Talkback
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To get in touch with Bill Jones and get more information about the Japanese monument on Attu Island, contact Director Tom Putnam at tom@three-headedmonster.com
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I have a diary from my Uncle (died in the 60's) when he was stationed in the Aleutians on a sea plane tender during the battle.
Here is one entry...
May 20 1943----------25% of our soldiers that landed are reported killed, some by our own shells and shooting at one another. Japs lay dead in piles waiting burying by mongrels. Our men have, for the most part, trained in Calif. A few he says don’t know what island they are on. What to expect an are in a complete daze. Some of the soldiers don’t know the ships when the flag is not in sight an too far away. Altho U.S. ships are the only ones present.
You can read the whole diary at http://www.scottnelsonart.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=5
Scott Nelson
I find it ironic that so many died for an island the United States cannot even be bothered to put it on a national map. Alaska can barely be put on a map. It's disrespectful.
I'll have to side with Bill Jones. My father was in WWII (different part of the world tho). In my head, I could just hear Bill's story in my father's voice. I think the people that were their have a highest priority.
Aside of what has already been said, the monument doesn't suit any part of Alaska. It's too foreign and does not represent the culture or the harmony with nature. It doesn't belong culturally; It doesn't belong naturally.
I mean no disrespect to Japan. Perhaps there's something else that would better represent the situation.
Get rid of the monument. It has no place on American hallowed ground.
[The following was inspired by several long telephone conversations and letters between Bill Jones and me from January 3, 2008 to February 15, 2008. Not once did Bill ever say he was a hero or anything like this. He was only doing a job he felt needed to be done. So much of this story Bill didn’t like to talk about. To me, he’s not only one of the nicest guys on the planet, he’s my hero and he’s your hero and if we let this fine old gentleman go to his grave with the memorial issue unresolved, then shame on all of us!]
I’d like to tell you a soldier’s story.
There was this guy a long time ago at the age of 17 who went to war. Didn’t like the thought of it very much, never thought in 1939 he’d ever have to kill someone or in 1943 wind up at a place no one, not even he, knew of its existence. But he did have to kill people to defend an idea and to protect our freedoms. And he did go to a place that all who have been there in winter, past or present, refer to it as a living hell!
He wasn’t given even the bare essentials to endure the bitter winds and freezing temperatures. He lacked proper food, proper clothing, proper bedding, supplies always got to him too late and there never seemed to be a medic around when he needed one.
Sometime at the beginning of the battle, near 14 may 43, he was nicked in the arm by sniper fire. But, being so cold, he never realized it until later that day.
On 19 May 43, a piece of shrapnel hit him in the mouth knocking out a couple of his teeth exposing the roots to the extreme cold - this had to hurt like hell! It also tore a hole in his jaw you could stick a quarter in. He got through this, on his own, and still kept fighting!
Sometime on the afternoon of 27 May 43, he took a bullet in his lower leg. There was no one around to help him so he painfully crawled or limped for over a mile, in fog so thick you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face, to a medical clearing station, at a place called Engineer Hill where his wounds were looked after by Army Medics. (By the time he got here, his leg had swollen to twice its size and was covered with frozen blood.)
THEN, on 29 May 43, around 0400, he awoke to blood curdling screams coming from outside the tent where he lay helpless and wounded. “You Die - We Die, We Die-You Die” over and over again! For you see, nearly 1,000 fanatical Japanese soldiers, drunk on sake or doped on morphine made one last attempt to gain victory in a banzai attack.
Was he scared? You bet, so damn scared he almost shit his pants!
But what scared him the most is he had no idea what was going on outside. At Some point shortly after the battle started, he saw one of the medics drag a dead American soldier’s body into the tent and placed it at the tent’s entrance. And the medic whispered to everyone, “stay still, don’t even breathe”. This lone act saved his life and the others because it tricked the enemy into believing they had already been killed, like all those that were slaughtered in two other medical tents, saving them from further harm and certain death.
The place was the Island of Attu, Alaska and
I’d like to introduce you to S/Sgt Bill Jones, Company G 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, United States Army
More about this man….
Received the Purple Heart w/5 Oak Leaf Clusters (meaning six times total) for wounds received in battle on Attu, Lahti (Ikusa Islands), Kwajalein and Okinawa.
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal -- with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (meaning three times for bravery and acts of merit)
Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal--with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster for meritorious service in ground combat, Asiatic Pacific and American Theaters of Operation.
As a leader in battle, his first loss of one of his men on Attu, a man who would have been notified he was being discharged because of his age, just 45 minutes later, died in Bill’s arms. Bill has never gotten over this. He has carried this painful memory in his heart for over 64 years! Who says that brave tough men don’t cry……?
An American patriot and hero in the truest sense of the word, and now.....
he’s old, nearly 86 and ill, Emphysema to the stage he’s now on oxygen. A couple of bones in his spine have deteriorated due to Osteoporosis, his back was broken. And when the old start breaking bones, it is usually the sign of the “beginning of the end”. BUT, talk about TOUGH, he’s had the bones repaired –was in and out of the hospital in two days, the doc said the surgery went “perfectly” and Bill is up and walking now and doing a little “armchair” fishing.
Jack Kennedy once said that not only was it our right to correct government mistakes, it was our responsibility as well.
Norjack07@yahoo.com
John E Jonas, TSgt, USAF (Ret)
A 68 year old 20 year AF veteran who never saw a day of combat during my AF career. And I thank my God every day for this!
Message to Fred Kinney:
Email me at norjack07@yahoo.com and I will provide answers to all your questions.
Jack Jonas
When I googled for information, the information coming from the State of Alaska seemed to say the titaniam star burst was not to memorialize anything, but was intended to denote only that "a significant event occurred at this location".
Does anyone know if there is an inscription at the starburst site, and if so, what exactly does it say?
It is interesting to note it was paid for and installed by the Japanese. Was this the Japanese government, citizen groupe, historical organization, etc.,??
Is it possible the Japanese are, in their own way, trying to give humble recognition to all the world they were involved in a horrible and insane occurance that happened here, and they are just trying to respectfully acknowledge or own up to it?
Has anyone contacted and asked the Japanese for their side of why this monument was erected and what they are really trying to say to us and the world? There is the old cliche that one story is only good until the next one is told. Lets give them a chance to explain something we are having so much difficulty getting from our own government. Any Japanese out there reading this? ..please let's hear from you.
I hope very much someone would please help me with more information so I can develope a more informed opinion on this very highly emotionally charged issue.
By the way, I would really be very interested in opions as to who is to blame here. Was it the Japanese soldiers who were brainwashed into this insanity, or does the blame really fall on their leaders who were totally blinded with the arrogance of their absolute power? The world is very much afflicted with these same issues currently, and it seems to me that if we cannot come to terms and an understanding of the elements of power, this can easily happen all over again, and nothing will have been gained by the horrific sacrifices of our great American soldiers.
I have written to our Senator in Washington regarding this issue, but have not yet had a response.
I have no answers, and really very much and most sincerely hope some readers out there will help me out. This is one of the really great functions of a working democracy and open society that the more minds that can be brought to an issue, the more likely we will end up with much better answers.
Many thanks,
Fred Kinney
It sounds like to me that those who oppose the relocation of Japans monument from the hallowed grounds of the sie at Attu have never been to Attu, Shemya, the Alutian Islands or even Alaska for that matter. Well I have. Two tours of duty at Shemya, one year each, which is anywhere from 25 to 35 miles, depending how good a swimmer you are. The Western Aleutians is a place you cannot describe and cannot fully understand unless you were there for any length of time. These are just words but ring so true for the ones that spent an eternity there. Lonliness, boredom, all day work days, fog so thick you could pick it out of the air, wind so fierce it would literally knock a 200 lb man on his ass. This was some of my words and I had a Parka, all the arctic weather gear, great, hot food 3 times a day plus midnight chow, booze, recreation center, theater, gymnasium, cable tv in the 80's, warm comfortable beds. Compare that to the boys that went to defend this hell-hole in 1942. First most of them were diverted to Attu while enroute to someplace warm. No cold weather gear, leather boots, no gloves, no dormitories that were warm, cold chow, foxholes to live in that they had to dig in the frozen tundra. These were indeed the"Greatest Generation."
I am not an "ugly American" but a proud and humble American by virtue of the bravery and sacrifice of these amazing young men. You will not find very many like these guys today. Just watch a full episode of the tv show "American Idol." How totally misleading is that? Show must of been thought up by the facist liberals who want this country to fail because the way they exploit the first amendment for there own selfish personel gain. I spent 4 1/2 yrs in Okinawa and love the Japanese. A memorial is fine with me but never on the very site where brave young men were slaughtered. A hospital for God sake. The boys were already wounded from battle and frostbite. They couldn't have chased a mouse out of the tents if they needed to. My vote is the memorial is fine and a small tribute to Attu, but please not on the very site of the massacre of brave U.S. Servicemen. They did us more than a favor, they did us PROUD. Let us never ever forget. Thank You one and all and God Bless the USA.
I am one of “THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA” that John Jonas refers to in his post below (February 19, 2008). Up until now John and Bill have relied on support mainly from veterans. Many of the veterans from this war have passed on and aren’t here to help Bill achieve his goal of having the Japanese memorial removed, or moved to another part of Attu Island. John is working night and day to make other veterans and ALL Americans aware of the pain that this memorial has caused Bill since it was erected in 1987.
Yes, the Japanese suffered casualties, too. They didn’t have to. THEY invaded OUR soil. Let us not forget that one little fact. There would have been no need for a memorial to immortalize THEIR losses if they had stayed home in Japan. We didn’t ask them to come to our country. They did that at their own risk. All we want is for them to move their memorial to an area of the island that has no battle significance.
I was a 4-year old girl when Bill was fighting the harsh elements and savage invaders on Attu Island. I slept every night then, and every night since then, in a warm, and comfortable bed, knowing that I was safe from harm from any enemies of the United States of America. I have vague memories of uncles who served our country during this war. They were the lucky ones who returned home with no visible physical scars. They didn’t talk much about the war. They went on with their lives as if on auto-pilot, numb and scarred emotionally for life. It wasn’t until a few years ago that an aging relative began to finally talk about the horrors of his experiences during The Battle of The Bulge. His memories and stories made me shiver. In my “cushy” life I had not even thought about HIS suffering. I SHOULD have and I am ashamed that I didn’t until that night.
Wake up, PEOPLE OF AMERICA! These men and women who are our veterans fought and died for you and me. There are many more “Bills” in this country, some too old and ill to take up this fight. Those of us who are able should be willing to stand up for them, and for Bill. Sign John and Bill's petition. I did. Spread the word to everyone you know and ask THEM to contact anyone else who can help.
This wrong needs to be righted and it needs to be done NOW. When you lay your head on your pillow tonight think of Bill. Imagine the suffering and the pain that he endured. Imagine watching your wounded fellow servicemen brutally killed as they lay waiting for medical attention. Imagine suffering multiple physical wounds during his duty to his country. Imagine going back to the scene of this brutal massacre and seeing a big, tall memorial honoring the invaders. Imagine trying to wage this last battle all alone. It’s enough to give us all nightmares for the rest of our lives. Sleep? How can we rest until Bill’s last battle is won? He is a true “soldier”. He could be YOUR brother, YOUR father, YOUR uncle, YOUR grandfather, YOUR son. THIS war is for Bill and all of the men and women like him who fought to keep us free. Thank you, Bill, from a 68-year-old AMERICAN who is proud to spend the rest of her life helping you, as you helped me to be free.
Karen Montgomery, The Villages, Fl.
TO ALL AMERICAN VETERANS, THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA AND THE PEOPLE OF THE GREAT NATION OF JAPAN!
I just finished looking at RED WHITE BLACK & BLUE again. Only this time there were no distractions (dogs and cats, making popcorn, conversations with my wife, telephone……..) I watched it in the serenity of early morning just before the sun came up.
What entered my mind when I watched again this outstanding documentary film that deals with the horrors of war?
Murder is defined in my dictionary as “the unlawful and malicious or premeditated killing of one human being by another”.
And isn’t murder committed in war, just an act that can be narrowed down really to one human being killing another but on such a grand scale, should never be forgiven? God would only have this right. But when He was asked to forgive, He answered. But I think His answer was NO!
I believe that all these acts (among many others) were acts of murder:
The Atomic bombing by Americans on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,
The beheadings of American GI’s and civilians by Japanese soldiers,
The practice of “blanket bombing” by Americans on the city of Tokyo,
The shooting and bayoneting to death of captured POWs by the Japanese during the Bataan Death March and the march itself,
The shooting to death of all soldiers who had raised their hands in surrender, and
The SLAUGHTER of the helpless and wounded Americans at Engineer Hill, Attu, Alaska, on May 29th, 1943!
Not cheerful thoughts to have on a peaceful Sunday morning.
Bill Jones and I have submitted a petition to the Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC, titled:
”Petition for the Removal [or relocation] of a [Japanese-Sponsored] Memorial Located at Engineer Hill on the Island of Attu, Alaska USA Petition #BSJ/JEJ 001-08, dated 4 February 2008”.
Do I want the memorial, a thing of art and beauty, removed from the island entirely? No, I do not.
Do I want the memorial relocated to a place on Attu having no battlefield significance whatsoever? Yes, I do and I hope that you would too!
You may ask yourself at some point “What’s with this guy, hell, World War II has been over for 64 years, let’s give it a rest!”
The only problem is, it’s not really over, there is still one more battle to win!
And should we make the mistake of erasing the memory of World War I and World War II from our minds, we open the door for World War III!
To support the petition, email me at: norjack07@yahoo.com
John E Jonas, TSgt, USAF (Ret)
Sorry for the missing words and letter omisions in the previous post, I was a little more than upset when typing.
HISTORY FORGOTTEN IS DESTINE TO BE REPEATED
Let us not forget those who died a tortured death, imagine if you can, being a captive or wonded and an enemy sticking a knife in you without remorse because to him you are less than nothing. Imagine if you dare, the sheer terror in that persons mind at the moment they are going to die at the hands of a animal that shows no mercy. People died to insure our way of life, war was cast upon us, we desired peace and were attacked. We were forced to defend our country, homes, children and way of life from those who would wipe us from the face of the Earth or worse, make us slaves to them. So should we forget about Hitler, Idde Amean or even the French Revolution? If we do, then we have leared nothing and have shown less then respect for those who died to protect us. Just something to think about. Show some respect to your Veterans, you really have no idea of what they gave up to protect you. Am I an ugly American? I belive in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for everyone, that means everyone around the world but I start here at home. If this makes me ugly, well that is just something I am going to have to live with.
This a comment for A.R.MONTANEZ, were at the battles? Or were you there for just the monument dedication? I think I already know the answer to that question. But here is my perspective, I SUPPORT THE VETERANS OF THAT BATTLE. And if they say (and they have) the monument should be removed then that is what I say as well. Also check your history, we(Americans) were considered a lesser lifeform by Japan and were treated in a worse than inhumane fashion. So as ugly Americans go, at least I am well informed when I make a comment. History forgotten is detined to be repeated
I spent a tour of duty on the island of Shemya, Alaska back in the sixties. Shemya was about 25 miles away from Attu. I remember that on a clear day you could see Attu from that distance. The time I served on Shemya was pure hell. It was cold and bitter with 80 hour work weeks and the loneliness was unbearable. And I wasn’t even being shot at like the guys on Attu. For those of us who have forgiven the Japanese for starting WWII - there is nothing wrong in this. We have always been a forgiving people. This is what makes us the greatest nation on earth. However, there were horrible things committed by the Japanese during that war that we should never forgive nor do we even have a right to do. The murder of thousands at Pearl Harbor. And make no mistake, without a formal declaration of war, it was murder! The beheadings of our GI’s and civilians. The murder of our airmen who were captured after the Doolittle raid on Japan. The murder of innocent men, women and children in China. The bayoneting and shooting of the POW’s during the Bataan Death March. The horror and atrocities committed against all persons in Japanese POW camps. The horrible medical experiments conducted by the Japanese on all those poor innocent people. But most of all, the slaughter of those helpless wounded within the medical camp at Attu. All this (and more) is why the Japanese memorial on Attu MUST BE REMOVED AND IT MUST BE REMOVED NOW! Some of you who have responded to this forum have stated “I agree this memorial should be removed but what can I do to help?” Let me suggest the following. First, go to Google and search on “Senator Pete Domenici”. There you will find a web page that gives some real good information on how to write effectively to your congressperson. Once read and understood, do just that. Write your congressperson . Once you’ve done that, write a personal note to your senator and kindly ask him or her to talk personally with your congressional representative. Senators have always been kinder to their constituents and seem to have much more wisdom than their congressional counterparts. Don’t ever give up! I ask this on behalf of Andy Petrus and Bill Jones. Like a lot of you, I also saw the pain in their eyes because of this memorial. I don’t care what the inscription reads on it because if you stand 50 feet away, all you‘ll see is what these two gentlemen see - an insult to the memory of every American fighting man or woman who lost their lives at the hands of the Japanese. Never forget, the strength of this nation isn’t in our government but rather it is in the strength of its people! I intend to write my congressional representative again and make this suggestion. Please have this memorial carefully removed and sent back to Japan where it can be placed in an appropriate location. I think Andy and Bill could come to accept this and maybe, find peace of mind. I know this would satisfy me and finally put an end to this matter. But believe this, I’m never giving up until something is done that will satisfy Bill and Andy and the remaining majority. I’m 68 years old now. I’ll never give up the fight - how about the rest of you?
I AM AMAZED WITH THE ARROGANCE AND EGOCENTRIC ATTITUDE OF THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE THE MONUMENT REMOVED.I WAS PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY AND THE JAPANESE WERE PAYING HOMAGE TO THE BRAVE AMERICAN AND JAPANESE SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT AND DIED FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES. THIS COMMEMORATION HAS FURTHER STRENGTHENED THE BOND OF AN AMERICAN/JAPANESE ALLIANCE. THE MONUMENT IS WELL INTENDED TO RECOGNIZE THE SAVAGERY OF WAR. YES, WE CAN BE "UGLY AMERICANS" TO CONTINUE TO HAVE RESENTMENT TO THE JAPANESE. THEY (THE JAPANESE) HAVE GIVEN MORE TO THE USA THAN GERMANY OR ITALY. IS IT BECAUSE THEY LOOK DIFFERENT THAN US? SOMETHINGS WILL NEVER CHANGE.
I didn't see the whole movie tonight , but I saw enough to understand why there should not be a Japanese Memorial on this island when men like Bill and Andy who witnessed first hand what went on on both sides, have an issue with it. It is appalling to think that our government would allow this. These are unsung heroes and we owe our freedom (what's left of it) to them. My eyes teared to think of what they went through while upholding our freedom.
You stated that it was nearly impossible to get to Attu..
Anchorage Air port, Reeves Alutian Air lines....
They fly out to Attu. Also a piolet that flew for Reeves air lines Name is Kelly" He flew P 38 out thereduring the war and the battle. I was a USCG member ststioned on Attu and a friend of mine, his grand father was the chaplin on the invasion when I was there there was an unexploded 500 pound bomb in front of the chaple with the 3 ft tall tree I could go on and on about the stuff that I know like my c o found the invaion battle plans for Attu in a building
Director Tom Putnam responds:
Dear Mr. Eversoll,
Thanks for your email. Actually, Reeves Aleutian Airlines (or any other airline) has not flown to Attu for many years. In fact, the entire island is blocked to civilian traffic of any kind, which was one of the biggest hurdles we faced in making the film. Currently, the only way to travel to Attu is to obtain a security clearance from the U.S. Department of Defense and then get permission to travel there with the U.S. Coast Guard, who flies to Attu every two weeks to resupply their LORAN-C station on the island.
Take care,
Tom Putnam
Thank you for this film. It was a learning experience for me into the life of my father. My father, James William Carter, was also at Attu and suffered the aftermath his entire life. I believe that he was unaware that there were reunions and while he kept in touch with two buddies for most of his life he was mostly isolated in his memories of the war. He told his children of Attu but being young we did not have the maturity to understand or be very supportive of him.
Several aspects of Attu that Dad spoke about and seemed to find very traumatic were not mentioned in the film. They were the friendly fire deaths, that dog tags and personal effects from both Japanese and American soldiers were stripped by our men before they were buried in a mass grave and the separation of the men in his unit when they were sent stateside and told not to discuss what they had seen.
While Dad was proud of his military service he was not always trusting or positive about our government. As children in the 50-60's we didn't think our government was ever wrong! I am unsure how he would feel about the monument. He was basically a peaceful man.
To Tom Putnam. I was so stunt watching your Independents documentry on November 11th. I had my interest peeked when I saw that detail information what was going to be presented. I was blown away by the superimposed photos.My Father Richard Thomas King participated in this war history. He was a avid photographer as a young man.I grew up in a family of five with 3 brothers. My dad spoke a little about his experience on Attu Island.He actually had movie film of actual sites and shooting! I remember vividly because these were shown along with our family film night.My brothers would ask for them. He also had still photos of himself sitting on the rocks near snow covered landscapes shaving himself. I'am in contact with my brothers now to gather the remaining film collection of my father's.So many of your doc photos were like my dad's photos too spooky for me to bare. I did contact Andy Petrus the other fellow shown in your film. I was shocked to learn that he lived in my town! He was so kind to give me some clues how I can follow up to give closure for my brothers and my dads grandsons and great- great grand sons.Though he was 29 or 30 at he time he suffered along with soldier buddies.He experience what war inflicts on humans. A reason not to relive personally in some ways but not to be forgotten. Thanks for your monumental task to tell us. My father Richard Thomas King passed away in 1996. He would of been interested in seeing this part of history reported.It was meant to be for me to see and now I can follow up on what my dad really experienced. Thanks again for this detailed and remembered event in American History.Susan L Calvet(King)
Hello, just wanted so say thank you for all those involved in this film. My grandfather, Herbert H. Williams(1919-1987)T3, U.S. Army, was their for the entire Aleutian Campaign. I was very close to him growing up and anything that has to do with his past is of great importance and meaning to me. Growing up I heard so many stories of what he and all of those guys up there went through. I used to sit and look at all of his pictures that he took while he was there. My grandmother says that it was not allowed for the guys to take pitures of what was going on up there and he was able to get his pictures printed up there by one of the guys developing photos for the recon flights and he made my grandfather copies using left over scrapes of photo paper. I guess as the story goes that when the guys finally shipped home, most of all the guys photos were confiscated, but my grandfather had his hidden in his shaving kit and they never found them. I would love for these pictures to see the light of day, I'm sure that alot of guys would like to see them. If you are interested in seeing the pictures (there are alot), I will get to work sending you some scanned copies. Again thank you very much, I just ordered a copy today so that that rest of my family will be able to see this film. Very sincerely, Brian S. Miller Kingman, AZ
For many years a bird-watching 3wks was held on Attu. One could see many Siberian and other unusual birds, and count them as being on American soil. I was there in 1984 for this reason. The mountains were honeycombed with tunnels dug by the Japanese, and I found the island to be sad, depressing, and haunted. I'm glad to learn more about what happened there, and this film is great, and also conveys the sadness.
This was the most interesting documentary I've seen, very moving, what an educational tool. I cannot get these 2 incredible men out of my thoughts, I totally agree with their feelings about the Japanesse monument, how do we help these fine gentlemen?
Kathy
I'm sorry to say that I missed the program. I saw it in the TV listings after it was over tonight. I hope to see it very soon, if possible.
I would really like to see the program because my father was a Combat Engineer who fought on Attu. He passed away in 2001, without seeing his part of the war mentioned very much in any historical programs.
My family still has the helmet that he wore there with 2 bullet holes (entry & exit) in it. He told us he got that during the Japanese charge when they were stabbing soldiers in their hospital bunks.
When he ran into an officer, he said the guys face was as white as a ghost because all he could see was this huge hole in Dad's helmet. The officer had assumed the worst and couldn't believe he was talking to this Sargeant with a hole in his head. Of course his head was OK (he wasn't hurt at all) or I wouldn't be writing this.
Recently, I saw a similar program on the History Channel which was great. They interviewed some of Dad's buddies from Attu. These were guys he saw at annual reunions they held for 50 years.
As for the monument, it's got to go and I'm sure my Dad would agree. If for no other reason than it sits on AMERICAN SOIL.
Please tell us what can be done to have it removed.
My Uncle Lawrence E. Mahuron died on 13 May 1943 Killed in action on Attu Island In WWII. Thanks Putnam for taking the two veterans, Bill and Andy back to Attu to tell their story of the Battle on Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands. I was unaware of the monuments placed there by the Japanese. They should be removed from the Island. Your documentary is excellent and the veterans detailed accounts of what happened on Attu would never have been told if you had not taken them back to where the events happened. JGM K9JWJ
Previously known as Gilberg, CEW 2 USNCB11. I'm a Viet Nam Vet. Perhaps carrying guilt at not having died, or not having been in a firefight, I haven't been able to say Viet Nam without tearing. I spent a year on Adak Island in the Aleutians - it was an unpleasant place in peacetime, I can barely imagine it in war. I want to thank all the veterans who have served, but especially tonight, I want to thank Bill Jones and Andy Petrus; just as all soldiers must, they did what they needed to at the time. It would seem more painful to have lost friends and innocence in a war that was ill conceived and and unsupportable, but there is no difference, the loss is still the same. Thank you for sharing your painful memories.
My thanks also to Tom Putnam.
Dear sir: I WAS IN THAT BATTLE OF ATTU,,WITH THE 4th, INF. AND I HAVE SOME PICTURES AND STORIES. I WOULD LIKE TO TELL...GO TOO THIS IS MY LIFE....
What can I do as an American civilian to help Bill Jones' cause of removing the Japanese monuments from Attu? Is there a congressman/representative that I can write to?
I loved everything about this documentary.A ton of dedicated hard work certainly shines through this well made film.All who were responsible in its making and filming are to be congratulated.I would also like to thank Bill & Andy and all American Service men who have answered the call of duty and the many who went beyond.I have some questions.Are the Japanese mounuments strictly dedicted to Japanese Service men,or are the Americans included on the dedication plaque? If it is truely for the Japanese Service Men only then:Who was responsible for allowing the Japanese to place their memorials there in the late 80`s under Pres.Reagan`s administration?Is there any link or further info.on how to help Bill get the monuments removed? Even better how about some info. on how to donate to an American memorial that could be placed on the Island of Attu? Thank you,-Bruce
Director Tom Putnam responds:
Hi Bruce,
The plaque on the monument is dedicated "to all those who died" and not just to the Japanese.
Despite that, Bill and all the Attu combat veterans we interviewed feel that it is for the Japanese soldiers for a few reasons. The monument was paid for, erected by, and when it's damaged is repaired by the Japanese government. It's on the exact spot where the Americans stopped the Japanese banzai charge on the final day of the battle, where many of the Japanese took their own lives, and where they were then buried by the Americans. It's also just a few yards from where the Japanese overran the American medical camp where Bill was and bayonetted and killed nearly all the American wounded who were there. And finally, I've never heard it referred to anything but the Japanese Monument (or Japanese Memorial) by the veterans and other people who know about Attu.
You may also be interested to know how people besides Bill feel about the monument as well. As far as I can remember, all the American soldiers we interviewed who saw combat on Attu and who know about the monument feel that it should be removed, and they would like a much larger American monument erected in its place. (There is currently a small four foot tall monument near the island's airfield with a plaque that Bill and some other Attu veterans wrote the inscription for and paid to be installed. There's a scene at that monument in the 86 minute version of the film that you can watch on DVD.)
But, to be fair, a few other veterans we interviewed
who did not fight on Attu, as well as Takiko
Tatsaguchi, the daughter of one of the Japanese
soldiers who died on the island, see the monument very differently. They think it's a way to bring peace to the families of those who died in the battle. Again,
you can see more about them in the longer version of
the film.
There are 11 of these monuments altogether across the Pacific, each at locations where the Japanese lost high numbers of casualties in World War II battles. I can't say for sure what the inscriptions are on each, but you can find them by doing a search online.
As far as helping Bill with an American monument, I know that he's said he'd love to speak with anyone who's interested in working with him on that. I'll email you Bill's contact information. Anyone else who would like to speak with Bill about helping him can email me at tom@three-headedmonster.com and I'll send you Bill's info as well.
Thanks again for your email, and I'm glad you enjoyed
the film.
Tom Putnam
I have a strong suspicion that the Japanese monument
on Attu will be removed by locals here in Alaska.
We simply did not know it is there.
Respectfully~
For Bill and Andy
Thank you to all vets who fought and fight for my freedom. I am forever indebted to you.
Nov 6, 07 I watched your Red White Black and Blue video. It was intense. The veterans were wonderful and very informative. I am 44 yrs old. All my uncles and relatives that served in World War II have passed on including my parents. My uncles served in various capacities. They felt as strong as the two older gentlement in your film about the Japanese. I was not aware of the Starburst thru out Alaska paying tribute to the Japanese... I am still shocked. I loved your film as do other films and documentaries you produce. Please keep up the hard work and thank everyone who contributes to informing the American Public. I really want to Thank you for this information. I am a better person for knowing this.
About those titanium starburst memorials... Where are the other ones located? I have done an exhaustive google search for the other locations, but I have failed to find anything. Perhaps a Japanese speaker/reader can find out for us? My question... are the other starburst memorials all on Japanese soil or are other ones on, say, Micronesian soil?
Director Tom Putnam responds:
Dear Tom,
Thanks for your email. I know that there are a number of Japanese memorials throughout the Pacific, but I'm not sure how many are on Japanese soil and how many are on the soil of other nations. A great website to see images of Japanese War Memorials and other interesting World War II images is the Pacific Wrecks website at http://www.pacificwrecks.com/
Hope that helps,
Tom
My father Staff Sgt. Anthony Novak told me many of the same stories that Mr's Petrus and Jones related. He was with the Army Corps of Engs. I have many of the same photos that were shown on the documentary. Also a translated copy of a diary of a Japanese Doctor Tatsuguchi Nobuo. My father said they were equiped for the South Pacific and were sent to Alaska. It was very touching to see this very fine film as a rememberence to my late father.
Scot Novak
Uniontown PA
When I saw the hurt and pain in Bill Jones's face , when he saw the japanese monuments . My heart as a free American broke . This Honarable man is 100% right
thoughs japanese monuments should be sent back to japan with a message that they have been replaced with American monuments , such as Bronze statues of American soldiers , war or not the japanese should have never been on that island. and because of this intrution many of our men had to go and die. American soldiers should be honored and remembered there. That tiny island belongs to the Amerian people , not the japanese or american government . ask yourself this question. How many American monuments do we have on foreign soil? Surely there isn't 11 or more on any one
island. Hopefully Bill Jones may see this as well as Andy , Thank You for keeping our country and my family safe , Thank you Thank You I live a free life because of men like you , Thank You
A fine film program to be sure. I found the footage that was used to be captivating.
My father, Howard Robert Gray Jr. was a veteran of world war two but not at Attu. My dad fought in the pacific though. I really liked watching this film on public television. I could watch it over and over again. I only wish my father had lived long enough to view this very valuable piece of history, some told and some not. Further more how true history always has a
way of repeating itself......
I was very shocked to learn about the monument
erected by the japanese on Attu. I am a Veteran who lives in Alaska and although familiar with the occupation of Attu, I am surprised and conflicted by the decision that enabled this to occur. Perhaps our government should allow the kingdom of Saud to erect a marker at the World Trade Center. (Thanks for your service Putnam)!
Semper Fi
My father was in the battle for Attu. His name was William Evan Rhodes. Sadly he passed away in 1998 without ever really having talked about the war much. After seeing this program, both my Mother and I were very moved and able to understand his reluctance to recount the details. I still have some souveniers he brought back. A japanese grenade, officers insignia and many Arisaka shells that my dad engraved attu43 on the base. Growing up i was always told not to mess with japanese girls. I can see why my Father would have not been happy about this. Anyone that may have known my Dad is welcome to contact me and my Mom. Craig Rhodes, skinwork@msn.com Thank You all for making the world aware of what happened on that tiny island.
Isn't it a shame that the Japan has a erected that monstrous star on America soil, while there is nothing done for our Veterans of that same battle.
What does Japan want next a Star erected at Pearl Harbor and one at Nanking China. We have forgotten our Veterans and that is a sad lesson for the current troops serving for draft dodgers Dick Cheney and George Bush
It seems a tad disingenuous for the program's web site to prominently display a photo of veteran Bill Jones posing in front of the Japanese monument on Attu island, and then to note in the update from producer/director Tom Putnam that "Bill lives in Tavares, Florida, where he continues to fight for the removal of the Japanese monument on Attu Island." Heck, seems he can't even win its removal from the web site, now, can he?
Director Tom Putnam responds:
Hi Aaron,
That's a good point! Personally, I think that the photo of Bill with the monument behind him is a good illustration of his continuing struggle to have it removed from Attu Island. I know that Bill's seen the photo published in other magazines and newspapers, and he seemed to be okay with it.
Tom Putnam
This past week we lost one of the most known people of World War 2, Paul Tibbetts, the pilot of the Anola Gay passed away at his home in Columbus Ohio. Pilot Paul Tibbetts was the pilot of the B29 that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan that helped to end the war. Mr. Tibbetts asked that there be no services or a head stone so there would not be any protesters deface his tomb stone. God bless you Paul Tibbetts and I hope blue skies and Pease are with you.
Get rid of the monument, if this is what the veterans of the battle wish. I, obviously, was not there but any enemy that would bayonet wonded soldiers in a field hospital are NOT worthy of any monument least of all one on AMERICAN soil.
I am retired Air Force who visited Attu several times during my job their. I was privledged to attend the 50 year anniversary. Attended by Americans and Japaneese alike. I remember the Japaneese woman who talked about her father being the doctor there and how she grew up without her father. I remember so many of the places on the show and aweful it must have been. There were lots of rumors that some of the Japaneese had escaped on the far side of the Island with a submarine. I feel for the men who fought on that Island and my hearts go out to them. I am proud to have served in the military and am grateful to the makers of this film and glad that it has finally come out. Thank you.
I want to know what campaigns Bill Jones and Andy Petrus served in after their time on Attu since the war went on for more than a year. Bill was especialy eloquent in his recollections and carries much baggage still from that 19 day battle. He is an American of an entirely different and higher calibre than those of us who who have not been down that road. Sadly our government is again creating more of these men than it should be but for far less noble a reason as for those of WW II. Thanks to the Bills and Andys and to those of our day now in whose debt we will always be.
Director Tom Putnam responds:
Hi Mel,
Thanks for your message. Bill and Andy both went on to fight in three more battles in the Pacific during the war: Kwajalein, Lahti, and Okinawa. Bill was wounded six times and Andy was wounded once, and they both received the Bronze Star medal for their service during the war.
Tom Putnam
I have to agree there should be no memorial on American soil to the invaders from Japan. That is like giving honor to a criminal for commiting a criminal act. A cemetary is understandable a memorial is too much.
Could you please clarify the statement "although thousands of soldiers died in the ensuing battle..." in the promotional copy on your web site? I had heard of Attu but I had no idea that many soldiers were killed. Now Wikipedia is certainly no end all and be all, but according to that site, 549 Americans were killed in the battle, and more than 300 died in 1943 after the Japanese had abandoned the island. There were indeed thousands of American casualties, from wounds, frostbite, etc., but most of those survived. My question is: Does your statement "thousands of soldiers died" refer to the dead among both the Americans and the Japanese, or are you perhaps confusing "casualties" with "killed"? I daresay, as someone who has extensively researched such little known disasters as Exercise Tiger and the Kassel Mission, I was stunned by a radio report on this new documentary in which the reporter was apparently reading the copy directly from the description on your web site.
Director Tom Putnam responds:
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for your talkback message and your question. Approximately 4,000 people died in the battle to take back Attu Island. Nearly 3,000 of these deaths were Japanese. (Of the approximately 3,000 Japanese on the island,between 18 and 24 survived the battle itself.) The remaining 1,000 deaths were American. This includes American soldiers who were killed in the 19 day combat itself. (The exact numbers are unknown, but are somewhere between the 549 figure you mentioned on the low end and 700 on the high end. Most of the accounts list 658 men killed, which is the number we worked off of.) In addition to those men, there were hundreds of other Americans killed as well, including dozens of American flight crews who died bombing the island in the days and months leading up to the invasion, numerous American civilian contractors, and deaths of American naval personnel ferrying troops to the island from Seattle and Southern California.
In addition, the American front-line ground troops suffered nearly 100% casualties during the battle itself. Casualties include soldiers who were killed, wounded, or suffered from severe frostbite. While the exact numbersof casualties and men killed in combat on Attu is unknown, we were careful to consult a number of experts on World War II in the Aleutians during ourseven years making the film, and we're very confident that, if anything, the 4,000 dead is a conservative number. That's why, next to Iwo Jima, Attu is considered to have the second highest percentage of casualties of any island battle of World War II.
I hope that helps clarify matters. If you're interested in learning more about the Battle of Attu and the war in the Aleutians in general, there are some great books on the subject, most notably "The Thousand-Mile War," by Brian Garfield. While Garfield's book contains a few factual errors, it's a fantastic look at an amazing and largely unknown chapter of American and Alaskan history. You can also check out the 86 minute, feature length version of our own film at http://www.alaskainvasion.com/ which has much more about the battle itself, as well as period newsreels and other information about the war in the Aleutians.
Take care,
Tom Putnam
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