September 1st (Surrender)
An American soldier joins the first platoon’s march from the mountain to the San Carlos prison camp. Irritated by the quick pace of the march.
A conversation with the American soldier
Japanese soldier: “When do we get to go back to Japan?”
American soldier: “Probably within the year.” “Do you have children?”
Japanese soldier: “I have 3 kids.”
American soldier: “I’m sure some great American teachers will go to Japan and give your children an excellent education.”
Japanese soldier:“How old are you?”
American soldier: “I’m 22, and was attending Oxford University (Note: in the drawing, it says Oxford University, but we believe he misheard, and the soldier actually said Stanford University) in the liberal arts department but decided to join the war efforts.” “I’m a paratrooper. I will go back to school once I go back home.”
Japanese soldier:“Have you ever been to Japan?”
American soldier: “I’m sure I’ll go there soon.”
Japanese soldier:“Can I have a cigarette?”
American soldier: “Ok.”
He pulls out a carton of cigarettes and passes one out to everybody.
Because the march is proceeding so quickly, the weak and ill are starting to give up. The American soldier stops the truck and lets them sit in the truck.
The American soldiers who came out to greet us were all very kind. It seems that the Commander of the US troops, wanting to accommodate the Japanese soldiers, chose a kind soldier to represent the American troops. This is especially apparent when compared to the other American soldiers we met later.