"Journey to Peace", Total War on Okinawa, April 1945, panel discussion #5 скачать в хорошем качестве

"Journey to Peace", Total War on Okinawa, April 1945, panel discussion #5

The war in the Pacific was well into its 4th year. Military and Civilian Casualty rates continued to increase. A shocking number of non-combatants dominate the numbers. Atrocities and manifestations of inhumanity are revealed in both theaters of war (Europe and Pacific). Liberation of Auschwitz, Treblinka, Dachau concentration camps; liberation of Manila. Intensity of combat in the Pacific steadily increased as the Japanese home islands emerged in range of allied Strategic bombing. By April 1st, 1945, the U.S. had four fielded and engaged armies in the Pacific Theater of Operations. One was fighting in the China-Burma-India Theater, two in the Philippines, and one on Okinawa. Hawaiian connections to the War in the Pacific continue once again. The families of Medal of Honor Recipient CPT Wai, and Philippine Guerilla Ernie Sombrero were once again guests of honor as well. Ernie married a gal from Okinawa after the war. Her harrowing and sad story of friends and family lost is recounted by her son, Steve, who joined us once again as a panelist. Additionally, family and friends of Takejiro and Warren Higa, brothers and veterans of Okinawa who were instrumental in engaging civilians holed up in caves convinced they would be massacred by the Americans. Their story is legend. Also attending were guests from the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and Hui Makaala. The panel for this discussion included returning panelists Ambassador Jim Moriarty, Prof John McManus, COL (R) John Hansen, and Mr Steve Sombrero. Discussion began with an overview of war, human nature, and escalation. The panel then addressed the following: Why invade Okinawa? What was life like on the island occupied by the Imperial Japanese Forces? Why was this battle emblematic of “Total War”? What attempts to sue for peace were made if any? What can we observe about the constraints imposed on violence to protect the innocents thus far in the war? What lessons, cautions, warnings, and opportunities do we have today? (All) Moderated by Dr Lyla Berg.