If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!!!
I've been subbed for quite some time, thank you for all your knowledge, faith and the risks you take to be able to offer us these amazing in depth, articulate and intense stories with evidence, comparisons... You're one of my top favorite channels. God Bless, Stay Safe, Much Love to you and yours.
As I've mentioned in a couple of your Saipan videos, my father fought as a Marine on both Saipan and Tinian. He brought home a good luck flag he recovered from the body of a Japanese soldier he killed on Saipan. I still have that flag. My father said he used a grenade on a fighting position to kill the soldier. The flag was in the Japanese soldier's back pack and does have some grenade fragment holes and blood stains. Dad said he recovered a number of these flags but only kept this one since he had personally killed the owner. The others he sold or traded to Navy Seabees and Army Air Force people.
Aloha christopher much mahalos for sharing with all of us thank you my grandfather's name was George Washington Archer he died at 103 oldest boy scout master on the east coast okay he was there too it's always when I see this I wonder if your family member was good friends with my family members and this is hard for me right now just hard my grandfather was 3 days up from landing on Japan when him and his men were supposed to stop and no clue why what's going on nobody knew and then they were not told not to go anyhow my grandfather's name George Washington god bless all you veterans we love you so much you guys were incredibly awesome much blessings much love to all
I think that every soldier, regardless of the side he fought on, was incredibly brave. Each of them was human and regardless of his belief and reason, he deserves respect. I do not mean criminals and degenerates, but ordinary honest people who found themselves in such and not other times. It is the winner who writes the history often ignoring facts that are inconvenient for them.
@@grin1972 The winner may write the history but that does not necessarily make it inaccurate. Plenty has been written in the last 80 years and a lot of wrong history has been written and corrected now on both sides. With the opening of archival documents that were formerly classified as top secret in the last 25 years we have a far more accurate picture of what the Allied and Axis strategies were. I agree, and who cannot, that there were very brave soldiers everywhere. But that does not mean anything when policies of governments were genocidal. The Axis lost and I thank God for that.
A Taiwanese amateur history lover passing by. Been drawn to your recent Saipan series this afternoon. Thank you for making these videos. Now, this episode really makes me want to say something, even though I probably have no right or position in commenting on these intertwined issues. Still, these calligraphy-filled Japanese flags would be such a waste, if people fail to understand what these Japanese writings mean. Although Japanese is not my mother tongue, Chinese language do share a lot of resemblance to Japanese language, especially on part of the writing system. The Japanese Kanji system is greatly adopted from Chinese characters for maybe a thousand years or more. So, even though I speak/write little Japanese, I can understand part of what calligraphy on these flags means, for some of them share almost the same meaning in Chinese. For example, on the left hand side of the flag at 3:35, there're four Kanji/Chinese characters written as "七生報國," from right to left, in a 90 degree clockwise angle. What this phrase roughly means in Chinese (please forgive my poor English), is 'One shall return the favor/debt to one's own nation, even it causes seven life-spends.' Here, it clearly shows a different religious attitude from most western countries. This reincarnation idea can be contributed mostly to Buddhism, and surprisingly doesn't have a lot to do with Shintoism. According to Google/Wiki, this phrase is allegedly said by a famous Japanese Samurai named 楠木正成/Kusunoki Masashige in 14th century. When facing his death, surrounded by countless enemies, he was asked by his brother, what kind of after-life/next-life he had anticipated. He answered, "I wish to revive as the very same human for seven more times, until my enemy is destroyed. (七生マデ只同ジ人間ニ生レテ、朝敵ヲ滅サバヤトコソ存候へ。)" He had been started to be deemed as a loyal figure during Edo period, and his quote was streamlined into "七生報國" under Japanese Imperial historical perspective after Meiji Restoration, to promote patriotism/militarism. That's just one detail we can learn from these flags. Furthermore, people who are familiar with Chinese calligraphy would recognize that the "七生報國" writing is clearly more upright than most of the other Kanji characters on that very flag. Just like the video already mentioned: most of these calligraphy are signatures, not particular meaning phrases. My guess is, the "七生報國" quote might have been written/printed on the flag first. After that phrase, or other 'boosting morale' quotes were imprinted, the soldiers' relatives and friends could then start to sign their blessings. The priority was clear: Patriotism first, affection should make way. There are also interesting details on the very next flag of this video. At 3:50, not only does this flag bear no calligraphy like most others, but the signature red sun of the Japanese flag is also not very round. It probably was a home-made flag, not a government-issued one. The differences on quality is quite clear. From the extent of the flag souvenir, we can probably assume that this flag-carrying act had been a government-promoting, whole-society habit. Like mentioned, although "七生報國" can be regarded as someone close trying to boost up the soldier, this phrase was simply too propaganda to be a send-off signature. Yet, not having a flag like everyone else could be regarded as bad luck, or even insubordinate. Japanese was a very collective ethnic group, maybe still is, so under the social-expectation pressure, soldier who didn't have a military-issue flag would probably try their best to get/make one. But, since Chinese character calligraphy is quite a serious skill, Chinese and Japanese alike, it's very hard for a home-made flag to forge similar writings. Let alone Kanji system was like Shakespearian lines, obscure classical language for most average Japanese. Without these propaganda phrases, peers and comrades would distinguish its true identity. Hence the emptiness of that flag. This paragraph is mainly my personal thoughts and imaginations. Please don't quote me on this. >< One way to verify my speculation, would be examining these souvenir flags, if they bear similar writings/phrases at particular position. Like on the top of the flag, at the lower angle of the red sun on both sides, or at the bottom. If many flags bear the same "七生報國" calligraphy at about the same position, or other popular propaganda phrases Imperial Japanese Military would frequently call upon, then I guess my speculation should be pretty close. Last but not least, the last flag of the video actually bears a very personal information on it, other than shrine stamp or baby palm print. On the right hand side of that flag, from top to bottom, just below the right palm print, there are five distinctive, very large Kanji characters, read "石垣良一君." First, I'd like to explain the word, "君." It is a common Japanese suffix, to represent the narrator's respect toward the person. "君" can be applied as both grammatical gender, yet in this case, we can understand it as "Mr.," or "my honorable sir." If these flags have similar writing arrangement, we should frequently find "君" at the end of some Kanji characters at the right-hand side of the flag. Which means, these Kanji characters above/before "君," is the actual name of the flag's original owner. For the last flag, the original holder of the last flag, is named "石垣良一." The prove is, in Japanese language, respectful suffix and prefix are very important. These prefix and suffix are only ignored when people are calling themselves, or signing their own names, to show their humidity. On most of the flags, we can't find "君" under every smaller signature, further proving it is holder's relatives and friends' own signature. Yet, this flag was dedicated to the soldier, a gift bearing blessings. So it's not like signing a book to prove ownership. It's more like a postcard for the doomed. Hence, the only "君" and the largest name is dedicated to the flag's owner. I know this trivia not only because I can speak and write Chinese, or know a few things about Japanese. I know it because of a true story. On Aug. 15, 2017, Marvin Strombo, a WWII pacific veteran, returned one of these souvenir Japanese flags to its owner's little brother and sister. The reason for him, and the Obon Society to be able to find whom to return to, was exactly the way how name are before the "君" character, mentioned above. The owner of the flag Mr. Strombo determined to return is 安江定男. Although similar names and registration paperwork mess had hindered his search, but after 73 years, he kept his promise. There's a documentary about his trip of returning the flag on UA-cam. To be clear, I'm not implying how these flags should be handled. I heard cases way different than Mr. Strombo's honorable deed, and I found these cases emotionally justified. Just like the previous video on American Artifact mentioned, the horror and hatred these veterans had experienced and had to lived throughout their lives is unimaginable, if Eugene Sledge's hellish account only represented his own feelings. There's no way for me to judge whether these flags should be returned or not. Still, to preserve the memory, in order not to repeat the same history, I feel like these flags should have deeper lessons and meanings, greater than blood stains or children palm prints. Not saying that I don't enjoying this video. I understand what language barrier can do, especially when Chinese is considered one of the most difficult language to learn. Also, my advanced apology for any inappropriate statement or over-eager enthusiasm, whether it is caused by my poor knowledge or my poor English. Looking forward to your next Saipan video! 😉
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to examine those flags and offer up some additional insight. That’s one reason why I enjoy doing these videos and submitting them to this community. I’m always learning something new.
It's great that you tried to translate the meanings of these signs on the flags. I am convinced that these flags were of great emotional importance to their original owners. I understood that they are a form of a war trophy, but I agree that they should return to the families of the fallen soldiers if it is possible. I think it will be very difficult to do, but maybe there was some possibility of contact with the families of these soldiers or with someone who could somehow read the exact meanings of these words on the flags. I think it would be an amazing opportunity to meet the families (if there are family members still alive) to show these flags. Maybe not necessarily handing them over, but meeting them and presenting them to their families. A great opportunity for a good deed and an amazing journey through time. Just imagine it, great stuff for JD, the museum and Erik Dorr. Who knows ... maybe someday??
@@TheHistoryUnderground It's just my nerdy symptom kicks in the middle of the night. Besides, compares to what you guys have done, mine is merely surfing through internet at home, or letting impractical imaginations go wild, that's all. People should thank you instead, for your hard work. Or, if not against one's own will, pay their respect to Mr. Strombo for showing the courage, kindness, and determination, to keep the world a little more peaceful. I should point out again, that out of these three flags I tried to share my thoughts, although the story of "七生救國," the owner's name of the last flag, and Mr. Strombo's lifetime promise are pretty validated, situations regarding of how these flags were distributed, how these calligraphy were to be arranged, or why there's an empty faulty flag are mostly a combined product of my poor understanding and wild imagination. So, again, please don't quote me on these topics. If anyone is interested in learning more on these trophy flags, my humble/immature suggestion will be checking out OBON Society. From little what I know, I believe out of two original founders, one of them is actually an Japanese-American, and she has a lot of complicated relations when it comes to Pacific Warfare or WWII in general. Glad my murmur helps, if any... 😅
@@grin1972 While I totally agree with you on how deeply attached these flags would be to their original owners' relatives, I often find myself contradicted when it comes to "who should have the right to decide the fate of the flag." I remember encountering a UA-cam comment, sharing his experience about a Pacific veteran neighbor, who had never been seen talking to any Japanese throughout his civil life. I've read accounts of Batan Death March survivors always keeping some candy or snacks in their pockets, in fear of an very unlikely starvation. I learned from HBO's miniseries of The Pacific, that Eugene Sledge once mistaken his second son's prank as an Japanese assault, and callously pinned eight-year-old little Henry to the wall with no hesitation. Ordinaries like us will never be able to imagine what veterans went through. And, like you said, these flags were their trophies. I consider they keeping the flag as part of their war experience, maybe a reminder or a consolation. In other words, these flags also have deep personal attachments for these veterans. So, that's why I really eager to share Mr. Strombo's deed. I find it rare and precious, for a veteran who had been through hell, forged by anger and hatred, still retained his consideration towards an enemy stranger. It's his own will to make that promise, even though it took him 73 years. I've got to admit that, I would really love to see more flags being returned. Still, there's no place for me to judge in last century's entanglements. Maybe we need time to wash away our personal feelings, and let artifacts speak for themselves.
After viewing this video, I was just sitting here thinking about the practice of the Japanese soldier to have a flag from home in his possession when the lightning bolt struck. It occurred to me that I still have the Michigan State Flag signed by the then Governor Romney which they sent to me in 1968 while serving in Nam. I intuitively understand the comfort of having something from home near to you when serving overseas.
@@lthom5158 Kind words like yours were not expressed to Vietnam Veterans for about 35 years after the war ended. So, not so much for me but for all my fellow vets of that era thank you.
Extremely interesting! That bit of the hand prints…a solemn reminder of the fact that children lost daddies, brothers etc…very sad! Great episode thank Erik for me!
@@jeffsmith2022 I think your view of history is very, very selective. Did only American soldiers die in the war? ... and what about civilians? people and soldiers of other nationalities? Won't you shed a tear over them? Maybe it's time to catch up on the knowledge about II World War? Every fallen soldier and civilian deserves a little respect no matter what side he fought on. To rectify and avoid your criticism for myself, I did not mean criminals and degenerates here.
Currently stationed in South Korea and I have a rare and amazing opportunity to visit some of these sites. I wanted to go to Guadalcanal but it seems to be more difficult than expected but watching your videos from Saipan have made me really consider visiting there and other places that are easier to get too.
You make history so real. Not just in the artifacts you show, but in the stories that you tell, and certainly the places that you take us to. Thank you for what you do. You are appreciated. And respected.
I’m a retired Seabee and it’s so cool to hear our community talked about. Not many know about our history and everything we contributed to every war since March 5th, 1942.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria Oregon, has a large display of these signed flags covering an entire wall. Nearly all as bring backs from US veterans. The museum is working with the OBON Society, a non profit group, to identify individuals from information off a flag and then return them to the soldier's family. Their goal is to find immediate relatives, whenever possible. Otherwise, find the local community who will receive the item in the soldier’s memory and preserve it in a community center.
First thing waiting for me on the computer today? JD and Erik, "Happy Friday." Thanks to the two of you for keeping American History alive..... Off to work..... lol
This series is so great. Hearing Erik's passion and expertise while being in his domain in the museum is really entertaining, same with your take afterwards. I can't wait to visit the museum!
Great video again. Always love to hear the stories behind the artifacts. The stories are sometimes way more interesting then the artifacts. Thanks y'all for bringing all this to light. 👍👍👍👍👍
Gosh JD!! Your channel deserves way more followers! I guess its us here, your followers, that are the happy well-informed open minded ones. Well done all and thanks JD again mate 🙏💪💯
Many thanks JD and Erik making videos from both US and Japanese point of view I'm grad since I'm Japanese. My grandfather was too old to join army force back then but since he was carpenter making sorely temples and shrines, so he worked in factory to build wooden boats with torpedo for banzai attack. He told that story to me only once. Many of other my hometown members were killed in action. That children's hand prints are shocking as a father myself. If you have any request for Japanese translation let me know.
This video both breaks my heart and fascinates me… 😢 I saw one of these in real-life today and it made me so sad… I really think these flags should be with the family and not a museum 😭 寂しくて
Col Arcadi Gluckman was a decorated soldier, he was born in Russia in 1896, and Died in the United States in 1983 at the age of 87 following his honorable US Army Service. He is Interned at the Golden Gate National Cemetery; Plot 895, San Bruno, CA. Sometimes when you guys mention names like this I can't help but try to find them and put a face to the Valor and Bravery that went into these confrontations on both sides. My friends father (1st Generation Irish Immigrant) had served US Army '43-'49, and discharged honorably into a 50 year career at Ratheyon, His stories were gripping, chilling and sometimes we had to tell him to stop because he remembered every tiny articulate detail, smuggled home an Arusaka and a few other trinkets, the man had a heart of gold and the sharp mind of a steel trap. He died in 2005 in his sleep, he was 84. His famous quote to me was: "Killing a man is more intimate than making love to the woman you love, There is nothing more conflicting nor comparable to the emotions you hold following an experience like that" The Pacific Theater has to be the most frightening one of them all, No disrespect to the European Theater in any way intended....but random bayonet charges with death of themselves in mind, kamikaze....
Thankfully the only souvenirs my dad brought home from the Pacific (he was with the 2nd Mar Div, Tarawa, Saipan,Tinian) were a handful of seashells. We still have them. "They (the Japanese) had loved ones, too."
Great episode , my Dad was in Europe and two of my Uncles were in the Pacific . They both had very different perspectives on the war . Dad told me a story of having removed a shirt and socks from a dead German soldier because he was cold and wet. In the breast pocket he found photos of the man's Wife and Kids . He seemed genuinely upset of having done this but had to do what he had to do. My one Uncle spoke of the brutality of the Japanese especially in regards to their treatment of the Philipinos . Two much different attitudes in fighting I'm sure .
My uncle was a veteran of his battle of Saipan and had such a flag in his possession, along with a sword and pistol that he took off a dead Japanese officer. It made a powerful impression me as a youth when he showed it all to me. Today, war souvenirs are strictly forbidden regardless of rank. The retuning servicemen of WW2 were allowed to bring back anything that could fit in their sea bag / luggage. How times have changed.
Was at your museum two weeks ago with my brother. A very nice museum, reminiscent of some of the old time museums of Gettysburg when we were children back in the 1960's. This would be a great place for teachers to take students of any age studying American history or Civil War history. Thank you again for doing what both of you do!
Capturing the enemy flags or standards goes back thousands of years with Greek and Roman armies through the middle ages until recent. Many of our troops brought back Iraqi flags after invading Iraq. It was very common in our own Civil War. Soldiers died to protect their flag so it meant something.
I bet my last Penny that someone somewhere will say something like “taking those flags was a desecration” or that “war trophies like these shouldn’t be displayed”, but not me, the men that obtained these flags were the ones on the front line, fighting an enemy who didn’t care about human life, they were taught to hate the allied forces, on land, in/on the sea or in the air, and if they killed you they had no compunction in stripping your body of anything useful and doing unspeakable things to your corpse (not all Japanese, but a great %), so the allied forces wanted something tangible to remind them a)how barbaric war is and b) as a piece of history. Displaying artefacts like this for all to see is one of the ways to show and educate the younger generations what war is truly like, show them what happens when two or more countries come to blows and what sacrifices are made by ordinary men and women, not just that ‘x’ number of people died, but the manner of death, the true consequences of war. R.I.P all that sacrificed some and those that sacrificed all. Lest We Forget. 🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🇺🇦👍😀
I have seen cases where American vets have actually traveled to Japan and returned some of these captured flags to the families. Seems like that is the best thing to do with them.
Trained w/Japanese Airborne Brigade years ago. In their museum, was shown a flag on which the soldiers had signed in their own blood. Shocked, I asked why and was told they were prepared to die. Grim testament to a horrific war.
My father and an uncle who were Marines and fought in the Pacific including Okinawa during WWII referred to the Japanese flag as ''the flaming red a**hole.''
Thank you for that and what makes these series so interesting is yours and l believe the other chaps name is Erik going by the previous comment is your love of history, perhaps the capture of the enemy flag goes back to the Civil War and l would imagine it was a lot easier than carrying a helmet or weapon.
Great bring back items. It would be great if a Japanese speaking person could translate what some of the symbols mean. I have got some brass plates apparently from a submarine on a wooden backing. Interesting stuff.
VERY Interesting, but not the only time in war were or have flags been taken. All throughout history, weather here in the states, from the American Revolution, to the civil war, but also all the battles fought in England, and other countries have flags been taken from battles. It is all history, and tells some of the story of the battles as well, and should all be preserved. Thank you J.D for sharing and to the Gettysburg Museum as well.
Absolutely loving the pacific content!! Will you be visiting more islands than just the Mariana’s in the coming months?! Would love to see the Solomon and Gilbert island campaigns as well!!
@@TheHistoryUnderground thank you for the response! Absolutely love your channel, your content is completely different than any other history channel 🙌🏻👍🏻
My grandfather was a Tec 5 in the United States Army during the war. He brought back a Japanese officer's katana. I've yet to see it, however, I have seen some other cool stuff as well.
These Japanese flags, some being blood stained are eerie and thought provoking, imagining who carried it and who valued it enough to preserve them. Would be interested to get the flags translated, would like to know what messages they contain. Thanks JD and Eric!
I hope The Gettysburg Museum of History can somehow connect with the nonprofit organization Obon Society in Astoria, Oregon related to these flags or “yosegaki hinomaru.” They do incredible work translating and returning them to Japan to be reunited with family.
I really enjoyed the journey with you mate the Japanese flags with blood stays on it I wood keep it wear it is mate can't wait for the next video mate 👍🌟
I guess you can't get any more personal than that. The flag with it's good luck messages all by itself is a very personal item from a soldier. Stained with their sweat and their blood, even more so.
Please note that the flags were often worn within the belt line, similar to a sash. It also wasn’t uncommon for GI’s to find body parts folded up within captured flags. If a Japanese soldier died in battle, and his body could not be returned to Japan for burial, it was common to remove a body part (often a finger), wrap it within his flag, and then send the package home for burial.
A Japanese family I interviewed last week stated that flags which were heavily inscribed often belonged to soldiers from small villages (inscribed by many people within the village). While the ones with few inscriptions were from soldiers of larger cities (inscribed by close family).
The "Rising Sun" was very much revered - almost spiritual by the Japanese Soldiers. the American Flag is viewed with an extreme respect by those who are Historically Respectful, Patriotic and Most if not all American Servicepeople who have served and those who continue to serve under the Oath taken upon Enlistment, Appointment and Induction. These Servicemen understand the importance of the "Flag". For us we have the Flag of the United States - "Old Glory". Thanks again.
My dad (Chindit)7th Batt. Leicestershire Regt told me that when out of the line in India they got Japanese flags made, if you dipped a bit of goats blood they were more easily sold to American service personnel
Demonetized because of the language at 4:10? Ridiculous! Can we not teach about REAL history any more? Wars are horrific, and parts are almost beyond description, but sanitizing and glorifying them only makes it more likely that they will be repeated. Thank you J.D. and Erik for treating the subject with honesty and respect.
I'm happy to see you finally moving into the pacific theater. I have one of these flags from my uncle, brought back from CBI theater, 475Inf Rgt. Is there a source you guys use to translate the inscriptions?
Please check out Obon Society. They translate and specifically return flags “yosegaki hinomaru” to the families if possible. They do incredible work. OBON SOCIETY P.O. BOX 282 ASTORIA, OREGON 97103
I remember coming across photos and personal papers letters from family, of a German soldier at a sale in the UK. They had blood stains on quite alot of blood. It's not that unusual to come across bloodstained artifacts if you know where to look. I am a clector myself and have came across unusual items in the past things like shot through helmets and stuff like that but usually it's almost impossible to find the story behind each item. If you have the story behind an item that makes it much more collectable than just the item itself.
The first instances of capturing these flags as well as a company guidon from the Japanese occurred on February 11th 1942 after a company of Japanese marines was annulated at Agaloma Bay in the Philippines. A serviceman who captured the guidon and a personal flag was executed when it was revealed he still had the items on his person when being searched as a POW before the Bataan Death March. The account is written in the book Horyo by Jess Richardson published in 1985.
I saw a photo in a magazine ( maybe Readers Digest) years ago showing American entertainer Bob Hope signing a Japanese rising sun flag captured by Aussie soldiers in New Guinea during WW2. I wonder where that flag is?.
Little handprints on bloody flags , this reminds of the fact that enemies are daddie ,sons and whatever too .Bit sad . It must be intressting to get all the writings translated . I didn't knew that they made such a personal thing out of the flags ,very intressting .
I wonder how many American flags are out there that were taken as war trophies? It would be interesting to find out. Americans had to have carried them into battle with them.
I believe most people don't know the history of the war in the Pacific. The Japanese didn't surrender and had no respect for those who did. They expected what they dished out. There's a book, THE RIGHT KIND OF WAR, it's worth reading. Helps explain the war in a realistic manner.
@@hodaka1000 I will look for this book, thank you. One has to remember war is war. The history books are full of war crimes by all countries that have won conflicts. The irony is that the history books are written by the victors. I had to study Mai Lai in highschool history. The lesson wasn't in the curriculum so we had to hand all materials back after. This was in 1979 Canada. I don't think it was examined by most countries.
@@hodaka1000 does this include the Rape of Nanking. Unfortunately humans are easily corrupted and commit horrible crimes. This is why they kill the intellectuals first. We haven't learned a thing and continue this pattern today. Especially in China. How quickly the victims become villains.
Aye if we brought items to gettysburg museum to get more info on them could we? So far every few people ive talked to them about the items they want to buy them and when I tell them i couldnt they stop connecting 🙃 I know their probably common European soviners but id like to get more info especially the one medal being ww1 but its the only piece of 5 items from that war the rest is Nazi party pins and armband. I cant find any makers mark on the armband so I'm wondering if it was a citizens not sure.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Germany 🇩🇪 probably has more relics from the USA 🇺🇸 then Japan 🇯🇵 has … We decimated 🇯🇵 & they deserved it. I feel sad for the civilians though. Collateral Damage thanks to Emperor Hirohito 🪦
Did any troops capture any other of the Axis powers? I’ve only seen Nazi and Japan, I don’t remember seeing any Italian ones. Just interesting if they have for future videos
It sure would be nice if you and Erik could refrain from using so much profanity and violently and savagely beating each other when you film these episodes! I can’t believe UA-cam allows this stuff on here!! 😂 😂
@@TheHistoryUnderground it'll be very interesting to find out what is written, will add even more to the human experience. Your videos are always great, keep up the good work! Do you have any more plans to see more of the Pacific theatre?
It is common in Asian cultures to go to a Buddhist temple and get a priest's blessing. Some do it hoping to do well in college, others do it for a sick family member, others do it hoping for a long and happy marriage. Soldiers headed off to war would obviously have done it as well.
I sent them a body flag my father brought home hoping they can return it to the family. I had it translated and the soldier had a very common name and was from Tokyo so the odds aren’t that great that it can be returned. But you never know.
John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
"A dead Jap" (quoting the writing on the flag) is "extreme profanity"? It's time for you to build a following on Rumble then dump YT into the trash dumpster.
Let me address a few things here: 1.) Erik and I co-host the American Artifact series on this channel. History Traveler, which is separate but sponsored by The Gettysburg Museum of History, is just me and whoever I might be with. 2.) You seem to be implying that I'm a dumb pawn that can be easily duped and taken advantage of. I am my own man and I make decisions that I think will best serve the channel. That will never change. To be clear, there are many who have tried to use this channel for their own benefit. I have turned down over $50,000 in sponsorship offers in just the past year because I either didn't think that the brand was a good fit or I refused to integrate their content in the manner that they wanted me to. 3.) If you think that the American Artifact series exists in part to promote The Gettysburg Museum of History, then you are correct. It is a free museum that I think provides a valuable service in a town that receives millions of tourists every year. I want to support that. Also, Erik did not initially approach me about this partnership. I approached him. It's a partnership that has been mutually beneficial and if you are enjoying the content that you have been seeing on this channel, then you need to thank Erik. Without his support, there are many places that I would not have been able to go and many that I would not have had access to (especially in Normandy). When I announced that I was suspending the regular content on the channel to go help with the refugee crisis in Ukraine, Erik was THE FIRST person to contact me and insist on helping in some way. So it might be possible that you have an impression that isn't connected with the reality on the ground, which I get. I've done the same thing in the past with others. I appreciate you watching and commenting so that I can have a chance to make a few of these things clear. I hope that the direct nature of my response isn't taken in any way that is offensive.
If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out.
Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!!!
I've been subbed for quite some time, thank you for all your knowledge, faith and the risks you take to be able to offer us these amazing in depth, articulate and intense stories with evidence, comparisons...
You're one of my top favorite channels.
God Bless, Stay Safe, Much Love to you and yours.
As I've mentioned in a couple of your Saipan videos, my father fought as a Marine on both Saipan and Tinian. He brought home a good luck flag he recovered from the body of a Japanese soldier he killed on Saipan. I still have that flag. My father said he used a grenade on a fighting position to kill the soldier. The flag was in the Japanese soldier's back pack and does have some grenade fragment holes and blood stains. Dad said he recovered a number of these flags but only kept this one since he had personally killed the owner. The others he sold or traded to Navy Seabees and Army Air Force people.
Wow!
God bless your Dad...
Aloha christopher much mahalos for sharing with all of us thank you my grandfather's name was George Washington Archer he died at 103 oldest boy scout master on the east coast okay he was there too it's always when I see this I wonder if your family member was good friends with my family members and this is hard for me right now just hard my grandfather was 3 days up from landing on Japan when him and his men were supposed to stop and no clue why what's going on nobody knew and then they were not told not to go anyhow my grandfather's name George Washington god bless all you veterans we love you so much you guys were incredibly awesome much blessings much love to all
I think that every soldier, regardless of the side he fought on, was incredibly brave. Each of them was human and regardless of his belief and reason, he deserves respect. I do not mean criminals and degenerates, but ordinary honest people who found themselves in such and not other times. It is the winner who writes the history often ignoring facts that are inconvenient for them.
@@grin1972 The winner may write the history but that does not necessarily make it inaccurate. Plenty has been written in the last 80 years and a lot of wrong history has been written and corrected now on both sides. With the opening of archival documents that were formerly classified as top secret in the last 25 years we have a far more accurate picture of what the Allied and Axis strategies were.
I agree, and who cannot, that there were very brave soldiers everywhere. But that does not mean anything when policies of governments were genocidal. The Axis lost and I thank God for that.
A Taiwanese amateur history lover passing by. Been drawn to your recent Saipan series this afternoon. Thank you for making these videos.
Now, this episode really makes me want to say something, even though I probably have no right or position in commenting on these intertwined issues. Still, these calligraphy-filled Japanese flags would be such a waste, if people fail to understand what these Japanese writings mean.
Although Japanese is not my mother tongue, Chinese language do share a lot of resemblance to Japanese language, especially on part of the writing system. The Japanese Kanji system is greatly adopted from Chinese characters for maybe a thousand years or more. So, even though I speak/write little Japanese, I can understand part of what calligraphy on these flags means, for some of them share almost the same meaning in Chinese.
For example, on the left hand side of the flag at 3:35, there're four Kanji/Chinese characters written as "七生報國," from right to left, in a 90 degree clockwise angle. What this phrase roughly means in Chinese (please forgive my poor English), is 'One shall return the favor/debt to one's own nation, even it causes seven life-spends.'
Here, it clearly shows a different religious attitude from most western countries. This reincarnation idea can be contributed mostly to Buddhism, and surprisingly doesn't have a lot to do with Shintoism.
According to Google/Wiki, this phrase is allegedly said by a famous Japanese Samurai named 楠木正成/Kusunoki Masashige in 14th century. When facing his death, surrounded by countless enemies, he was asked by his brother, what kind of after-life/next-life he had anticipated. He answered, "I wish to revive as the very same human for seven more times, until my enemy is destroyed. (七生マデ只同ジ人間ニ生レテ、朝敵ヲ滅サバヤトコソ存候へ。)" He had been started to be deemed as a loyal figure during Edo period, and his quote was streamlined into "七生報國" under Japanese Imperial historical perspective after Meiji Restoration, to promote patriotism/militarism.
That's just one detail we can learn from these flags.
Furthermore, people who are familiar with Chinese calligraphy would recognize that the "七生報國" writing is clearly more upright than most of the other Kanji characters on that very flag. Just like the video already mentioned: most of these calligraphy are signatures, not particular meaning phrases. My guess is, the "七生報國" quote might have been written/printed on the flag first. After that phrase, or other 'boosting morale' quotes were imprinted, the soldiers' relatives and friends could then start to sign their blessings. The priority was clear: Patriotism first, affection should make way.
There are also interesting details on the very next flag of this video.
At 3:50, not only does this flag bear no calligraphy like most others, but the signature red sun of the Japanese flag is also not very round. It probably was a home-made flag, not a government-issued one. The differences on quality is quite clear.
From the extent of the flag souvenir, we can probably assume that this flag-carrying act had been a government-promoting, whole-society habit. Like mentioned, although "七生報國" can be regarded as someone close trying to boost up the soldier, this phrase was simply too propaganda to be a send-off signature. Yet, not having a flag like everyone else could be regarded as bad luck, or even insubordinate. Japanese was a very collective ethnic group, maybe still is, so under the social-expectation pressure, soldier who didn't have a military-issue flag would probably try their best to get/make one. But, since Chinese character calligraphy is quite a serious skill, Chinese and Japanese alike, it's very hard for a home-made flag to forge similar writings. Let alone Kanji system was like Shakespearian lines, obscure classical language for most average Japanese. Without these propaganda phrases, peers and comrades would distinguish its true identity. Hence the emptiness of that flag.
This paragraph is mainly my personal thoughts and imaginations. Please don't quote me on this. ><
One way to verify my speculation, would be examining these souvenir flags, if they bear similar writings/phrases at particular position. Like on the top of the flag, at the lower angle of the red sun on both sides, or at the bottom. If many flags bear the same "七生報國" calligraphy at about the same position, or other popular propaganda phrases Imperial Japanese Military would frequently call upon, then I guess my speculation should be pretty close.
Last but not least, the last flag of the video actually bears a very personal information on it, other than shrine stamp or baby palm print.
On the right hand side of that flag, from top to bottom, just below the right palm print, there are five distinctive, very large Kanji characters, read "石垣良一君."
First, I'd like to explain the word, "君." It is a common Japanese suffix, to represent the narrator's respect toward the person. "君" can be applied as both grammatical gender, yet in this case, we can understand it as "Mr.," or "my honorable sir." If these flags have similar writing arrangement, we should frequently find "君" at the end of some Kanji characters at the right-hand side of the flag.
Which means, these Kanji characters above/before "君," is the actual name of the flag's original owner. For the last flag, the original holder of the last flag, is named "石垣良一."
The prove is, in Japanese language, respectful suffix and prefix are very important. These prefix and suffix are only ignored when people are calling themselves, or signing their own names, to show their humidity. On most of the flags, we can't find "君" under every smaller signature, further proving it is holder's relatives and friends' own signature. Yet, this flag was dedicated to the soldier, a gift bearing blessings. So it's not like signing a book to prove ownership. It's more like a postcard for the doomed. Hence, the only "君" and the largest name is dedicated to the flag's owner.
I know this trivia not only because I can speak and write Chinese, or know a few things about Japanese. I know it because of a true story.
On Aug. 15, 2017, Marvin Strombo, a WWII pacific veteran, returned one of these souvenir Japanese flags to its owner's little brother and sister. The reason for him, and the Obon Society to be able to find whom to return to, was exactly the way how name are before the "君" character, mentioned above. The owner of the flag Mr. Strombo determined to return is 安江定男. Although similar names and registration paperwork mess had hindered his search, but after 73 years, he kept his promise.
There's a documentary about his trip of returning the flag on UA-cam.
To be clear, I'm not implying how these flags should be handled.
I heard cases way different than Mr. Strombo's honorable deed, and I found these cases emotionally justified. Just like the previous video on American Artifact mentioned, the horror and hatred these veterans had experienced and had to lived throughout their lives is unimaginable, if Eugene Sledge's hellish account only represented his own feelings. There's no way for me to judge whether these flags should be returned or not.
Still, to preserve the memory, in order not to repeat the same history, I feel like these flags should have deeper lessons and meanings, greater than blood stains or children palm prints.
Not saying that I don't enjoying this video. I understand what language barrier can do, especially when Chinese is considered one of the most difficult language to learn.
Also, my advanced apology for any inappropriate statement or over-eager enthusiasm, whether it is caused by my poor knowledge or my poor English.
Looking forward to your next Saipan video! 😉
Thank you for taking the time and effort with this explanation. I learned alot.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to examine those flags and offer up some additional insight. That’s one reason why I enjoy doing these videos and submitting them to this community. I’m always learning something new.
It's great that you tried to translate the meanings of these signs on the flags. I am convinced that these flags were of great emotional importance to their original owners. I understood that they are a form of a war trophy, but I agree that they should return to the families of the fallen soldiers if it is possible. I think it will be very difficult to do, but maybe there was some possibility of contact with the families of these soldiers or with someone who could somehow read the exact meanings of these words on the flags. I think it would be an amazing opportunity to meet the families (if there are family members still alive) to show these flags. Maybe not necessarily handing them over, but meeting them and presenting them to their families. A great opportunity for a good deed and an amazing journey through time. Just imagine it, great stuff for JD, the museum and Erik Dorr. Who knows ... maybe someday??
@@TheHistoryUnderground It's just my nerdy symptom kicks in the middle of the night. Besides, compares to what you guys have done, mine is merely surfing through internet at home, or letting impractical imaginations go wild, that's all.
People should thank you instead, for your hard work. Or, if not against one's own will, pay their respect to Mr. Strombo for showing the courage, kindness, and determination, to keep the world a little more peaceful.
I should point out again, that out of these three flags I tried to share my thoughts, although the story of "七生救國," the owner's name of the last flag, and Mr. Strombo's lifetime promise are pretty validated, situations regarding of how these flags were distributed, how these calligraphy were to be arranged, or why there's an empty faulty flag are mostly a combined product of my poor understanding and wild imagination. So, again, please don't quote me on these topics.
If anyone is interested in learning more on these trophy flags, my humble/immature suggestion will be checking out OBON Society. From little what I know, I believe out of two original founders, one of them is actually an Japanese-American, and she has a lot of complicated relations when it comes to Pacific Warfare or WWII in general.
Glad my murmur helps, if any... 😅
@@grin1972 While I totally agree with you on how deeply attached these flags would be to their original owners' relatives, I often find myself contradicted when it comes to "who should have the right to decide the fate of the flag."
I remember encountering a UA-cam comment, sharing his experience about a Pacific veteran neighbor, who had never been seen talking to any Japanese throughout his civil life. I've read accounts of Batan Death March survivors always keeping some candy or snacks in their pockets, in fear of an very unlikely starvation. I learned from HBO's miniseries of The Pacific, that Eugene Sledge once mistaken his second son's prank as an Japanese assault, and callously pinned eight-year-old little Henry to the wall with no hesitation.
Ordinaries like us will never be able to imagine what veterans went through. And, like you said, these flags were their trophies. I consider they keeping the flag as part of their war experience, maybe a reminder or a consolation. In other words, these flags also have deep personal attachments for these veterans.
So, that's why I really eager to share Mr. Strombo's deed. I find it rare and precious, for a veteran who had been through hell, forged by anger and hatred, still retained his consideration towards an enemy stranger. It's his own will to make that promise, even though it took him 73 years.
I've got to admit that, I would really love to see more flags being returned. Still, there's no place for me to judge in last century's entanglements. Maybe we need time to wash away our personal feelings, and let artifacts speak for themselves.
After viewing this video, I was just sitting here thinking about the practice of the Japanese soldier to have a flag from home in his possession when the lightning bolt struck. It occurred to me that I still have the Michigan State Flag signed by the then Governor Romney which they sent to me in 1968 while serving in Nam. I intuitively understand the comfort of having something from home near to you when serving overseas.
Definitely.
Thank you for your service.
@@lthom5158 Kind words like yours were not expressed to Vietnam Veterans for about 35 years after the war ended. So, not so much for me but for all my fellow vets of that era thank you.
Extremely interesting! That bit of the hand prints…a solemn reminder of the fact that children lost daddies, brothers etc…very sad! Great episode thank Erik for me!
The hand prints were the ones that really got me.
@@TheHistoryUnderground me too, not ashamed to admit I teared up!!!
@@1psychofan You should tear up over the dead Marines and GIs they killed, learn some history...
@@jeffsmith2022 I do, don’t be so harsh.
@@jeffsmith2022 I think your view of history is very, very selective. Did only American soldiers die in the war? ... and what about civilians? people and soldiers of other nationalities? Won't you shed a tear over them? Maybe it's time to catch up on the knowledge about II World War? Every fallen soldier and civilian deserves a little respect no matter what side he fought on. To rectify and avoid your criticism for myself, I did not mean criminals and degenerates here.
Currently stationed in South Korea and I have a rare and amazing opportunity to visit some of these sites. I wanted to go to Guadalcanal but it seems to be more difficult than expected but watching your videos from Saipan have made me really consider visiting there and other places that are easier to get too.
Thank you for your service. Good luck and Godspeed.
Fly Space A if you can. Never saw more than 10 people going to Anderson.
You make history so real. Not just in the artifacts you show, but in the stories that you tell, and certainly the places that you take us to. Thank you for what you do. You are appreciated. And respected.
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I’m a retired Seabee and it’s so cool to hear our community talked about. Not many know about our history and everything we contributed to every war since March 5th, 1942.
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The Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria Oregon, has a large display of these signed flags covering an entire wall. Nearly all as bring backs from US veterans. The museum is working with the OBON Society, a non profit group, to identify individuals from information off a flag and then return them to the soldier's family. Their goal is to find immediate relatives, whenever possible. Otherwise, find the local community who will receive the item in the soldier’s memory and preserve it in a community center.
First thing waiting for me on the computer today? JD and Erik, "Happy Friday." Thanks to the two of you for keeping American History alive..... Off to work..... lol
Enjoy!
This series is so great. Hearing Erik's passion and expertise while being in his domain in the museum is really entertaining, same with your take afterwards. I can't wait to visit the museum!
Thanks! Quite the place.
as sad as it is for anyone to die in war i am grateful that these items remain to educate the generations what war looks like.
Great video again. Always love to hear the stories behind the artifacts. The stories are sometimes way more interesting then the artifacts. Thanks y'all for bringing all this to light. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Great episode JD & Erik! Love the stories behind the artifacts! Great Team!!! Thank you for sharing!
Sobering knowing those each belonged to a life with as much significance and value as me
Amazing Segment Well Done Always A Pleasure To See Things From The Gettysburg Museum
Truly fascinating WWII artifacts. Erik gives an awesome presentation as usual. Much respect and gratitude to both of you, thanks so much!
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Gosh JD!! Your channel deserves way more followers! I guess its us here, your followers, that are the happy well-informed open minded ones. Well done all and thanks JD again mate 🙏💪💯
Many thanks JD and Erik making videos from both US and Japanese point of view I'm grad since I'm Japanese. My grandfather was too old to join army force back then but since he was carpenter making sorely temples and shrines, so he worked in factory to build wooden boats with torpedo for banzai attack. He told that story to me only once. Many of other my hometown members were killed in action. That children's hand prints are shocking as a father myself. If you have any request for Japanese translation let me know.
Oh wow. Thank you. I would really appreciate that. You can email me at thehistoryundergroundchannel@gmail.com.
This video both breaks my heart and fascinates me… 😢 I saw one of these in real-life today and it made me so sad… I really think these flags should be with the family and not a museum 😭 寂しくて
Thank you very much for this video. It is an important and powerful video showing part of the realities of combat.
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Col Arcadi Gluckman was a decorated soldier, he was born in Russia in 1896, and Died in the United States in 1983 at the age of 87 following his honorable US Army Service.
He is Interned at the Golden Gate National Cemetery; Plot 895, San Bruno, CA.
Sometimes when you guys mention names like this I can't help but try to find them and put a face to the Valor and Bravery that went into these confrontations on both sides.
My friends father (1st Generation Irish Immigrant) had served US Army '43-'49, and discharged honorably into a 50 year career at Ratheyon, His stories were gripping, chilling and sometimes we had to tell him to stop because he remembered every tiny articulate detail, smuggled home an Arusaka and a few other trinkets, the man had a heart of gold and the sharp mind of a steel trap.
He died in 2005 in his sleep, he was 84.
His famous quote to me was: "Killing a man is more intimate than making love to the woman you love, There is nothing more conflicting nor comparable to the emotions you hold following an experience like that"
The Pacific Theater has to be the most frightening one of them all, No disrespect to the European Theater in any way intended....but random bayonet charges with death of themselves in mind, kamikaze....
This is one of the best channels on all of UA-cam.
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Love this! Keep up the GREAT content.
Thankfully the only souvenirs my dad brought home from the Pacific (he was with the 2nd Mar Div, Tarawa, Saipan,Tinian) were a handful of seashells. We still have them.
"They (the Japanese) had loved ones, too."
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Great episode , my Dad was in Europe and two of my Uncles were in the Pacific . They both had very different perspectives on the war . Dad told me a story of having removed a shirt and socks from a dead German soldier because he was cold and wet. In the breast pocket he found photos of the man's Wife and Kids . He seemed genuinely upset of having done this but had to do what he had to do. My one Uncle spoke of the brutality of the Japanese especially in regards to their treatment of the Philipinos . Two much different attitudes in fighting I'm sure .
Can't even imagine. And yes, I've had vets tell me of how awful the civilians were treated by the Japanese.
Awesome, awesome video and presentation of flags. Definitely connects you with the horrors and reality of war.
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Ring the 🔔school is in session.
Wow that is an amazing collection. Not to mention an interesting piece of History.
Blessings from Gettysburg Pa..
Outstanding work, thanks for sharing it.
Many thanks!
Great video, thank you both.
Our pleasure!
My uncle was a veteran of his battle of Saipan and had such a flag in his possession, along with a sword and pistol that he took off a dead Japanese officer. It made a powerful impression me as a youth when he showed it all to me.
Today, war souvenirs are strictly forbidden regardless of rank.
The retuning servicemen of WW2 were allowed to bring back anything that could fit in their sea bag / luggage. How times have changed.
Many times not for the better my friend...
Was at your museum two weeks ago with my brother. A very nice museum, reminiscent of some of the old time museums of Gettysburg when we were children back in the 1960's. This would be a great place for teachers to take students of any age studying American history or Civil War history. Thank you again for doing what both of you do!
Thanks!
That was very interesting, learn something new from all of your videos.
Thanks! Always learning.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such great videos on a channel
So poignant ! These men were in many ways just like us. They too had family, friends, and loved ones. Thank you for sharing !
Crazy artifact! Am happy to see the condition of it.
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I just love your work and channel.
Capturing the enemy flags or standards goes back thousands of years with Greek and Roman armies through the middle ages until recent. Many of our troops brought back Iraqi flags after invading Iraq. It was very common in our own Civil War. Soldiers died to protect their flag so it meant something.
Good point.
I bet my last Penny that someone somewhere will say something like “taking those flags was a desecration” or that “war trophies like these shouldn’t be displayed”, but not me, the men that obtained these flags were the ones on the front line, fighting an enemy who didn’t care about human life, they were taught to hate the allied forces, on land, in/on the sea or in the air, and if they killed you they had no compunction in stripping your body of anything useful and doing unspeakable things to your corpse (not all Japanese, but a great %), so the allied forces wanted something tangible to remind them a)how barbaric war is and b) as a piece of history. Displaying artefacts like this for all to see is one of the ways to show and educate the younger generations what war is truly like, show them what happens when two or more countries come to blows and what sacrifices are made by ordinary men and women, not just that ‘x’ number of people died, but the manner of death, the true consequences of war. R.I.P all that sacrificed some and those that sacrificed all. Lest We Forget. 🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🇺🇦👍😀
I'm sure that you'll enjoy the comments in the coming days and weeks :)
Ceebees saw a lot of combat in the pacific. Not intentionally but that's usually the case with sneak attacks. Case in point- Rod Serlings story
I have seen cases where American vets have actually traveled to Japan and returned some of these captured flags to the families. Seems like that is the best thing to do with them.
Wow ,thats cool ,i think your absolutly right .
I see no problem with that if they feel personally convicted to do so.
History behind items always neat learning experience
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I just bought a ww2 Japanese flag today. It’s a little faded but has has the American soldiers name and rank on it that sent it home. Pretty cool.
Proudly have mine framed, brought home from my Grandpa from the Philippines. He was a SGT in the 33rd division.
Trained w/Japanese Airborne Brigade years ago. In their museum, was shown a flag on which the soldiers had signed in their own blood. Shocked, I asked why and was told they were prepared to die. Grim testament to a horrific war.
Some of these stains don’t look like blood they look like decomposition juices. Like they were on a dead rotting Japanese soldier in the jungle.
Wow!
My father and an uncle who were Marines and fought in the Pacific including Okinawa during WWII referred to the Japanese flag as ''the flaming red a**hole.''
Yes, I've heard that before.
Love the stained flags wow love it!!
Pretty wild.
Thank you for that and what makes these series so interesting is yours and l believe the other chaps name is Erik going by the previous comment is your love of history, perhaps the capture of the enemy flag goes back to the Civil War and l would imagine it was a lot easier than carrying a helmet or weapon.
I remember watching a video on returning these flags to the families of the Japanese soldiers.
Obon Society
Great bring back items. It would be great if a Japanese speaking person could translate what some of the symbols mean. I have got some brass plates apparently from a submarine on a wooden backing. Interesting stuff.
Working on it :)
Very cool jp iam coming to the burg first week of Sept told the wife iam going to the museum to see some of this stuff she just rolled her eyes
Awesome! You’ll love it.
Very interesting video
Thanks!
VERY Interesting, but not the only time in war were or have flags been taken. All throughout history, weather here in the states, from the American Revolution, to the civil war, but also all the battles fought in England, and other countries have flags been taken from battles. It is all history, and tells some of the story of the battles as well, and should all be preserved. Thank you J.D for sharing and to the Gettysburg Museum as well.
Thanks 🙏🏼
Absolutely loving the pacific content!! Will you be visiting more islands than just the Mariana’s in the coming months?! Would love to see the Solomon and Gilbert island campaigns as well!!
Just the Marianas on this trip :)
@@TheHistoryUnderground thank you for the response! Absolutely love your channel, your content is completely different than any other history channel 🙌🏻👍🏻
5:12 Arcadi Gluckman 1896-1983 born in Russia, immigrated to the U.S. as a child. Became an Army officer.
My grandfather was a Tec 5 in the United States Army during the war. He brought back a Japanese officer's katana. I've yet to see it, however, I have seen some other cool stuff as well.
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These Japanese flags, some being blood stained are eerie and thought provoking, imagining who carried it and who valued it enough to preserve them. Would be interested to get the flags translated, would like to know what messages they contain. Thanks JD and Eric!
Unfortunately, getting them translated can prove to be difficult today, as the characters are no longer used in today’s Japanese society.
brilliant footage in explaining things - like sofees now
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I hope The Gettysburg Museum of History can somehow connect with the nonprofit organization Obon Society in Astoria, Oregon related to these flags or “yosegaki hinomaru.” They do incredible work translating and returning them to Japan to be reunited with family.
I really enjoyed the journey with you mate the Japanese flags with blood stays on it I wood keep it wear it is mate can't wait for the next video mate 👍🌟
Thanks.
I guess you can't get any more personal than that. The flag with it's good luck messages all by itself is a very personal item from a soldier. Stained with their sweat and their blood, even more so.
Very much so.
Please note that the flags were often worn within the belt line, similar to a sash.
It also wasn’t uncommon for GI’s to find body parts folded up within captured flags. If a Japanese soldier died in battle, and his body could not be returned to Japan for burial, it was common to remove a body part (often a finger), wrap it within his flag, and then send the package home for burial.
Dang! I'd never heard that.
@@TheHistoryUnderground we have a couple blood stained flags at our museum. Veterans I’ve interviewed have attested to this.
A Japanese family I interviewed last week stated that flags which were heavily inscribed often belonged to soldiers from small villages (inscribed by many people within the village). While the ones with few inscriptions were from soldiers of larger cities (inscribed by close family).
The "Rising Sun" was very much revered - almost spiritual by the Japanese Soldiers. the American Flag is viewed with an extreme respect by those who are Historically Respectful, Patriotic and Most if not all American Servicepeople who have served and those who continue to serve under the Oath taken upon Enlistment, Appointment and Induction. These Servicemen understand the importance of the "Flag". For us we have the Flag of the United States - "Old Glory".
Thanks again.
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My uncles survived the Burma railway , never forgive, never forget , pure pure evil creatures . Two bombs was not enough .
My dad (Chindit)7th Batt. Leicestershire Regt told me that when out of the line in India they got Japanese flags made, if you dipped a bit of goats blood they were more easily sold to American service personnel
Ha!
Demonetized because of the language at 4:10? Ridiculous! Can we not teach about REAL history any more? Wars are horrific, and parts are almost beyond description, but sanitizing and glorifying them only makes it more likely that they will be repeated.
Thank you J.D. and Erik for treating the subject with honesty and respect.
I'm happy to see you finally moving into the pacific theater. I have one of these flags from my uncle, brought back from CBI theater, 475Inf Rgt. Is there a source you guys use to translate the inscriptions?
Wow! That's amazing. As far as a source, I don't have one that I can point you too. Kind of looking for that myself :)
Please check out Obon Society. They translate and specifically return flags “yosegaki hinomaru” to the families if possible. They do incredible work. OBON SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 282
ASTORIA, OREGON 97103
Vary neat
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I have one of these flags!
I thought those stains were rust!
That’s also possible. I’ve seen some flags with water damage or rust.
I remember coming across photos and personal papers letters from family, of a German soldier at a sale in the UK. They had blood stains on quite alot of blood. It's not that unusual to come across bloodstained artifacts if you know where to look. I am a clector myself and have came across unusual items in the past things like shot through helmets and stuff like that but usually it's almost impossible to find the story behind each item. If you have the story behind an item that makes it much more collectable than just the item itself.
The first instances of capturing these flags as well as a company guidon from the Japanese occurred on February 11th 1942 after a company of Japanese marines was annulated at Agaloma Bay in the Philippines. A serviceman who captured the guidon and a personal flag was executed when it was revealed he still had the items on his person when being searched as a POW before the Bataan Death March.
The account is written in the book Horyo by Jess Richardson published in 1985.
I saw a photo in a magazine ( maybe Readers Digest) years ago showing American entertainer Bob Hope signing a Japanese rising sun flag captured by Aussie soldiers in New Guinea during WW2.
I wonder where that flag is?.
Holy shit i reloaded youtube and only 50 seconds after upload i caught a new episode, love it!
Nice!
Makes you wonder if they have American flags/relics like this in Japan or Germany in museums. I've never been to an Opfor WW2 museum.
That would certainly be interesting to know.
I have 3 mint silk body Japanese flags and several native flags in my collection
Wow!
Little handprints on bloody flags , this reminds of the fact that enemies are daddie ,sons and whatever too .Bit sad .
It must be intressting to get all the writings translated .
I didn't knew that they made such a personal thing out of the flags ,very intressting .
Sad, indeed.
I have a blood stained flag and sword and on the handle of the sword there is a hand carved seen of the dead Japanese soldiers home town.
Oh wow! I’d like to see that.
@@TheHistoryUnderground I'd love to show you. Can I send a pics.
@@ronaldsinclair6837 - Sure. My email is in the About tab on the UA-cam page.
@@TheHistoryUnderground I'll send them tomorrow first thing
I wonder how many American flags are out there that were taken as war trophies?
It would be interesting to find out. Americans had to have carried them into battle with them.
That would certainly be interesting to know.
I believe most people don't know the history of the war in the Pacific. The Japanese didn't surrender and had no respect for those who did. They expected what they dished out. There's a book, THE RIGHT KIND OF WAR, it's worth reading. Helps explain the war in a realistic manner.
"The Knights Of Bushido" a short history of Japanese War Crimes
@@hodaka1000 I will look for this book, thank you. One has to remember war is war. The history books are full of war crimes by all countries that have won conflicts. The irony is that the history books are written by the victors. I had to study Mai Lai in highschool history. The lesson wasn't in the curriculum so we had to hand all materials back after. This was in 1979 Canada. I don't think it was examined by most countries.
@@hodaka1000 just ordered the book, thanks again.
@@jeffsquires6620
Wherever they went the Knights Of Bushido murdered men women and children from beginning to end
@@hodaka1000 does this include the Rape of Nanking. Unfortunately humans are easily corrupted and commit horrible crimes. This is why they kill the intellectuals first. We haven't learned a thing and continue this pattern today. Especially in China. How quickly the victims become villains.
K that was cool...way better than gold teeth...
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Aye if we brought items to gettysburg museum to get more info on them could we? So far every few people ive talked to them about the items they want to buy them and when I tell them i couldnt they stop connecting 🙃 I know their probably common European soviners but id like to get more info especially the one medal being ww1 but its the only piece of 5 items from that war the rest is Nazi party pins and armband. I cant find any makers mark on the armband so I'm wondering if it was a citizens not sure.
Wonder if J-Pan have any US relics.
Most of their soldiers didn’t make it back home.
I've wondered that. Same with Germany.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Germany 🇩🇪 probably has more relics from the USA 🇺🇸 then Japan 🇯🇵 has … We decimated 🇯🇵 & they deserved it. I feel sad for the civilians though. Collateral Damage thanks to Emperor Hirohito 🪦
This makes me wonder how many Japanese have American flags like these.
Me too.
Did any troops capture any other of the Axis powers? I’ve only seen Nazi and Japan, I don’t remember seeing any Italian ones. Just interesting if they have for future videos
Capturing the enemies' flags, a carry over from the Civil War...
Yeah nah
Sad to see the Japanese Flags of the dead soldiers. Though their deaths made the Very Brave American Soldiers, God Bless Them.🙏❤👏🌹
It sure would be nice if you and Erik could refrain from using so much profanity and violently and savagely beating each other when you film these episodes! I can’t believe UA-cam allows this stuff on here!! 😂 😂
😅🤷🏻♂️
Has anybody translated the messages on the flags?
No. People who can do that are hard to find but we've had a few volunteers steps forward after seeing this video to offer their services.
@@TheHistoryUnderground it'll be very interesting to find out what is written, will add even more to the human experience. Your videos are always great, keep up the good work! Do you have any more plans to see more of the Pacific theatre?
@@ericcarter7529 - Definitely.
It is common in Asian cultures to go to a Buddhist temple and get a priest's blessing. Some do it hoping to do well in college, others do it for a sick family member, others do it hoping for a long and happy marriage. Soldiers headed off to war would obviously have done it as well.
Interesting. Always learning something.
Take DNA from the flags and find the families of some of the fallen.
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you should contact the OBON Society. they work on returning the flags to the living relatives of the japanese soldiers
I sent them a body flag my father brought home hoping they can return it to the family. I had it translated and the soldier had a very common name and was from Tokyo so the odds aren’t that great that it can be returned. But you never know.
The American flags are more valued
John 3:16-21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Mark 1.15
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Very sad story. So many lives lost in WW2 because of insane megalomaniac. Sad. Very sad.
"A dead Jap" (quoting the writing on the flag) is "extreme profanity"? It's time for you to build a following on Rumble then dump YT into the trash dumpster.
So are all your videos now gonna have this guy in it.. seems like he’s using you and your show catch a ride to promote his business and himself
Let me address a few things here:
1.) Erik and I co-host the American Artifact series on this channel. History Traveler, which is separate but sponsored by The Gettysburg Museum of History, is just me and whoever I might be with.
2.) You seem to be implying that I'm a dumb pawn that can be easily duped and taken advantage of. I am my own man and I make decisions that I think will best serve the channel. That will never change. To be clear, there are many who have tried to use this channel for their own benefit. I have turned down over $50,000 in sponsorship offers in just the past year because I either didn't think that the brand was a good fit or I refused to integrate their content in the manner that they wanted me to.
3.) If you think that the American Artifact series exists in part to promote The Gettysburg Museum of History, then you are correct. It is a free museum that I think provides a valuable service in a town that receives millions of tourists every year. I want to support that. Also, Erik did not initially approach me about this partnership. I approached him. It's a partnership that has been mutually beneficial and if you are enjoying the content that you have been seeing on this channel, then you need to thank Erik. Without his support, there are many places that I would not have been able to go and many that I would not have had access to (especially in Normandy). When I announced that I was suspending the regular content on the channel to go help with the refugee crisis in Ukraine, Erik was THE FIRST person to contact me and insist on helping in some way. So it might be possible that you have an impression that isn't connected with the reality on the ground, which I get. I've done the same thing in the past with others.
I appreciate you watching and commenting so that I can have a chance to make a few of these things clear. I hope that the direct nature of my response isn't taken in any way that is offensive.