Letters From Grandpa #547

• LETTERS FROM GRANDPA
• 547

Dearest grandchild,

Today’s letter will involve a lesson from World War 2. This war, of course, ended long before you were born. Tom Brokaw labeled those alive at that time as “the greatest generation.” News of the war dominated the headlines and it seemed like every family “over here” sacrificed so we could have victory “over there”. Items such as sugar, tires, meat, butter, canned goods and shoes were rationed. Every family was urged to plant a “victory garden” and store their own food for the winter so we could send rations to our heroes on the front lines. Many members of our own family were part of the armed forces and saw combat. Sadly, an estimated 418,500 Americans died during this conflict.

Hirohito, was the emperor of Japan. He ruled longer than any other monarch in Japanese history. The face of evil during the war, however, belonged to General Hideki Tojo. He was the second in command who implemented the emperor’s evil plans. He was nicknamed “the Razor” and his cruelty was legendary. For example, under his watch 12,000 prisoners and 150,000 civilians died while building the Burma-Siam railroad. When Japan invaded China 300,000 citizens and unarmed Chinese soldiers were massacred during the “rape of Nanjing.” Two Japanese officers, Toshiaki Mukai and Tsuyoshi Noda, made the newspapers by having a contest to see who could most quickly behead 100 prisoners with their Samurai swords. Some say that more people were killed by Samurai swords during the war than by A- bombs. Prisoners were routinely denied food, medical treatment, and clothing. Many were even cannibalized. When it was evident that Japan would lose the war Tojo sent out an order to execute all prisoners. Many were set on fire and murdered with machine guns when they tried to run away.

While German officers fled to South America to escape prosecution, Tojo did not have that option. His slant eyed face was easily recognized. So, as allied forces occupied Japan he hid in a farm house and kept his pistol with him at all times. He even had his doctor paint a small black target on his chest so his suicide bullet would hit his heart and ensure his death. There was much evidence against him. While Japan burned many incriminating documents regarding the rape, torture, and murder of prisoners, there were still some 350,000 files documenting these atrocities that survived.

Bill O’Reilly, in his best selling book “Killing the Rising Sun,” reveals that at this time two American journalists, Murlin Spencer and Russell Brines, tracked Tojo down and were granted an exclusive interview. He seemed anxious to tell his side of the story. Chain smoking one cigarette after another, no subject was off limits except the upcoming war trials. His mood frequently changed from stone faced impassivity to hearty laughter. Tojo felt confident that he would escape the war trials.

When the reporters finally left him, Tojo expected them to return with a photographer. Instead, two American army vehicles stopped in front of his house. As five armed soldiers advanced he opened the window and shouted “I am Tojo!” Then he quickly unbuttoned his shirt, placed his .32 caliber Colt automatic on the black dot on his chest, and pulled the trigger. In-explicitly the bullet missed his heart and he did not die.

Eight months later he was hanged on December 22, 1948. He spent his last minutes with a Buddhist priest who was a prison chaplain and spiritual advisor to Japanese war criminals. The execution chamber at the Sugamo Prison was so small that there was only room for four nooses. Tojo was in the first group of four. He had done his best to avoid facing judgment., but he had failed!

Even more certain is the fact that this famous war criminal will someday stand before the Judgment seat of Christ. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

The inspired writer of Hebrews said it like this: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)

In recent years doctors and dentists have faced the reality that people sometimes forget appointments. Consequently, it is common to get a phone call or text reminding you in advance to remember your appointment.

I pray that this letter will be a reminder that you too have an appointment with death and judgment. You will keep these appointments whether you remember them or not.

The “Good News” is that “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”! (Romans 8:1) I pray that when you meet Jesus face to face, you will hear Him say: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)

I love you,

Grandpa Boyce