Serial Number: 508

Purpose: To manifest to Japanese troops that Japanese soldiers have surrendered to Americans in the past.

Comments: The text not only cites the number of Japanese who surrendered to American forces on Saipan, but points out that although the officers among those who surrendered realized that Japan was losing the war, they had deliberately assured enlisted personnel that Japan was winning. Such comments should at least create doubts in the minds of enlisted men concerning the veracity of statements made by their own officers and the wisdom of making a futile stand.

Format: Text in heavy brush work on white paper 6" x 9". A single Japanese character for "thought" is on the reverse side.

Text: In the Saipan operation more than 2,174 Japanese officers and enlisted men came over to the American forces. They were glad to save their lives and were surprised at the good treatment accorded them. Many even became friends of American soldiers.

What they said was interesting. The officers said they knew that Japan is losing the war and that defeat is inevitable. The enlisted men, on the other hand, had been told that Japan was winning. When they realized, however, that their navy and airforce could not aid them, they finally knew the truth. They realized that American industrial might was too great to be opposed by inadequate forces poorly equipped and supplied.

You can't fight alone! don't throw away your lives in vain!

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