Vet’s view ~
Here’s another World War II veteran’s view on the atomic bomb controversy:
It put an end to babies being tossed into the air and being caught with the pointed end of a bayonet. It put an end to the despicable use of comfort girls. It put an end to 12 hours a day of slave labor for fellow soldiers in Japanese prison camps. It put an end to the beatings and starvation of these same fellow soldiers. It put an end to the plans of invading Japan – thereby saving thousands, perhaps millions, of Japanese and American lives. It prevented the slaughter of all their prisoners of war. It put an end to the worries of the families of all fellow soldiers.
It should have taught the Japanese that surrender does not mean disgrace or dishonor; it means one is no longer capable of defending oneself, as was the case of those in their prison camps.
People of World War II vintage who think President Truman was wrong in his decision, by comparison, are very few. I am sure there are many of us who have compassion for those who suffered from this disaster, but not shame. War is hell and countries go into it “with the mostest of the bestest” to win and to end it.
Had that bomb been available to any of our enemies, surely they would not have hesitated for one second to use it, with no regrets.
As my friend so aptly states, “The atomic bomb was an instrument of war, it was used to end the war and there should be no need for an apology. End of discussion.”
HAROLD G KURVERS
ST. PAUL