Reddit AMA through Facebook. And through that, this blog.
ReplyDeleteWOW, you have a lot of questions to answer! I'm looking forward to reading all of them. My father served stateside in WW2, having already lost 2 brothers to the war. He/we grew up in Chicago. He is 89 and unfortunately not in as good health as you...And has NO interest in the Internet, though I have tried. I think it would be good for him. Anyway, he's not much for telling stories or answering questions, so I'm enjoying reading yours. I used to spend a lot of time in DC. I wish I still did. I'd take you to Old Ebbit's (My favorite) for lunch and we could gab away the afternoon. :-) Anyway, I love your blog and your AMA and I'm thrilled that young people are taking such an interest and asking you such probing (and maybe too personal questions) and that you are answering them so forthrightly. They seem sincerely curious and maybe can't or won't feel comfortable asking the elders in their own life. Keep it up Ron!
Thanks, Geri. Gvoicenow@yahoo.com
My this is doing just what I hoped it would. We share in common, the Old Ebbitt Grill. My favorite place. No question is too personal for me to answer I think what we lack in talking with the younger generation is being candid. I'd love to know more about you and your dad. I was in Naperville finishing college from 1946 to 1948. What as sacrifice for your grandmother to lose two boys.
DeleteMy this is doing just what I hoped it would. We share in common, the Old Ebbitt Grill. My favorite place. No question is too personal for me to answer I think what we lack in talking with the younger generation is being candid. I'd love to know more about you and your dad. I was in Naperville finishing college from 1946 to 1948. What as sacrifice for your grandmother to lose two boys.
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