Amazing Group to Col. Captured on Bataan - He Saved Everything .

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This is a book that he was in charge of maintaining the names of all the POWs in the Shirakawa Taiwan camp and what valuables they owned. Its broken up by nationality. I am only showing the American pages.

 

 

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On August 16, 1945 the OSS dropped a 6 man team into the camp to formalize the Japanese surrender of the camp and to protect the POWs.

 

This is the ORIGINAL document Major. Hennessey presented to the Camp's Adjutant as his credentials.

 

I have never seen anything like this before.

 

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

Here is a GREAT article about the OSS's involvement and a picture of Hennessey.

 

http://www.academia.edu/1055900/Operation_Cardinal_OSS_in_Manchuria

 

 

 

 

This Chopmark was the personal signature chop of the Japanese American , Fumio Kido , who was the translator on the mission

 

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The Russians soon entered the camp and the Americans stayed in Hoten after liberation for a few weeks. These items relate to the time after the liberation:

 

 

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Camp Hoten commandant's business cards

 

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Charges were brought up against one of the POWs by general Parker while at Mukden . This is the packet with the depositions:

 

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Estimates of the camp population

 

 

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After the war was over and the Col had arrived home he was presented with the Legion of Merit.

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

Much more could be written about this incredible archive. More research needs to be done.

 

 

This thread ends with photos of the Col from before WWI when he was an enlisted man. He served from 1906 until after WWII, almost 40 years.

 

 

 

[ghost]

Thanks for sharing Kurt, this is perhaps the most spectacular pacific POW group ever seen on this forum. Absolutely amazing!

[mghcal]

What an incredible grouping! Amazing it all survived together so long.

[Red Devil]

Absolutely stunning group with amazing history. Hard to imagine all that this man saw in his service. Glad you have shared it with us!

[355fg]

Outstanding group Kurt. So many rare pieces of paperwork. I particularly like the super rare notices dated April '42.

 

Keith

[CNY Militaria]

A treasure trove of paperwork related to the Pacific POW experience. Thank you for photographing and posting all of this, I enjoyed looking through it.

[JDK]

What a great group. It's great to see it in a good place.

 

JD

[jpstout]

Simply Spectacular!

[bellasilva]

Well that just takes the cake in my opinion..most amazing group I've ever seen!

[katieony]

Kurt,

An amazing and historic group...thanks for sharing his story and artifacts.

Mike

[6th.MG.BN]

like aready stated, great to see that this group has stayed together! Thanks for sharing.

Regards,

Ken