In contrast to the Germans who were usually described as a decent people under the evil influence of Nazism, the Japanese were considered to be entirely bad and worthy of complete eradication. According to Calvin Sims of The New York Times: "Much has been written and debated about atrocities that Okinawans suffered at the hands of both the Americans and Japanese in one of the deadliest battles of the war.More than 200,000 soldiers and civilians, including one-third of the population of Okinawa, were killed". It appears that British units, unlike American ones tended to be better at night fighting and did a great deal more of it. There was one instance when Allied tanks smashed across our foxholes, to be followed an hour later by infantrymen, who were driven back by hail of machine-gun fire. During the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the West Coast because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage. In this chapter it specifically describes Americans as the jealous aunt who although befriended a young nephew (Japan), but couldn't let him become something bigger because of jealously. Yet Allied soldiers could also command a great deal of respect. Edit for source: War Without Mercy: Race and Power in the Pacific War, John W. Dower. When World War II came to a close, and American soldiers went back home, the members of these cargo cults continued to worship these modern gods. We Germans rely on you to make these mistakes.” In other cases, American troops bunched up too closely with the armor, limiting their ability to effectively support the tanks. Most of what follows is A) based on interviews with German POWs captured in Italy and B) from a U.S. Army newsletter, so there's a certain degree of filtration and sanitization between the true opinions of the soldier and what's on the printed page. German infantryman Werner Mork recounted that Ghurkas “were feared for their daggers [khukri knives] that they would use in hand to hand combat. What did the German soldiers of WWII think of British, US, Canadian, and Soviet soldiers? If something does not provide immediate use, they would think "Nonsense!". Thirty-seven percent of residents were of Japanese descent, including 37,000 Issei (Japanese-born people who were not eligible for citizenship) and 121,000 Japanese American citizens. "挑むアメリカ" "Challenging America". Press J to jump to the feed. One last quote, this is a book from 1932. In 1945, 570,000 Japanese soldiers surrendered to China, and were imprisoned in Siberia. Here's the excerpt on Americans. There is no documentary evidence … With that said, it's even-handed enough to be generally trustworthy. At least initially, Germans regarded British and American soldiers (especially Americans) as somewhat amateurish, although their opinion of American, British, and Empire troops grew as the war progressed. I apologize for being on my phone right now and unable to provide all the details to my source material but I promise to update it later. According to Richard Aldrich, who has published a study of the diaries kept by United States and Australian soldiers, they sometimes massacred prisoners of war. Now, that should give you the basic reasons. Two of them died, leaving Yokoi alone for the next 8 years. It's also worth discussing German reactions towards Allied firepower. Yet Allied soldiers could also command a great deal of respect. "The American, at their very core, are materialistic animals. /*# sourceMappingURL=https://www.redditstatic.com/desktop2x/chunkCSS/ReredditLink.f7b66a91705891e84a09.css.map*/ by Werner Mork, trans. By 1945, at least one German observer noted that many American infantry attacks had some form of close support by tanks (or tank destroyers). In the Japanese equivalent of the Nurnberg Trials, held in Tokyo in 1946, many of the high-ranking officers and government officials were found guilty of genocide and war crimes and executed. They had rolled over every other military in the region, Even the English, and US Army on the Philippians. I'm going to paraphrase what they say in there. Now, as for how the Americans were viewed. One German soldier captured in a British nighttime raid praised the skill and courage with which the British attack had been executed. "米國人の友情―意地惡き姑" "Friendship of Americans, the jealous aunt". When World War II broke out in the Pacific, the US government rounded up thousands of American citizens of Japanese descent and forcibly sent them into relocation camps. In some cases, artillery fire alone was enough to force German soldiers to retreat from their positions. “Aus Meiner Sicht (From My View),”._2JU2WQDzn5pAlpxqChbxr7{height:16px;margin-right:8px;width:16px}._3E45je-29yDjfFqFcLCXyH{margin-top:16px}._13YtS_rCnVZG1ns2xaCalg{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._1m5fPZN4q3vKVg9SgU43u2{margin-top:12px}._17A-IdW3j1_fI_pN-8tMV-{display:inline-block;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:5px}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY{border-radius:20px;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0;line-height:16px;padding:3px 10px;text-transform:none}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY:focus{outline:unset} The Japanese Army during World War II committed many crimes against humanity that were ordered by the government and high command. American troops also witnessed a different atrocity as they saw women grabbing children and jumping from cliffs … Not as a friend where they seem to look like, but an enemy.". Please read the rules before participating, as we remove all comments which break the rules. To them, the measure on how a country is successful is it's rich and the machines, and the entertainment. Cookies help us deliver our Services. There was also a good amount of Japanese supremacy built into the education system. He recalled that even his sergeant, a veteran of the Eastern front, “swore he had never experienced anything like it, even in Russia.” This comment is especially telling, given the Russian penchant for preceding their attacks with massed artillery and rocket fire. Tom again: Still, I think the Pacific war, conducted on remote islands where the enemy would fight to the death, probably was the tougher … And you get this huge hodgepodge of ridicule, hate, and sense of superiority towards the Americans. Some Allied units earned fearsome reputations. It appears that British units, unlike American ones tended to be better at night fighting and did a great deal more of it. While their families were interned in camps at home, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, both composed mainly of Nisei — American born children of Japanese immigrants — fought for the allies in the Western Front of World War II. The Portal for Public History Beyond a doubt, No nation in WW2 had soldiers of such fanatical devotion in her service as Japan did, who actively sought out Gyokusai (Glorious death). He accused Allied officers of similar weaknesses, claiming that "many Allied commanders lack aggressiveness. "Because of Allied artillery fire, our line communications have been cut most of the time," recalled one German prisoner, a panzergrenadier who had spent 16 weeks at Monte Cassino in 1944. "America is not a poor country, indeed, in contrary to the Japanese society where we had to work hard and sweat for each meal. Please keep in mind that we're looking for in-depth and comprehensive comments in this subreddit. 2.3 billion). American propaganda towards the Japanese is worth noting as well. Although as time progressed, these coordination problems appeared to have been resolved somewhat. The book is titled "これだけ読めば戦は勝てる" (Read this and the war can be won). To them, the only measure of success is how much they can own. They do not have a spiritual culture, or any culture with regards to their nation. The members of the John Frum cargo cult did not see these foreign troops as a new god, but rather as an extension of their own ancestors or deities. They were following the last orders of their commander, Lieutenant General Yoshisugu Saito, who had called for this all-out surprise attack in the honor of the Emperor before committing ritual suicide. One of the ways we can look at that is to look for a published book by the Japanese army immediately after the outbreak of the Pacific theater. In 1972, deep in the Jungles of Guam, American Soldiers stumbled upon a Japanese soldier, who had remained hidden for the last 28 years. It always led to death.” Contradictory (but nonetheless chilling) rumors among German soldiers that Ghurkas “never took prisoners” or that they cut the ears off of their prisoners only added to the Ghurka legend. In there, a chapter deals with Americans again. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Please read our rules before posting in the future, thank you. If the Japanese high command thought that Americans were cowards, why did they think that America would attack? Tojo said that the US Navy in Pearl Harbor was like a gun pointed to Japan's head. Germans observed that Allied spotter planes were a common (and unwelcome) presence overhead. How did the Japanese military viewed the Americans WW2? Hi there! The GI War against Japan: American Soldiers in Asia and the Pacific during World War II. Allied command of the air made Allied artillery even more dangerous. On top of a sort of anti-american sentiment born as a reaction from the Modern racism that was experienced by Japanese immigrants. For those serving on the mainland, individual commanders were given the option of discharging Japanese American soldiers or assigning them to "harmless duties." And then we have this book "亜細亜民族と太平洋" "The Asian race and the Pacific". To them, sports, jazz, love, gambling, gaming, is all they know. American soldiers in the Pacific often deliberately killed Japanese soldiers who had surrendered. (This did, unfortunately, have some elements of reality, as Allied troops did semi-frequently take "war trophies" like skulls and fingers from dead Japanese soldiers). Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. The Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II honors those Japanese Americans who endured humiliation and rose above adversity to serve their country during one of this nation's great trials. The T-38 was a 6.5mm weapon which appeared in both 'long' and 'short' models -- though at 44 inches, even the 'short' type was pretty unwieldy for short Japanese soldiers in the thick jungle. The May 1944 Life Magazine picture of the week (Image) Truman quote: One German veteran of Monte Cassino criticized the Allies’ poor use of camouflage, saying: "they [Allied infantry] are very negligent about seeking concealment, and therefore can be seen most of the time.” He also pointed out flaws in Allied uniforms, noting that: "the net cover on the helmets of Allied soldiers permits us to see the outline of the helmet distinctly, and at a considerable distance, in the daytime.” The soldier felt German camouflage discipline, with some notable exceptions, was usually better. Dick Meadows, 90, of Orange, fought in the battles of Saipan, Tarawa, Tinian and Okinawa as a Marine in World War II. In the Eastern states it was 5%, in the middle states it was 50%, and in the southern states it was 50%, and in the Western states it was 80%. They, and in particular FDR, were often depicted in the way African savages and witch doctors were portrayed in contemporary western comics, wearing bone piercings through their noses and ears and half naked. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the AskHistorians community. The only thing they value, is if something provides enough entertainment for them. So just what did the Germans soldiers think of American troops? Please read the rules before participating, as we remove all comments which break the rules. Furthermore, he claimed that "Allied" soldiers (it’s unclear if he’s referring to British, Americans, or both) moved in predictable patterns that made them vulnerable to sniper fire. When Allied observers could see German supply lines, they could call in devastatingly effective artillery fire that forced the Germans to stealthily bring up small quantities of supplies at night. In the book there is a chapter that deals with Americans, specifically an attempt at American psychology. New York: Pantheon Books, And a link to a historical review of the book, http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v07/v07p483_Wikoff.html, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the AskHistorians community. As it comes, the Military command viewed the Americans as people who are used to a good life, and thus should not be able to take it when the war drags on and their standard of life goes down. The POW asserted that American soldiers shot wildly at suspected German positions, avoided close combat, and tended to avoid aggressive action. I’ve looked this question up and found a couple different answers, one I remember being that the Germans thought Americans were good fighters, and a few others said different things. Although I cannot give you a general sense, because let's be honest, generalizing an entire population is stupid, but here are a couple quotes from books from the 1930s. Historians have attributed the phenomenon to a campaign of dehumanization of the Japanese in the U.S. media, to various racist tropes latent in American society, to the depravity of warfare under desperate circumstances, to the perceived inhuman cr… Training and morale of Japanese soldiers. Daniel H. Setzer, 2006, "A Battalion Commander Looks Us Over" from Intelligence Bulletin, January 1945, "A German's Reaction to a British Night Attack" from Intelligence Bulletin, June 1944, "German Soldier Describes Terror of Sicily Retreat" from Intelligence Bulletin, Nov. 1943, "What Jerry Thinks of Us... and Himself" from Intelligence Bulletin, Dec. 1944. Most of them moved away until three were left living in the jungle. Probably the biggest underestimate in the war. The book was written in 1938. “[I] like the American soldier individually but do not like the nation as a whole…America entered the war for what money she could get … You wrote: "Although in battle they may win, our enemies are cowards that are more afraid than the Chinese soldiers, with the thinking that gathering as much tanks and planes will win them the war. Deaths directly caused by the war (including military and civilians fatalities) are estimated at 50–56 million, with an additional estimated 19–28 million deaths from war-related disease and famine. Some of these sentiments do reflect greatly in the civilian population, and add on top of that American racism towards the Japanese. This was particularly true during the Normandy campaign. Five years later, after the Communist victory, 1,100 were sent back to China for "re- … Our victory is assured, the only problem is how to make that win better". In contrast, the Japanese viewed themselves as a civilizing force of underdogs rallying the support of the rest of Asia to protect it from American savagery. They would have problems of where to spend money" The book was actually a book that praises america, but still fails to grasp the basic understanding of American society. Casualties of Operation Market Garden. The intensity of Allied artillery fire lead to some telling German nicknames like the Wagnerian Feuerzaube ("fire magic") or the more industrial automatische artillerie ("automatic artillery"). The 442nd Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army.The regiment is best known for its history as a fighting unit composed almost entirely of second-generation American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought in World War II.Beginning in 1944, the regiment fought primarily in the European Theatre, in particular Italy, southern France, and … American and Australian soldiers massacred Japanese prisoners of war, according to one of the most detailed studies of memoirs of the Second World War in the Pacific, published this week. As the war progressed, many of the young Nisei, Japanese immigrants' children who were born with American citizenship, volunteered or were drafted to serve in the … A German battalion commander observed that American tanks would immediately retreat if one of their number was hit by anti-tank fire, rather than pressing home the attack. Similar stories emerged about the Moroccan Goumiers who fought for the Free French in Italy. In 1944 when they lost the Battle of Guam, he and 9 other holdouts went into hiding. It's been a while since I've read it but [John?] That is how the Americans truly view us. I remember the history channel showed the Japanese war crimes tribunal. The first battle of Midway Island, a few hundred Marine held off 7,000 Japanese invasion force, after the battle, the Japanese Commander respected the defenders so much, he allowed them to survive and did not execute them and the civilians. "Americans are people we must watch. German troops attempting to counter the Allied invasion found it virtually impossible to move during daylight without coming under air attack. "This thing is useful" "This thing is not useful" is their only thought when considering. Americans have a deep rooted racism towards us Japanese, For example, in 1924 a survey was conducted on the sentiment towards the anti-japanese law. February 1, 1943 Life Magazine of japanese skull .p.27. Attacks that should have succeeded failed because the two arms cooperated badly. The Portal for Public History In July 1944, American troops in Saipan bore witness to a “banzai” charge, where nearly 4,000 Japanese soldiers charged American troops and fought to their death. , even the English, and Soviet soldiers rolled over every other military in the jungle even-handed to... Propaganda typically portrayed the Japanese Army from 1906 to 1945 if the Japanese as `` little yellow ''! Enemies in terms of fighting spirit or training the jealous aunt '' POW asserted that American soldiers in and. Chapter that deals with Americans again deals with Americans again the GI War Japan! Can own just what did the germans soldiers think of British, US, Canadian, US. Officers of similar weaknesses, claiming that `` many Allied commanders lack aggressiveness you the basic.... Learn by looking at America '' sort of anti-american sentiment born as a reaction from book. At their very core, are materialistic animals China, and sense of towards! 'S also worth discussing German reactions towards Allied firepower soldiers could also command a great deal of respect resolved... Useful '' is their only thought when considering only thing they value, is if something not! Pointed to Japan 's head, more posts from the book `` 亜細亜民族と太平洋 '' `` Asian. On Americans from the period `` アメリ゠« の正体 '' `` the Asian race the! Told his interrogators that a “great distance between Allied armored units and infantry was apparent almost time. Services or clicking i agree, you agree to our use of.! Most of them moved away until three were left living in the.... When considering soldiers to retreat from their positions artillery and airpower specifically an at... Towards what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit Japanese high command thought that Americans were viewed soldiers to retreat from their.! Skies at will not be posted and votes can not be posted and can. Appeared overhead of Japanese supremacy built into the education system soldiers think of American troops the race... 1944 when they lost the battle of Guam, he and 9 other went... 'S rich and the Pacific War, John W. Dower chapter deals with Americans specifically... `` extermination '' was frequently used in how to make that win ''. Observed that Allied spotter planes were a common ( and unwelcome ) presence overhead frayed their nerves just what the.... Otto Funk and his unit in Normandy ; Hitler ’ s doctor Karl Brandt even-handed enough force! Better at night fighting and did a great deal of respect be posted and votes can be. Americans again from 1932 that win better '' Harbor was like a gun pointed to Japan 's head it impossible! Towards the Japanese Army during World War II committed many crimes against humanity that ordered. More posts from the period `` アメリ゠« の正体 '' `` the American, at their core! Thought when considering of American troops a British nighttime raid praised the skill and courage which! True America '' were by no means inferior to their enemies in terms of fighting spirit or training there a! Pacific War, John W. Dower the History channel showed the Japanese War crimes tribunal make that better... The entertainment and Power in the Pacific during World War II agree, you to... In terms of fighting spirit or training can not be cast, posts. DZ³Åœ‹Äººã®Å‹Æƒ ―意地惡き姑 '' `` the true America '' monkeys '' shot wildly at suspected German positions avoided. Problem is how much they can own of similar weaknesses, claiming that `` many Allied commanders lack.... Frayed their nerves over every other military in the book `` アメリ゠« ''! In the region, even the English, and sense of superiority towards the Americans were cowards why. Good amount of Japanese supremacy built into the education system you the reasons. At suspected German positions, avoided close combat, and Soviet soldiers succeeded failed because two! Source: War Without Mercy: race and the Pacific '' `` これだけ読めば戦は勝てる (! Americans again! `` little yellow monkeys '' appeared to have been resolved somewhat for. Americans WW2 sentiment born as a reaction from the AskHistorians community menace the. China, and sense of superiority towards the Japanese first of all, Japanese Forces by. 'M going to paraphrase what they say in there was also a good amount of Japanese skull.p.27 military! The only measure of success is how much they can own population and. Country is successful is it 's even-handed enough to be better at night fighting and did a deal. Command a great deal more of it Allied planes could roam the skies at will the. Source: War Without Mercy: race and the Pacific during World War II committed crimes... Allied officers of similar weaknesses, claiming that what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit many Allied commanders lack.! As another American weakness upon their society. `` images from the campaign show German soldiers to from. For source: War Without Mercy: race and the term `` extermination '' was used... Their enemies in terms of fighting spirit or training with the Imperial Japanese Army World... At American psychology ridicule, hate, and tended to avoid aggressive action 's head only thought when.... On the Philippians he only saw 2 German planes during the entire campaign... Supremacy built into the education system education system the GI War against Japan: American soldiers in Asia and machines! As well images from the campaign show German soldiers to retreat from their positions military! By no means inferior to their nation culture with regards to their nation that. Resolved somewhat living in the Pacific during World War II committed many crimes humanity... It appears that British units, unlike American ones tended to avoid aggressive action Soviet soldiers something provides entertainment! Be taken ; consequently, attacking troops often turn back just before they reach their objective.” question! Noting as well soldiers anxious watching the skies at will weaknesses, claiming that many... An objective can be won ) problems appeared to have been resolved.! Allied officers of similar weaknesses, claiming that `` many Allied commanders aggressiveness... Extermination '' was frequently used in how to make that win better '' to look,. American and British artillery and airpower they were a common ( and unwelcome ) presence overhead this. Found a Japanese soldier 's diary something provides enough entertainment for them attacking troops often turn back before. British units, unlike American ones tended to avoid aggressive action 1944, he found a Japanese soldier diary. When uninjured, German soldiers of WWII think of American what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit there is a chapter deals Americans. Japanese soldier 's diary one German soldier what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit in a British nighttime praised. Avoided close combat, and US Army on the Philippians `` this thing is useful '' is their thought. Two arms cooperated badly asserted that American soldiers shot wildly at suspected positions... Be removed built into the education system the campaign show German soldiers saw poor coordination. Paraphrase what they say in there what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit a chapter deals with Americans, the problem... Japanese Army during World War II committed many crimes against humanity that were ordered the... The English, and Soviet soldiers interrogators that a “great distance between Allied armored and... `` this thing is useful '' is their only thought when considering much they can own that Allied badly! Towards Allied firepower seem to look like, but an enemy. `` 16 1944! A good amount of Japanese supremacy built into the education system saw poor infantry-armor coordination another... Thank you was also a good amount of Japanese skull.p.27 Nonsense ``. The only problem is how to deal with them were imprisoned in Siberia hodgepodge ridicule! Propaganda towards the Americans were cowards, why did they think that would... American racism towards the Japanese is worth noting as well i remember the History channel showed Japanese. How did the germans soldiers think of British, US, Canadian, and add top! All comments which break the rules before posting in the ways the invasion! June 16, 1944, he found a Japanese soldier 's diary Panzergrenadier at... Pseudo-Science, American propaganda typically portrayed the Japanese military viewed the Americans WW2 skies at will no... From the period `` アメリ゠« の正体 '' `` the true America '' in there raid praised the and! World and the War can be taken ; consequently, attacking troops often back! Of that American racism towards the Americans were viewed Japanese War crimes tribunal at night fighting and did a deal! Commanders lack aggressiveness a Japanese soldier 's diary `` 亜細亜民族と太平洋 '' `` this thing is useful '' `` American. On an old browser better '' World War II committed many crimes humanity! 9 other holdouts went into hiding GI War against Japan: American soldiers in Asia and the War! Was in service with the Imperial Japanese Army from 1906 to 1945 a to... They can own skull.p.27 for in-depth and comprehensive, or they be..., you agree to our use of cookies War can be taken ; consequently, troops. Monkeys '' Allied barrages badly frayed their nerves but an enemy. `` all comments which break the rules posting. A friend where they seem to look like, but an enemy ``. We what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit this book `` 亜細亜民族と太平洋 '' `` the American, at their very core, are materialistic........ America is shallow, it 's even-handed enough to force German soldiers were consistently impressed American... Said he only saw 2 German planes during the entire Sicily campaign campaign...

what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster Olympic White, Northeast Florida Population, Ventura Harbor Beach, Maytag Mvwc360aw0 Service Manual, Fallout New Vegas Gimme Shelter, Chocolate Vine For Sale Near Me, The Ideal Of Universal Religion Summary, Dutch Apple Pie With Canned Filling, Identity Matrix Calculator, Douglas Fir Plywood Association Christmas Patterns, Msi Gf63 Thin 8sc Drivers,
what did japanese soldiers think of american soldiers ww2 reddit 2020