EX-POW BULLETIN - American Ex-Prisoners of War
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EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the
American Ex-Prisoners of War
501(c)3 Veterans Service Organization
Volume 78 www.axpow.org Number 10/11/12
October~November~December 2021
We exist to help those who cannot help themselves
November 11 ~ Veterans Day 2021
October-December, 2021
table of contents
Officers/Directors 4
National Commander 5
CEO 6
Medsearch 7
Legislative 12
Ownership Statement 13
Andersonville 14
NamPOW 15
POW/MIA 16
Civilian 17
News 20
Events 20
Father’s Wings 21
Wreaths 24
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of
Never Forgotten 26
1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities,
New members 27
was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in
Contributions 28
the First World War, then known as “the Great War.”
Taps/Chaplain 29
Biography Form 33
Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following
Voluntary Funding 33
year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the
United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II
Publisher and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day,
PNC Milton M Moore Jr a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.
2965 Sierra Bermeja
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military
(520) 249-7122 personnel who served the United States in all wars,
tombstone490@gmail.com particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and
church services and in many places the American flag is
hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes
Editor may be held at 11AM. Some schools are closed on Veterans
Cheryl Cerbone
Day, while others do not close, but choose to mark the
23 Cove View Drive
occasion with special assemblies or other activities.
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
(508) 394-5250
axpoweditor@comcast.net
Merry Christmas! Happy
Deadline for the Jan-Mar 2022 Hanukkah! Feliz Navidad!
Bulletin is Dec. 1, 2021 Happy Holidays!
Please send all materials to the from the AXPOW Board of Directors
editor at the above address.
EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published quarterly (four times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War,
PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster:
send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445. Founded April 14,
1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State non- profit corporation, “American
Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION.
Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American
Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such
advertisement.
© 2021
American Ex-Prisoners of War
axpow board of directors
National Headquarters
PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445
(817) 649-2979 HQ@axpow.org
National Commander ~ Robert Certain
5100 John D Ryan Blvd, Apt 1801, San Antonio, TX 78245
(770) 639-3313 rgcertain@icloud.com
operations board of directors
Chief Executive Officer
Edward “Ted” Cadwallader Sally Morgan
Elk Grove, CA Grand Prairie, TX
(916) 685-5369 (972) 896-7252
DCadwall@aol.com sbmorgan@aol.com
David Eberly Jim 'Moe' Moyer
Williamsburg, VA Lake Wales, FL
(757) 508-8453 (407) 448-1181
Chief Operations Officer eberlydsl@verizon.net moehog@verizon.net
Clydie J Morgan
PO Box 3445 Pam Warner Eslinger Mary Schantag
Arlington TX 76007-3445 Hammon, OK Branson, MO
(817) 300-2840 - Cell (580) 821-1526 (417) 336-4232
hq@axpow.org eslingerpam@gmail.com info@pownetwork.org
Alan Marsh Charles A. Susino
Chief Financial Officer Lizella, GA Piscataway, NJ
Marsha M Coke (478) 951-9247 (732)221-0073
2710 Charon Court alanmarsh@bellsouth.net charles.susino@gmail.com
Grand Prairie TX 75052
(817) 649-2979 – Office Milton ‘Skip’ Moore Jan Williams
(817) 723-3996 – Cell Sierra Vista, AZ Guthrie, OK
axpow76010@yahoo.com (520) 249-7122 (580) 821-2376
tombstone490@gmail.com williamsjj72@ymail.com
national
Indochina to colonial status set rest of our fellow countrymen
the stage for the rise of may be grateful that we are gone
Communism in Hanoi. The Korean and feel no remorse for those we
commander War has never been concluded
with a formal treaty, only an
leave behind – and they are to be
pitied. If we do not examine our
armistice or cease-fire, leaving a motives, our actions, and our
desperate and despotic consequences, we will not be able
dictatorship in the northern half. to capitalize on our successes or
The Paris Peace Accords of to learn from our mistakes. If our
January 1973, while it resulted in civilian leaders and commanders
the release of prisoners of war, do not learn, they will eventually
was little more than a holding send another generation of brave
action for the next two years. Americans into the fog and
friction of war with foolish rules
Our 20-year undeclared war in of engagement and no real exit
Afghanistan is ending as I write strategy.
this, and the events of the ragged
withdrawal and evacuation are When combat troops come home
strongly reminiscent of the swift from war, we have been
and ignominious fall of Saigon in profoundly changed. While some
1975. Even though American of that change is not so good,
Robert G. Certain fighting men and women some of it can actually lend us a
5100 John D Ryan Blvd, Apt successfully turned back evil greater understanding of who we
1801 forces and held them at bay in are, what society is about and
San Antonio, TX 78245 both Vietnam and Afghanistan, what international relations are
(770) 639-3313 American diplomats ultimately about. Our wartime experience
rgcertain@icloud.com tired of the conflicts and called us can bring a wealth of
home without thinking through or understanding to apply to the
ENDING WELL OR POORLY? planning for our honorable exit important work to fully utilize the
and for the stability of the nation positive aspects of those days in
The wars in which we fought have we left behind. our life back in the world as we
had spotty endings with lingering step forward to take leadership in
undesirable consequences. The Those of us who fought, died, or government, business, and our
Treaty of Versailles did not result nearly died in the service of our faith communities. We must
in global peace following the “war nation and that of our allies can never stop serving those who
to end all wars” and instead set hold our heads high knowing we serve today by advocating for
the stage for the Nazi takeover of acted with valor, honor, and good and thoughtful government
Germany a mere generation later. dignity. I suspect we feel the as well as for the benefit of those
World War II was more greatest amount of grief at the “who have borne the battle and
conclusively ended, but the Allied tragedies we see befalling the for his widow, and his orphan.”
agreement to restore French nation we tried to protect. The
Of course, we are always happy to
from the CEO receive your donations by mail as well.
Your support enables us to maintain
our programs. It also shows us that
Cheryl Cerbone the future of AXPOW is important to
you.
Speaking of Guidestar, you may have
noticed our Gold Seal of Transparency
on the home page of our website as
well as on the front cover of each
EX-POW Bulletin. Your officers spend
It’s a cool September morning here on Cape Cod…I can feel days each year filling out the
the difference in the air as we make the transition to fall. My requirements for us to obtain this very
next column will probably be filled with “I HATE WINTER!”…but special recognition. It tells potential
right now I’m enjoying the weather. donors that we are transparent in our
finances, goals and plans.
Normally in September, I’m busy packing my helmet and
planning to meet Marsha, Debbie and Mom in Georgia for the One donation we decided to make
POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies with The Ride Home. again this year was to sponsor wreaths
It was a disappointment that this year’s event was canceled – for the National Cemetery at
due to COVID concerns at Warner-Robins and the serious Andersonville…the site of our National
injuries sustained by our National Director Moe Moyer, who POW Museum. As you know,
runs The Ride each year. Please keep Moe and his wife Ginnie Andersonville is our legacy – ensuring
in your prayers. We hope to see him in April in Texas for our your experiences and your stories are
board meeting. never forgotten. There is more
information on Wreaths Across
We’ve had a lot going on this summer at AXPOW. Guidestar America in this Bulletin, and if you
finally realized that we were, in fact, a 501(c)3 and that opened decide you would like to contribute,
a lot of donation doors. I don’t know how many of you are your wreath will also be placed at
spending time on the Internet, but for those of you who are, Andersonville. Our special link is;
we’ve got opportunities for you to make painless donations. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/AEPW
The first is Amazon Smile. We’ve got a notice on the home The POW Museum itself is only newly
page of our website: www.axpow.org that allows you to click reopened as we recover from COVID.
on and make AXPOW your charity. If you want, you can also Programs that had been put on hold
check on our unique link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94- last year should be restarted in 2022.
1430564 Make any purchase through the Amazon Smile This year, our board voted that unused
charity portal, and they'll make a donation to AXPOW—at no funds be used for oral transcriptions
cost to you! Just use the link on the website, and designate and a wayside exhibit near the Park
part of your purchase price to help fund our POW support entrance to tell visitors about the POW
activities. Try it next time you make a buy on Amazon. It's Memorial Grove.
painless. It makes shopping more satisfying. And you'll help
a great cause! From my family to yours, we wish you
a very happy holiday season – running
The second is Facebook. I had no idea they participated in a from Thanksgiving through New Year’s
program that let friends and family (or even total strangers) Day. Please stay safe and healthy and
make a birthday/anniversary/important date donation. We just pray for our military always.
received our first check from Facebook from friends who
wanted to honor me on my birthday. Again, it’s an easy
process. When my birthday was coming, I received a notice Fondly
from Facebook that I could ask for donations to my favorite
charity. Naturally, it was AXPOW, and a number of friends did Cheryl
make a donation.
pow medsearch nso
Marsha Coke, Chairman Ruth Powell, Director
e-mail: axpow76010@yahoo.com 665 NC Hwy 121
PO Box 3445 Greenville, NC 27834
Arlington, TX 76007-3445 781-296-6307 cell
(817) 649-2979 powell.rut@verizon.net
Your
feet
Patients often seek advice first amount of activity. The physician or secondary to a variety of
from their primary care should also inquire about the metabolic, structural or
physicians regarding the effectiveness of current or inflammatory disorders.
diagnosis and treatment of their previous treatment(s). The pathophysiology of bunions
foot problems. The role of the Observation of the patient’s gait is poorly understood, but is
physician is to recognize and treat and foot position and inspection thought to be secondary to both
the underlying condition, prevent of his/her footwear should be hereditary and environmental
further injury or deformities, and performed since tight fitting factors. The fact that bunions
educate the patient about his/her shoes may exacerbate the foot occur commonly in families
disease. In order for this to occur, condition, and modifications may suggests a genetic predisposition
physicians require a basic prevent further injury. from ligamentous laxity and
understanding of the anatomy, hyperpronation of the foot. The
pathophysiology, and
biomechanics of the foot. This Common Foot higher incidence in women
compared to men is believed to
article focuses on three of the
most common conditions of the
Disorders be due to tightly fitting women’s
footwear. However, footwear
foot seen by primary care alone is not sufficient to explain
physicians in the ambulatory Bunion this condition. The complex
setting: bunion, plantar fasciitis, relationship of the first ray
and Morton’s neuroma. Bunion is derived from the Latin biomechanics and hindfoot
word meaning turnip. It is a bursa mechanics influence bunion
Evaluation begins by taking a sac that develops over the first development. Additionally, any
thorough history which includes metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint disorder resulting in first MTP
questions regarding the quality, as a result of a hallux valgus joint inflammation may weaken
location, radiation, severity, deformity of this joint. Hallux MTP soft tissue restraints,
duration, and exacerbating valgus refers to the lateral predisposing to bunion formation.
and/or relieving factors related to deviation of the first toe.
the pain. A family history of However, in common parlance, The pain associated with a bunion
congenital or acquired disorders “bunion” has come to denote any is caused by pressure and
of the foot should be sought. bump or associated deformity of frictional force exerted on the
Additional information should the first MTP joint with deviation skin, soft tissue, and bursa at the
include a history of previous of the lateral great toe. Bunions medial prominence of the first
injuries, occupational and can be primary in the absence of MTP joint. Over time, callous
recreational activities, and any any known underlying diseases formation and progression of the
recent changes in the type or foot deformity cause internal
medsearch, cont’d… considered if pain or functional
disability persists or progresses
Examination shows focal plantar
medial pain over the medial
despite conservative measures. process of the calcalenal tubercle
that may extend throughout the
subluxation with abnormal
mechanics resulting in articular Plantar fasciitis longitudinal arch. This pain may
be exacerbated by the forced
deterioration. A painful callous dorsiflexion of the toes that
may also occur under the lateral The plantar fascia or plantar
aponeurosis is a fibrous band of stretches the aponeurosis. Pain
subluxed medial that is located posteriorly to the
sesamoid.¹ Additionally, changes connective tissue located on the
plantar surface of the foot. This medial calcaneal tubercle or
in the biomechanics of the foot which occurs with compression of
result in an imbalance which fascia assists in forming the
longitudinal arch of the foot. The the calcaneus from a medial to
causes the patient to shift his/her lateral direction suggests another
weight laterally and, in turn, plantar fascia originates near the
medial process of the calcaneal diagnosis such as stress fracture,
increases pressure and pain at a heel pad disorder, a plantar
the head of the metatarsals tubercle and inserts onto the
plantar ligamentocapsular nerve entrapment (“jogger’s
(metatarsalgia). Progressive foot”), or periostitis.
lateral great toe deviation complex of the first through fifth
produces a retrograde load on the metatarsal heads. The origin of
the plantar fascia is the most Foot pain associated with plantar
first metatarsal, which deviates fasciitis occurs immediately after
medially allowing for great toe “fixed” point of this structure, and
it is this site that is most prone to standing or walking, especially
shifting, and begins a vicious when preceded by prolonged
cycle. Subsequently, the great injury. It should be noted that
heel spurs or calcaneal sitting (“start-up pain”). Thus,
toe may either override the patients will complain of pain,
second toe or, more commonly, osteophytes have no relationship
to plantar fasciitis. In fact, heel particularly in the morning,
go beneath the second toe. occurring after taking their first
Elevation of the second toe may spurs occur in 15% to 20% of the
asymptomatic population and are step. During the early phase of
result in significant second MTP the disease, pain often improves
joint pain and a hammer toe absent in many people with
plantar fasciitis.⁴ Additionally, the or resolves with continued
deformity of the second toe. walking. When pain occurs at
Frequently, the hammer toe may plantar calcaneal spur originates
at a different anatomic layer of night or persists in the prone
be the greater source of position, other causes of heel pain
discomfort. Relief of hammer toe the foot than the plantar fascia.
should be sought, including stress
pain may require addressing an fracture or a nerve entrapment
associated bunion deformity Plantar fasciitis is a clinical
diagnosis that is most commonly syndrome. Additionally,
simultaneously. symptoms that persist despite
Initial treatment is primarily seen in younger runners and
patients between the ages of 40 treatment for plantar fasciitis
conservative and must first should prompt a search for
address the patient’s footwear. and 60 years of age⁵ who are
often slightly overweight and may alternative diagnoses that affect
Foot padding, taping, night the heel.
splints, foot exercises, orthotic be deconditioned. Other
devices, nonsteroidal anti- contributing factors include
obesity, recent weight gain, and Plantar fasciitis may be caused by
inflammatory medications, or a overuse and/or other
combination of these treatment occupations that require
prolonged standing. Recently, it biomechanical factors. The
modalities may be prescribed. pathophysiologic mechanism,
Allowance should be made for has been demonstrated that
individuals suffering from plantar particularly in runners, is thought
adequate space in the shoe to to be due to overuse caused by
prevent further injury. Orthotic fasciitis develop a secondary
contracture of the gastrocsoleus repetitive microtrauma of the
devices may provide short-term plantar fascia. In this group of
symptomatic pain relief for mild complex that may perpetuate the
inflammation of the plantar patients, plantar fasciitis has
to moderate hallux valgus been attributed to changes in
deformity,² although there is no fascia. Rarely is it associated with
a systemic inflammatory footwear, running on hard
evidence to support their surfaces, excessive or increased
effectiveness in preventing its condition such as
spondyloarthropathy or infection. running distance, or anatomical
progression.³ Surgery should be
medsearch, cont’d… are continued for 6 to 8 weeks.
For patients with continued
compression and irritation of the
third common digital nerve and
symptoms, night splinting is lead to nerve fiber degeneration,
added. Casts or inserts may help intraneural and juxtaneural
abnormalities such as a pes in certain patients with abnormal fibrosis, and hypertrophy of the
cavus, high arch deformity, or a biomechanical examinations. For nerve. Anatomical factors that
shortened Achilles tendon. patients who are physically may contribute to this condition
active, recommendations should include excessive motion of the
Patients with biomechanical include temporary avoidance of third and fourth metatarsals,
abnormalities affecting the leg weightbearing exercises. juxtaposition of the third and
and thigh (e.g., excessive femoral Although nonsteroidal anti- fourth metatarsal heads and the
anteversion, lateral tibial torsion, inflammatory medication is branches of medial and lateral
or leg length discrepancy), ankle commonly used, there have been plantar nerves between the third
(e.g., equines), arch (e.g., pes no randomized, clinically nerve, and the third transverse
planus or pes cavus), or hindfoot controlled trials to support their intermetatarsal ligament
(e.g., flexible rearfoot varus) are benefit.⁵ However, a short course overlying the third common
at increased risk of developing of corticosteriods may provide digital nerve and its
plantar fasciitis.⁶ These short-term pain relief. Injections communicating branches.
conditions cause abnormal may be painful and may,
pronatory forces that, in turn, inadvertently, result in plantar Pathologic findings alone are
translate into excessive fasciia rupture. Custom semirigid insufficient to explain the
biomechanical stress. This results orthotics with a silicone heel cup symptoms of Morton’s neuroma,
in microtrauma to the plantar may be beneficial for patients since these same findings may
fascia leading to collagen with preexisting biomechanical occur in asymptomatic
degeneration. The end result, abnormalities of the foot, such as individuals. The diagnosis of
found pathologically, is a loss of pes planus or pes cavus Morton’s neuroma is suspected
collagen fibers and an increase in deformities. For refractory clinically when patients complain
the vascularity and connective patients, iontophoresis or casting of pain located in the webspace
tissue matrix with chronic treatment should be considered. of their toes. Early in the course,
inflammatory changes.⁷ For cases resistant to the above patients may describe burning or
Diagnostic testing should be measures for 12 months, tingling in this region. These
reserved for cases in which the radiofrequency lesioning or symptoms may progress to the
diagnosis is unclear in patients surgical fasciotomy techniques more typical paroxysmal, severe,
who have failed to respond to are performed. sharp, lancinating pain that
appropriate treatment. Treatment occurs with weightbearing and
typically proceeds in a stepwise
fashion with more conservative, Morton’s neuroma walking and is relieved by sitting,
removing the shoes, and
noninvasive mechanical massaging and manipulating the
approaches used initially. Recent Morton’s neuroma, initially
described by Morton in 1876, is a affected region of the forefoot.
evidence suggests that non- The pain, as previously noted,
weightbearing stretching reactive fibrosis of a
communicating branch of the typically involves the third and
exercises to the plantar fascia occasionally the fourth webspace
provide improvement in pain and third nerve and,
histopathologically, is not a true and may radiate to the third and
mobility compared to fourth toe.
weightbearing Achilles tendon neuroma. The neuroma is
stretching exercises.⁸ Patients believed to be mechanically
induced and most commonly The webspace compression test
should be instructed to avoid is used clinically for the diagnosis
wearing flat shoes and walking affects the third common digital
nerve located in the region of the of Morton’s neuroma and takes
barefoot⁵ and started with a advantage of the
cushioned heel cup and Achilles third webspace of the foot.
Anatomic factors along with pathophysiologic process
and plantar fascia stretching responsible for this condition.
regimen. Arch taping, heat, ice injury, irritation, or pressure from
wearing pointed and/or high- With the patient in a sitting or
massage, and ice baths or packs prone position, the examiner
may be added. These modalities heeled shoes result in
squeezes the third and fourth
medsearch, cont’d… the calf muscles join with the
tendon. Injuries in this area
also teach the patient specific
stretches and strength training
often heal on their own but may exercises to regain function and
metatarsal heads together with do so slowly than injuries in the prevent future problems.
one hand and, using the other muscular area of the leg, since Less often, patients who do not
hand, compresses the soft tissue there is less of a blood supply to benefit from these therapies may
in the involved webspace. A promote healing. require surgery.
positive test results in pain.
Ultrasonography may be used in
cases of diagnostic uncertainty, Conditions and issues Achilles tendon injury
however, Morton’s neuroma prevention
remains a clinical diagnosis. Chronic, long-lasting Achilles
tendon disorders range from Since a lack of flexibility is a
Treatment options for Morton’s overuse injuries that cause major cause of injury,
neuroma include avoiding pointed inflammation or degeneration, to proper stretching of the lower leg
and/or high-heeled shoes, using acute traumas such as Achilles is the most basic way to prevent
metatarsal pads, and tendon ruptures. Pain along the Achilles tendon strains or tears.
administering local corticosteroid back of the ankle or in the heel As is the case with many other
injections, the latter of which are often the result of distinct conditions injuries, it is important
must be approached with caution. problems along the course of the to stay as fit as possible during
Inadvertent extravasations into Achilles tendon or at its point of the healing and rehabilitation
the toe adjacent to the MTP joint attachment to the heel of the process. Swimming and other
may result in significant MTP joint foot. This type of pain may also non-impact exercises are
instability. In refractory cases, be caused by retrocalcaneal best, including bicycling, if that
neurolysis, transposition, or bursitis, which is sometimes activity does not cause any pain
surgical excision of the nerve is called Achilles tendon bursitis. (which would indicate a liklihood
performed. Recurrence of Learn about more specific Achilles of reinjury). Running should be
symptoms must provoke a search tendon conditions in the articles avoided at all costs until a
for a “stump neuroma” or shown below. rehabilitation specialist, trainer or
pathology of adjacent structures, doctor advises that sufficient
such as the MTP joints.
Recurrence after surgical excision
Treatments recovery has taken place.
is most commonly associated Most people who have injuries
with incomplete nerve release or and inflammation related to
excision. overuse of the tendon undergo
nonsurgical treatments. These
can include:
Achilles Tendon Injuries • rest or other modification National Institutes
of activities of Health
The Achilles tendon is a thick • physical therapy 9000 Rockville Pike
tendon located in the back of the (rehabilitation)
leg. It connects the
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
• nonsteroidal anti-
gastrocnemius and soleus inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
301-496-4000
muscles in the calf to an insertion such as ibuprofen
point at the calcaneus (heel • (for some
bone). It is the strongest tendon patients) platelet-rich plasma A part of the U.S.
in the body and allows people to injections (also known as PRP Department of Health and
push off while walking, running injections) Human Services, NIH is
and jumping. In rehabilitation, a the largest biomedical
physical therapist or athletic
Achilles injuries can occur in trainer may employ ultrasound,
research agency in the
several places, but the most electrical stimulation, cold world.
common area is at the muscle- therapy (icing) and massage to
tendon junction – the area where promote healing. They willPRESUMPTIVE 10. PSYCHOSIS duodenum (the first part of the
A generic term for any of the small intestine).
SERVICE CONNECTED insanities.
DISABILITIES 20. CIRRHOSIS
11. PANIC DISORDER Scar tissue replaces normal,
Public Law 97-37 Characterized by discrete periods healthy tissue, blocking the flow of
by William Paul Skelton, Ill, MD F.A.C.P.
of apprehension or fear. blood through the organ and
preventing it from working as it
12. GENERALIZED ANXIETY should.
DISORDER
All ex-POWs should keep these.
21. STROKE & COMPLICATIONS
Whenever you open your claim,
13. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE A stroke occurs when the blood
take them with you and make sure
DISORDER supply to part of the brain is
the adjudication officer sees them
This may be either obsessions or suddenly interrupted or when a
and have him read them! Make
compulsions. blood vessel in the brain bursts,
sure he knows all about them. Tell
spilling blood into the spaces
him your own story as it relates to
14. POST TRAUMATIC STRESS surrounding brain cells.
your problem.....
DISORDER
The re-experiencing of a trauma of 22. HEART & COMPLICATIONS
1. ARTHRITIS, TRAUMATIC
a past recognized stress or that can Heart disease includes
Also known as articular trauma.
produce symptoms of distress. atherosclerotic heart disease, and
hypertensive vascular disease
2. AVITAMINOSIS
15. ATYPICAL ANXIETY DISORDER (including hypertensive heart
The total lack of vitamins in the
This is a category that is used for disease, and hypertension).
diet.
diagnosis when the affected
individual appears to have an 23. OSTEOPOROSIS
3. BERIBERI
anxiety disorder that does not meet Osteoporosis is a disease in which
Caused by a severe lack of vitamin
the criteria for entry into any of the bones become fragile and more
B1 (thiamine) in the diet.
other known anxiety disorders. likely to break.
4. DYSENTERY, CHRONIC
16. DEPRESSIVE NEUROSIS
A disease characterized by frequent
/DYSTHYMIC DISORDER Disability compensation is a
and watery stools, usually with
Characterized by depressive monetary benefit paid to Veterans
blood and mucus, and accompanied
periods in which the patient feels who are determined by VA to be
by rectal and abdominal pain,
sad and/or down and has a loss of disabled by an injury or illness that
fever, and dehydration.
interest in the usual activities that was incurred or aggravated during
cause pleasure or involvement in active military service. These
5. FROSTBITE
usual pastimes. disabilities are considered to be
The actual freezing of tissue.
service connected.
17. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
6. HELMINTHIASIS
Literally Greek for the suffering of To be eligible for compensation, the
Infection with any type of worms
nerves outside of the brain and Veteran must have been separated
that parasitize the human.
spinal cord. or discharged under conditions
other than dishonorable.
7. MALNUTRITION
18. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Merely means bad nutrition.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is Monthly disability compensation
a common disorder of the intestines varies with the degree of disability
8. PELLAGRA
that leads to crampy pain, gas, and the number of eligible
It is caused by a virtual lack of
bloating, and changes in bowel dependents. Veterans with certain
vitamin B3 (niacin) in the diet.
habits. severe disabilities may be eligible
for additional special monthly
9. ANY OTHER NUTRITIONAL
19. PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE compensation (SMC). Disability
DEFICIENCY
A peptic ulcer is a sore or hole in compensation benefits are not
The lack of protein and calories in
the lining of the stomach or subject to federal or state income
the diet generally produces no
tax.
lasting side effects.legislative
with disability claims for asthma, allow veterans to remain in their
rhinitis and sinusitis based on homes and receive support as
presumed particulate matter they age. Executive Director, VA
exposures during military service Office of Geriatrics & Extended
in Southwest Asia and other areas Care Dr. Scotte Hartronft
from open burn pits, sand, dust addressed VA’s focus on
and particulate matter, oil well expanding these services, as well
fires, etc. The Southwest Asia as modernizing and improving
Theater of operations refers to systems for healthy aging
Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the including facility-based care,
neutral zone between Iraq and technological access, and
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the geriatric expertise. Many of our
United Arab Emirates, Oman, the members and their families have
Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, experienced the short comings of
the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the current practices.
Legislative officer
the Red Sea and the airspace
Charles A Susino above these locations. Other proposed bills worth
Additionally, this includes watching are:
veterans who served in
Listening to the news, it would
Southwest Asia beginning Aug. 2, H.R. 2127: Toxic Expo-
appear that Congress is totally
1990, to the present, or sure in the American Military
preoccupied with COVID, COVID
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or (TEAM) Act
impacts, and infrastructure and
Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, S 927: Toxic Exposure in
of course Afghanistan. While
2001, to the present. These the American Military Act
those issues have taken the
conditions must have manifested
majority of attention, there has
within 10 years of a qualifying H.R. 2268: Keeping Our
been some slow progress on
period of military service. Promises Act
issues facing America’s Veterans.
Keeping Our Promises Act
In June, the House and Senate
Researchers, including experts at This bill expands the list of dis-
Committees on Veterans’ Affairs
VA, are actively studying airborne eases that are provided a pre-
introduced comprehensive
hazards like burn pits and other sumption of service-connection
legislation on toxic exposure. The
military environmental for veterans who served in the
House bill is the Honoring our
exposures. Ongoing research will Republic of Vietnam between
PACT Act and the Senate bill is
help better understand potential January 9, 1962, and May 7,
the Comprehensive and Overdue
long-term health effects and 1975.
Support for Troops of War Act of
provide better care and services.
2021 or the COST of War Act.
Many health conditions related to H.R. 2569: Veterans
these hazards are temporary and Agent Orange Exposure Equity
. If you haven’t already done so,
should disappear after the Act- To provide for a presump-
we encourage all veterans, family
exposure ends. Other longer- tion of service connection for
members, friends, and supporters
term health issues may be caused diseases associated with expo-
to do their part and contact their
by a combination of hazardous sure to certain herbicide agents
Congressman. This issue is close
exposures, injuries, or illnesses for veterans who served in close
to home for the EXPOWs where it
experienced during your military proximity to the Republic of Viet-
took Congress until the 1980’s to
service including blast or noise nam.
establish presumptives for
injuries. This ongoing research is
America’s. Sadly, very sadly, it
vital to addressing our veterans S. 1965: Planning for
still takes far too long for
health care needs. Aging Veterans Act of 2021, Add
Congress to act on health issues
facing our veterans during their to List bill to direct the Secretary
The House Veterans’ Affairs
time of service. of Veterans Affairs to improve
Subcommittee on Health
conducted a hearing on access to long-term care provided to vet-
On August 2, 2021, the VA began erans by the Department of Vet
VA’s home and community-based
processing new presumptive
services. Ideally, these services
conditions for toxic exposureslegislative, cont’d… United States Postal Service
Statement of Ownership, Management, and
erans Affairs, and for other purpos- Circulation
es.
EX-POW BULLETIN Pub. # 0161-7451
S. 2172: Building Solutions filing date 10/2021
for Veterans Experiencing Home- Frequency: quarterly (4 issues annually)
lessness Act of 2021- this bill was $40.00 annual subscription price, or as part of membership dues
just introduced by Jon Tester in Pub. Office: PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445
June. This particular issue has Marsha M. Coke, CFO
been raised by AXPOW for many (817) 649-2979
years with respect to the hardship Headquarters: PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445
to the veteran and the embarrass- Publisher: Milton M. Moore, Jr., 2965 Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Vista, AZ
ment to our country. 85650
Editor: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA
02664
S. 89: Ensuring Survivor Managing Editor: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South
Benefits during COVID-19 Act of Yarmouth, MA 02664
2021- this bill would require the Owner: American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 76007-3445
secure medical opinions for Known bondholders, mortgagees, other security holders: NONE
veterans with service-connected Tax status: Purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization
disabilities who die from COVID-19 and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed
to determine whether their service- during the preceding 12 months.
connected disabilities were the
principal or contributory causes of Publication Title: EX-POW BULLETIN
death.
Circulation Data:
Issue July/Aug/Sept 2021
VA announced this past quarter that
Since last file date 10/2020
it will begin implementing the three Average-12 months Single Issue Jul-Sep 2021
presumptive conditions associated Total copies printed:
with Agent Orange exposure that 6471 6214
were added in the National Defense Total paid/and or requested:
Authorization Act of 2021: bladder 6335 6091
cancer, hypothyroidism, and Free distribution outside the mail:
Parkinsonism. We encourage 47 55
affected veterans and survivors to Total distribution:
contact their Service Officer with 6382 6146
questions and concerns. Copies not distributed:
89 68
Total: 6471 6214
As a reminder, a user friendly
Percent paid/requested circulation:
source of information on the 98% 99%
proposed bills, Bills signed into law,
VA committee members, and other Publication Statement of Ownership Form 3526 filed with the
details are available on line at Postmaster, United States Postal Service, Arlington, TX. Copy held at
govtrack.us. We encourage you to National Headquarters, Arlington, TX
access and other sources of
information to stay current on laws American Ex-Prisoners of War is a non-profit corporation,
effecting veterans. incorporated in Washington state, October 11, 1949, recorded as
Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392.andersonville
On July 11th, author Mary designed an assistive device for
Gorman presented a program on more efficiently digging
the raiders that was attended by headstone holes.
75 visitors. Park staff will be
providing two programs on
September 17th focused on POWs
buried in the National Cemetery.
The park is beginning design
services for Section Q to best
determine future burials and
preservation of cemetery
integrity. Potential funding for all
NPS-managed National
Cemeteries is being discussed at
the national level. Park
management will be providing The Travelling Exhibit is at the US
needed information to support Army Airborne and Special
this combined effort. Operations Museum at Fort Bragg
Andersonville NHS in North Carolina and will remain
496 Cemetery Road AXPOW funds that were unable there through end of September.
Andersonville, GA 31711 to be used last year are being We have been unable to find a
(229) 924-0343 used to fund an oral history location for the exhibit from
transcription project. Proposals October forward. Any assistance
Gia Wagner,
have been received, and staff are would be appreciated as the park
Superintendent reviewing for award process. The is struggling to find interested
current funding will provide and size-appropriate venues. We
Greetings from transcription services for part of are interested in discussing the
Andersonville… the base proposal (transcription future of the Traveling Exhibit as
of 99 interviews and copy-editing a result and ideas to continue
We had steady visitation during of an additional 25 interviews). sharing stories.
the summer months, and the Additional funds will be needed to
weekends continue to see about complete this phase. The Phyllis Hine traveled to the park
100-250 visitors as we move into contract was also written with to donate her father’s POW
the fall season. Mitigations options to complete additional canteen and photographs. Philip
remain in place to maintain one- transcriptions and copy-editing. Daniel Tolan was a POW for 42
way traffic, protect employees, We also have a draft design for a months during WWII and helped
and maintain cleanliness. The new wayside exhibit for the POW build the Sack of Cement Cross
park films are being shown again Memorial Grove as part of the that is featured in the National
in theater with limited seating for 2020 funds. POW Museum.
visitor protection. Work will begin
to upgrade the museum lighting To help with physically distancing As always, we hope you and
in the next couple of months. as part of COVID safety yours are well, thriving, and plan
measures, two park employees to visit us soon.
Wreaths Across America
Coming to Andersonville
National Historic Site
December 18, 2021namPOW news
rice. And a banana. And even a few sips of
beer. It’s obviously a good sign. We’d be
going home soon!
And I was never going to complain about food
again.
Paul Galanti
804-389-1668 We didn’t go home that year but, for whatever
paulgalanti@mac.com reason, the communists went through this
charade every year. It served as a way to
mark time. Infrequently, they’d bring in their
“Catholic priest” who’d serve communion to
a few “believers” (as the Communists called
Christmas in Hanoi
them) while dutifully recording the event with
their propaganda cameras.
(x7) In the Son Tay prison camp, I remember
hearing the Christmas story according to Marx
Heartbreak Hotel interrogation prison. & Lenin on the camp P.A. system.
Hanoi December 25, 1966. It was bitter cold and damp. I’d Summarized with apologies for a 50 year old
been a POW for a little more than six months with much of memory: Jesus was a poor working man who
it in a sweltering solitary confinement. was being exploited by the capitalistic foreign
invader Pontius Pilate, But Jesus rallied the
Fifty of us had been paraded through Hanoi’s city streets as masses against the imperialist colonialists and
thousands of Vietnamese chanted obscenities and threw for that he was martyred by the criminal
various objects at us at the urging of their communist political invaders. Moral. We are all the same. Only
commissars. I’d had several brutal interrogation sessions that the U.S. government exploiting its lackeys in
had left my emaciated body screaming in pain. Our daily South Vietnam, like the Roman imperialists,
meals of watery pumpkin gruel and rice had recently changed are attempting to enslave the heroic
to sewer greens and rice twice a day. “Vietnamese people.”
A mouth-watering scent wafted through the boarded up A long diatribe against “Johnson, McNamara
windows momentarily eclipsing the harsh, sewer smell of the and Dean Rusk” would follow followed by
toilet bucket. Wow… What was that? The smell of onions? Of exhortations to “side with the Vietnamese
actual meat? Of an exotic oriental smelling aroma of fish people” as opposed to following blindly “The
sauce? U.S. Government.”
To digress slightly and for purposes of total disclosure, I am Each year the Christmas “celebration” in four
and have always been an optimist. Totally, unrepentant and or five different prisons went about the same.
without any hint-of-shame optimist! In 1972, several hundred of us were in a
From the day in June 1966 when I’d parachuted into North mountain camp near Lang Son near the
Vietnam from my burning A-4 Skyhawk and been immediately Chinese border. It was somehow different. I
captured, I was convinced my internment would last six remember thinking about the last eight
months to a year (at most). Christmases – 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969,
1970, 1971, 1972 — all of them in WESTPAC
So now I was approaching my first Christmas in Hanoi. Last on cruise or in POW Camps. I thought, “You
year my squadron and ship had been at sea flying combat know, I’ve been here a long time. (But felt
missions off the coast of South Vietnam but we’d had a better when I realized that I was a newcomer.
“stand-down” for Christmas day, itself. The meal aboard ship Good grief, Alvarez has been here 22 months
had been a traditional Christmas dinner. And now with longer than I have.) This is really a good sign.”
delightful aromas emanating from the usually pungent
cellblock, my morale skyrocketed – and mouth watered. My I thought, for the thousandth time, “We
emaciated 100 lb. frame longed for something that tasted as should be out of here in six months to a year.”
good as the aroma that drifted through the window boards.
I was wrong. We were home in less than two
When the meal came, it was a small chunk of turkey flavored months. The next Christmas was MUCH better!
with nuoc mam, the Vietnamese fish sauce. And some whitepow/mia
Email friends that need to be wheelchairs, scooters, CPAP
notified? machines can all be donated to
veterans organizations? Hearing
Mary Schantag, Chairman If Arlington is under aids can be reprogrammed for
consideration, they can only those less fortunate at a very
P.O.W. Network accept “entire” remains or low cost when donated to
info@pownetwork.org cremains. The trend to keep a someone in need.
vial, or small container of ashes
may sound like a way to ease Are there ID cards that must be
If tomorrow the grief, but there are cancelled (military retirement or
consequences. disability), or even concealed
never comes carry or firearms permits? If
Do they have the phone number you own firearms, what are they
No one is promised another to call Social Security or the to do with them? Is there a list
tomorrow. Veterans Admin to stop checks? of kind, serial number, value,
Do they know that if a check is even a picture?
But what if the kiss good night, cashed (SSN/VA) and a loved
tonight, is the last one? Or the one dies, that latest check may Do they have phone numbers
“I love you, be careful” as we be WITHDRAWN from the bank and account numbers to access,
close the door as a loved one without notice, leaving checks to change or close bank accounts,
leaves, is the last time we get to bounce or bills to pay if there is utility accounts, car payments,
say that, or hear the response? not sufficient monies in the mortgage payments, credit card
account? accounts, or cell phones? Do you
In the desperate, alone darkness receive paper bills to make this
that envelops us immediately If you are 100% VA disabled, easy, or are all your bill copies
after a loss, can your loved one they will need a Service Officer received by email or only online
take the first steps to survive as to apply for spousal benefits. after you access an account? Do
a widow or widower? The shock, There will be paperwork, and a they have the passwords for the
the grief, the fog, the pain, very long wait before benefits computer and
overtakes every need we have are approved if they qualify. passwords/account numbers for
to survive, for a very, very, long They will need to change their access to those online sites and
time. ID card if you were their accounts?
sponsor. It’s too late to file a Do they know how to gas the
Do they know where to find the disability claim AFTER you pass, car? Or how often to have the oil
Will, Life Insurance Policies, car no matter how ill you were. changed in the car? What oil to
titles, mortgage papers, keys to use? What trusted mechanic to
lockers, bank deposit boxes, or They need to call Social Security take it too? Do they know how
the safe? Do they have access and see what your death does to use a GPS or even an old
to your DD214 and an accurate to their benefits. There is more fashioned map?
listing of awards and decorations paperwork.
if needed? Can they find a copy Will they know how to turn off
of your birth certificate, social Did you get meds by mail – they the breaker in the electrical box
security card, and marriage need to be stopped. Do they or how to turn off the main water
license? know how to dispose of the supply? Know that you need not
meds in the home that can no turn off the whole house to turn
Will they have the answers as to longer be used? Please – do not off a toilet’s water supply? How
parent’s names, grandparents, flush and contaminate the water to flush a toilet when the water
siblings and spouses, schooling, supply. Drop off at a police is shut off? How to relight a hot
jobs, military, hobbies that the station or consult your pharmacy water tank, or fill a water
funeral home will ask? or the VA for ways to dispose of softener? Who to call if the
properly. plumbing, furnace or A/C needs
Do you have best friends that repairs? How to change a
need to be told of your passing? If you have special needs did furnace filter?
you know that glasses, braces,pow/mia cont’d…
civilian
How about the lawn and weed or
snow removal? If there is storm THE CONTRASTING CASES OF
damage, or a tree falls, is there
someone you call? AMERICAN AND JAPANESE-AMERICAN
WORLD WAR II INTERNEES
Take the time to call their phone,
and leave an unexpected “I love by Martin Meadows
you” message they can keep to
hear your voice when times are INTRODUCTION. It has been more than 76 years since I was
tough. Tuck an extra cologne or among the nearly 4,000 American and other Allied-country
perfume aside so they can put a nationals who were liberated from Manila's Santo Tomas
bit on their pillow at night and Internment Camp (STIC) on 3 February 1945. Despite that
know you are still by their side. passage of time, however, I continue to harbor two grievances
Tell them every penny they find concerning the U.S. coverage of two related but separate and
distinct subjects linked to World War II (WWII): (1) The American
when you are gone, is you walking
public’s virtually total ignorance of the subject of Japan's WWII
with them, as it’s an angel penny
American civilian captives, or internees; and (2) the sharp
from heaven. Tell them not to be
contrast between their lack of coverage and the extensive (and
scared or surprised if they think continuing) amount of attention accorded in the U.S. to the
they hear you or feel you on subject of U.S. government treatment of WWII Japanese-
lonely nights. American internees. This analysis will discuss each grievance in
turn, focusing on the main reasons for the contrasting nature of
Don’t wait. No one is promised the coverage, and on how that difference contributed to the
another tomorrow. failures and successes, respectively, of the American and the
Japanese-American efforts to achieve restitution. Lastly, this
study will examine certain neglected aspects of the subject at
As of September 9, 2021 issue in the concluding section.
THE NUMBER OF
AMERICANS MISSING Before proceeding, several distinctions and clarifications should
AND be cited, for the sake of accuracy (and to forestall potential
criticisms); but brevity dictates that not all of them will be used
UNACCOUNTED-FOR
here. They include the following: (1) In the context of this
FROM THE VIETNAM survey, the term “Japanese-American” is not always appropriate,
WAR IS 1,584 as not all those of Japanese descent in the U.S. and in the then
Territory of Hawaii were U.S. citizens during WWII. (2) The word
commonly used to include all diaspora ethnic Japanese,
regardless of their citizenship, is Nikkei; a term used herein,
though not comparable, is “Japanese-American community.” (3)
Because not all Japanese-Americans were interned, it would be
inaccurate to refer to them — although I do so — as “internees”
(as distinguished from military prisoners, or “POWs”). (4) To
simplify, instead of using the terms “former internees” or
“ex-internees,” they will be referred to simply as “internees.”
Finally, a note to emphasize that my grievances are not personal;
this survey is the outcome not of prejudice, antipathy and/or
bitterness, but rather of an examination of the historical record.
GRIEVANCE #1. The reasons for the ignorance of the American
internees’ case in my opinion result largely if not entirely from
deliberate policy decisions by both the Japanese and the American
governments. The principal reason Japanese leaders always have
desired to conceal the facts of their handling of WWII captives
(both military POWs and civilian internees) needs no explanationcivilian, cont’d… greatest number of American civilians in U.S. history, and that
the U.S. government was at the least partly responsible. (3)
No doubt most important, the desire to ensure that Japan would
— they simply do not want it known be an ally against the Soviet Union in the rapidly-developing
how brutally they treated their cold war. And, to support the view that the U.S. government
prisoners. As evidence of that did not treat American internees equitably, note that it provided
mistreatment, here are some them only minimal compensation for their internment (a
illustrative facts and figures: maximum of $2,200 per STIC adult), especially so in
Among American POWs in Europe, comparison with reparations from WWII Allied countries to their
slightly more than one percent died own internees (an average of at least $15,000 each).
while prisoners; among Japan’s
American POWs, about 40% died in GRIEVANCE #2. And now to the second grievance, concerning
captivity. Among American the grossly disparate treatment within the U.S. of the two
internees in Europe, 3.5% died in categories of internees, a situation for which the U.S.
prison; among American internees government and the Japanese-American community bear
of Japan, 11% died in captivity — primary responsibility. First, just as the U.S. government has
more than triple the European rate. been mainly responsible for Americans’ ignorance of the
(Fewer than 0.02% of Japanese- American internees’ case, so too it has contributed considerably
Americans died as internees.) to the disparity of coverage, since ignorance of the issue
Moreover, Japanese motivation to obviously has led to its lack of coverage. On the other hand,
suppress the facts has been greatly however, the U.S. government could not have prevented
reinforced by the post-WWII growth widespread knowledge, and thus extensive coverage, of the
of right-wing ultra-nationalism in Japanese-American case. That is because the government
Japan. As a result, Japan has could not legally have censored any, let alone all, of the
always refused even to discuss — numerous efforts to publicize the Japanese-American case, and
let alone to award — reparations also because those efforts were led not only by the Japanese-
payments to its American internees, American community but also by what could be called the civil
citing the provisions of the 1951 rights community, which is often an influential factor in such
peace treaty with the U.S. And in instances. Conversely, though the government could not
that regard, it is important to suppress awareness of the Japanese-American case, it was able
underscore the fact that the to do so in the American internees’ case, because that occurred
American government at every step outside of the U.S. and thus beyond public notice, did not
of the way has sided with Japan involve either civil rights violations or the civil rights
against any and every attempt by community, and affected a far smaller number of individuals
the American internees to seek (a few thousand as against more than 100,000).
reparations from Japan. The
reasons for that stance are As for the Japanese-American community, its lengthy pursuit
examined next. of restitution achieved complete success in 1988, when the
U.S. Congress formally apologized for the government's WWII
The motivations of the U.S. actions, and passed the Civil Liberties Act. That Act, and its
government both to conceal the later amendments, awarded $20,000 in reparations to almost
facts, and to side with Japan, in my all WWII-era Japanese-Americans (of whom more than 80,000
opinion include (in addition to the were still alive), regardless of their wartime status — that is,
provisions of the aforesaid peace regardless of their citizenship, their treatment (e.g.,
treaty) these three major ones: (1) internment, relocation, or neither), their ages, or even whether
The desire to cover up the they had been repatriated to Japan or had actually fought for
government’s role in Japan. The Act also authorized creation of a Civil Liberties
actually preventing, not merely Public Education Fund, which has served to insert the Japanese-
discouraging, American civilians American point of view into the country's educational system
from leaving the Philippines prior to as well as into the historical record. And the Japanese-
the Pearl Harbor attack (for American case has continued to receive public attention as well
instance, by refusing to furnish as to achieve further successes, which need not be cited here.
required travel documents). (2) In short, ever since WWII, Americans have displayed the
The desire to avoid any negative sharpest possible contrast in their knowledge of and interest
reaction that might have resulted in the two categories of WWII internees discussed in this study.
from Americans' knowledge that a
foreign enemy had captured thecivilian, cont’d… In summary, thanks in part to the
less savory side of its history, the
CONCLUSION. The contrasting outcomes traced above —
Japanese-American community not
resulting from contrasts in awareness, and thus in coverage —
only ultimately achieved its
seem destined to be more or less permanent; thus a more
objectives, it is virtually
complete analysis than so far provided is needed to produce a
invulnerable to attack. Conversely,
fuller explanation, and judgment, of those contrasting results.
the American internees who were
The standard explanation — which is espoused by the
victims of Imperial Japan's Greater
Japanese-American community — follows conventional lines:
East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
In accordance with “the American dream,” Japanese-
appear destined to remain
Americans “worked hard and played by the rules” — particularly
invulnerable as well — except that
the rules of the American political system, including in particular
they are invulnerable to the public
the election of Japanese-Americans to the U.S. Congress. Thus
attention and support Americans
they were much more able to promote their cause and influence
bestow on the Japanese-American
public opinion than were the virtually unknown, ignored, and
community. Their efforts to achieve
numerically insignificant American internees. While that
restitution were unable to gain
explanation has merit, it is not the whole story; there is a
traction within the American public
darker side to consider. A detailed account of that aspect,
and were aimed primarily at the
briefly summarized next, can be found in an unpublished
U.S. government — which itself,
article-length manuscript by John J. Stephan, professor
however, undercut their efforts, as
emeritus of history at the University of Hawaii, who is fully
explained earlier. Thus, by
conversant with Japan's language and history. (Complete
comparison with the efforts of the
citation: John J. Stephan, “Injustice Contrived: Wartime
Japanese-American community,
Internment as Political Theater,” Honolulu, 2021. Stephan
those of the American internees
currently is updating the cited version and hopes to soon upload
proved to be pitifully feeble. And
it to the site ResearchGate.net where one can search for it by
there the story of these two sharply
name and/or title.)
contrasting histories must rest, for
now if not forever. That is, unless
To cite only the barest essentials, among other things Stephan
the remnants of the American
outlines the pre-Pearl Harbor beliefs and actions of a minority
internees, and/or their
(approximately one-fourth) of America’s Japanese-American
descendants, can somehow muster
community, almost all of them located in the then Territory of
the will, the energy, and the
Hawaii. According to Stephan, that minority harbored a
financial and political support to
“racist-nationalist virus”; actively supported Japanese
gain public recognition and thereby
expansionism in Asia; did not intend to settle in the U.S.; made
at least modify their side of the
trips back to Japan; and on several occasions hosted visiting
story for the better.
members of the Japanese military. Their actions were so
potentially incriminating that, after Pearl Harbor, they sought
to dispose of evidence of their sympathies. Thenceforth,
Japanese-Americans in general made — and continue to make Reprinted with permission from the
— similar efforts to discourage any and all references to the CPOW September 2021 issue
aforesaid minority’s compromising pre-WWII history. Stephan
also pinpoints the various deficiencies — simplifications,
distortions, etc. — in the Japanese-American version of their
relationship with the U.S. government. In view of such flaws,
one may well wonder why the Japanese-American story, as
presented to the American public since WWII, has never been CPOW
successfully challenged. The reason is simple; as Stephan Civilian Ex-Prisoners
pointed out in a personal email, any criticism of the Japanese- of War
American community's presentation of its history is virtually
impossible to publish. In his words, that history is based upon
www.cpow.org
“a civil rights narrative that the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 Sally Meadows,
turned into orthodoxy enforced within the government, media, Commander
and academe.”You can also read
