Should the United States apologize to Japan for dropping the atomic bomb?

SGT David Ewers — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:24:09 -0400

Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of the United States using the first atomic bomb dropping it on Japan, many news organizations and individuals recognized this historic event. A post by one of my friends caught my eye “…why Japan had apologized for its wartime atrocities repeatedly, but the people of Japan had never received an apology for the dropping of two atomic bombs.” Should the United States apologize for the use of atomic weapons that ultimately ended World War II?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 7 at 2015 10:26 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:26:35 -0400

For what SGT David Ewers ... finishing the war that they started?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 7 at 2015 10:31 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:31:39 -0400

Have they apologized for the attack on Pearl Harbor or any other battles the Marines fought in the Pacific?

Heck no we shouldn't apologize. The leaders of this country did what they thought was best for everyone at that time. Yeah, the atomic bomb resulted in the death of numerous civilians and left others with horrible health issues all these years later, but let's be honest with ourselves, I think if even the chance they would have done the same to us.

Combat isn't pretty. Combat is raw, dirty, and unapologetic.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 10:39 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:39:49 -0400

Hell no!
They started it, and more than likely hundreds of thousands of Japanese lives were spared by the forced surrender after the bombs were dropped.
Japan did a lot of terrible things in the war. Some were right up there with what Nazi Germany did. While historians will debate the righteousness of using the bombs, I think history will see it the same way I do.

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Aug 7 at 2015 10:40 AM

PO1 Mike Edgecomb — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:40:06 -0400

No. it is very easy to armchair quarterback 70 years later.

In the context of 1945, the bombings were a correct military, and diplomatic strategy. The bombings most likely saved many lives, military and civilian, by concluding the war in the Pacific.

In addition, we will never know the influence that the bombings had in possibly preventing or restraining future wars and conflicts as well. The difference between the Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, from the civilian casualties resulting in the Firebombings of Dresden and Tokyo, were that the atomic bombs killed and wounded in seconds, while the firebombings took hours and days.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 7 at 2015 10:53 AM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:53:50 -0400

No, We need to understand "War is Hell". Don't tread on me! If you choose to attack us game on and or over.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 7 at 2015 11:07 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:07:11 -0400

No, we should not. They were clearly the aggressor in the Pacific. The record is clear regarding their atrocities to allied troops and civilian populations. We did what needed to be done to keep even more Japanese and Americans from dying.

The casualties to take the mainland of Japan were estimated to be over a million. As tragic as the loss of life might have been at Hiroshima and Nagasaki it was a tragedy of their own making. We likely saved hundreds of thousands by not invading Japan conventionally. Many of us may very well be here today because of that decision.

We treated them far more humanely after the war ended than they would have treated us had they won. Exhibit "A" is China. Look what they did to the Chinese after taking territory from them on the mainland of China. We helped rebuild their country, allowed them to keep their emperor, their flag and most of their culture.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 7 at 2015 11:08 AM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:08:21 -0400

There are a great number of regrettable things, but unless it can be shown that we dropped those bombs knowing full well that there were better options, we owe nobody anything. If we apologize to anyone, it should be for Dresden, not Hiroshima.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 7 at 2015 11:13 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:13:42 -0400

Stepping back from the emotional aspect which is what apologies are about, and looking at this from strictly pragmatic aspects, who is apologizing to who?

Anyone involved in the decision to drop the weapon is likely dead, and definitely not in power. Anyone who had the weapon dropped on them, or was an "instigator" in that decision is likely dead.

It would be an empty apology, with an empty acceptance. It would be a worthless gesture, without point.

The idea of apologizing for the act of our ancestors is frankly asinine. WE did not commit those acts. We can be appalled by them, and vow not to repeat them, but we do not share the guilt in the act itself.

Our Constitution actually has references to this concept within Art 3, Section 3, Clause 2.

"The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted."

We don't believe in the "sins of our fathers." Our Nation does not acknowledge this concept.

Response by Lt Col Brad Hamant made Aug 7 at 2015 11:22 AM

Lt Col Brad Hamant — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:22:15 -0400

Apologies can be funny things. They should be offered when you 1) hurt another by acting selfishly (by giving in to temptation, greed, or some other selfish motivation) AND 2) are remorseful for doing so. In this case, the US was not acting selfishly ... it was defending itself and preventing future (probably larger) loss of life. So while only a sociopath would not be saddened by the death & destruction directly caused by the bombs, apology is inappropriate. A good litmus test is, "would we (or any country) do the same thing, faced with exactly the same set of circumstances, options, & context?" Of course we would. It's history. Remember it and learn from it.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 11:34 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:34:46 -0400

Not even slightly. Even the smallest child generally knows the phrase, "..but HE/SHE started it..."

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 7 at 2015 12:10 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:10:19 -0400

No, I feel that doing so would open numerous doors for war crime and associated other issues, as an apology would indicate an unneeded/unnecessary wrong by the American people... It would be as bad as apologizing for saying "All lives matter" and carry with it similar repercussions on a much larger scale... We collectively decided, and took this step during a time of war knowing the outcome, and assumed the acceptable risks in doing so, so there is no need to apologize as right or wrong in this case is moot; unless we are now indicating that our actions were, indeed, wrong...
"Disclaimer" Most of you probably already know my feelings on the bombing of Nagasaki... If the US were to apologize for anything, I would agree it would be that bombing only.
I know this is contradictory to what I just wrote, but regardless right or "questionable", I will always back my Country over any others despite my feelings...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 12:14 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:14:17 -0400

I need to look into this but I actually though we did apologize for this. Additionally Japan is just now getting around to apologizing for prisoner of war atrocities.

On either side, realistically, an apology is political.

I need to look into this more to have an educated answer but my gut feeling is that this is slightly reversed.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Aug 7 at 2015 12:57 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:57:13 -0400

SGT David Ewers - No...

When I was in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, providing security for the former Manhattan Project sites (where the material for the bomb dropped on Hiroshima were made), which are still active DOE nuclear weapon complex facilities, every year, around "Hiroshima Day", we would have large anti-nuclear demonstrations by people who came there from around the country. We also typically had a significant number of "counter-demonstrators", who supported our country's policies and actions. One of the things I remember most about those days was a large sign that was usually posted during the demonstrations, which said, "If there had not been a Pearl Harbor, there would not have been a Hiroshima". No apology necessary...

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 1:12 PM

2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:12:12 -0400

"Don't Start None, Wont Be None"

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 7 at 2015 1:36 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:36:46 -0400

No. It was a moment in time. Decisions were made (on both sides). It happened. I also hope that they don't try to remove THIS from our history just like they are trying to write the Confederate Flag out of our history, along with other aspects of history.... just because it wasn't a great moment, does not mean that it didn't happen...and if forgotten, may be repeated.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 7 at 2015 1:47 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:47:12 -0400

Sure, as soon as they apologize for Pearl harbor.

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Aug 7 at 2015 2:02 PM

CPL Richard Flagg — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 14:02:44 -0400

We're not the country who owes an apology to the world for doing a half assed sealing job of that Nuclear Reactor damaged in that Tsunami a few years back that's leaking still to this very day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 7 at 2015 2:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 14:26:15 -0400

Hell no, you live by the sword and you die by the sword. The Japanese indulged in Total War against foreign population centers. We just reciprocated with bigger bombs.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Aug 7 at 2015 3:19 PM

PO2 Ron Burling — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:19:12 -0400

The Japanese apologies have been largely 'pro forma' and are at odds with what they teach their young, they deny many of their WWII actions to this day. All in all, we ended a war they started with the absolute lowest death toll (for them as well as us) possible. We owe them no apology.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 3:23 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:23:30 -0400

I equate this to, "Talk shit, get hit." Japan kicked off that war, and refused to acknowledge they lost it until two of their cities lay in ruins and another was burning. I don't see as how we have anything to apologize for.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 7 at 2015 4:03 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:03:03 -0400

No. Not at all. The atomic bombs dropped on Japan while taking many lives most likely saved countless more!

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Aug 7 at 2015 4:10 PM

Capt Michael Halpin — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:10:41 -0400

Absolutely not!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 7 at 2015 4:25 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:25:48 -0400

F@#k no. They attacked us with no provocation from us. The atrocities that was done to our troops is never forgivable. we where defending in a world war. If we had not we all muh be speaking either Japanese or German right now!

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Aug 7 at 2015 4:41 PM

MSgt Erik Copp — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:41:15 -0400

No.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 7 at 2015 5:15 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 17:15:31 -0400

Absolutely not! The Japanese bombed us at Pearl Harbor and brought it upon their heads with their aggression and atrocities in the Pacific.

Had the Japanese developed the bomb first, they would have used it offensively against us. As it was, a conventional attack on Japan would have resulted in many more casualties -- both American and their own civilian population. The two bombs we dropped brought the war to a swift conclusion, saving more lives than those killed by the bombs.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 7 at 2015 5:25 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 17:25:22 -0400

None of the world leaders during WWII are here any more and neither are many of those who fought in it. We did what we did to end the war. 70 years later what does anyone who wasn't even around then have to apologize for?? We put Japanese Americans in internment camps while the Japanese tortured and executed POWs - big difference. I'm not sure they really owe us an apology for what happened all those years ago.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 7 at 2015 7:35 PM

TSgt Melissa Post — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:35:10 -0400

No. Why should we apologize? Did the Germans apologize to the Jews and the other 11 million people they slaughtered for no reason other than they didn't fit hitler's cookie cutter opinion? What next? Will we be apologizing for defending our nation now from the terrorists; avenging our helpless 9/11 victims? It was a war. We did not commit atrocities by dropping the bombs. If we had gone in there and tortured the innocent citizens or something, then I could see apologies for that. But like GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad says we were finishing a war they started. Come onto our soil, violate our land, fight a fight to the death and see what happens. At least that was our nation's mentality back then. (Now, eh that might be different.)

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Aug 7 at 2015 8:59 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:59:56 -0400

No, and not for any obvious reasons. My feeling is that we saw a way of ending more warfare that would have killed more military and civilians alike. There comes a point that the toughest decisions need to be made and you can think about it a billion times before making that decision and once made you live with it. No apologies are ever going to be sincere enough, nor accepted.

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Aug 7 at 2015 9:45 PM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 21:45:11 -0400

An apology no, a "we regret we were forced to do it" more applicable

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 7 at 2015 10:15 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 22:15:56 -0400

Ah NO - I think when you start a fight you better expect to get kicked in the nuts. While it might be a cheap shot so is a sucker punch.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 8 at 2015 1:33 AM

Sgt William Biggs — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:33:02 -0400

No. It prevented a bloody and protracted invasion of mainland Japan. People died in a dramatic fashion, but I believe the Empire of Japan needed an overwhelming display of force to override their pride. It sucks, but so did the entire war. Thank God we did not establish a precedence for using them outside of desperation.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 8 at 2015 1:40 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:40:19 -0400

Hitomi and I have some awkward moments when we watch WWII episodes on the History channel, that's for sure. My grandpa served as well as hers, but he didn't come home. She understands that had we invaded Honshu, we would have had to bayonet 7 yr olds running at us with bamboo sticks. The entire country was militarized and brainwashed since conception. Even when the Emperor tried to concede after Hiroshima his own military tried to kill him so they could continue fighting to avoid the shame and humiliation. It was never going to be over. More Japanese were killed in the final bombing raid on Tokyo than when Hiroshima was nuked from orbit and they were prepared to endure even more. Apologize? I say no.
Every Prime Minister since the end of WWII has apologized to the world for their aggression and expansionist policies. It is expected of their title and position. Shinzo Abe sent another unanswered request for POTUS to join them at the Dome (Memorial for World Peace) and before we bash POTUS, let's be clear that no American President has answered their invitations. That would be one difficult speech to have written by the staff. S!@t happens in war. We had the atomic bomb before anyone else and it got used. We can write libraries upon libraries of books as to why we were justified/condemned to do so. But the bottom line is this, had the Japanese developed it before us I promise you we would have been on the receiving end.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 8 at 2015 5:27 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 05:27:26 -0400

NOPE.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 5:52 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 05:52:31 -0400

PO2 Ed C. It is terribly sad what happened to the innocents and to those who had family who were interned in the USA and illegally I might add but we do NOT owe an apology for the carnage. Sad but they did bomb Pearl Harbor and the Japanese did awful things like skewer filipino infants on bayonets. So, again we probably saved many lives and in a war we did not start,

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 8 at 2015 6:26 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:26:59 -0400

Not a chance.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Aug 8 at 2015 7:10 AM

PO3 David Fries — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 07:10:56 -0400

No. What was done was necessary.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 8 at 2015 7:23 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 07:23:53 -0400

Peace Activists Descend on Los Alamos ...

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. — Ellie Voutselas, 78, pulled from a cardboard box the sacks she had fashioned into ponchos, slicing holes in the burlap for the head and arms. Cayla Turain, 22, grabbed hers, smudged ashes on her face, and joined a silent march for peace.

On Aug. 6, 1945, a B-29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan, incinerating tens of thousands on the ground. Seventy years later, Ms. Voutselas, Ms. Turain and about 80 others marched toward the secured entrance to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the bombs that ravaged Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, had been conceived.

Read more at ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/08/us/peace-activists-descend-on-los-alamos-but-residents-remain-indifferent.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0

To save articles or get newsletters, alerts or recommendations – all free.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 8 at 2015 7:31 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 07:31:21 -0400

Interesting article discussing what would have likely happened if the U.S. hadn't used the atomic bomb on Japan ...

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1946/12/if-the-atomic-bomb-had-not-been-used/376238/

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 8 at 2015 9:32 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 09:32:27 -0400

No the United States of America and the other allied powers in WWII whose people suffered so much as the hands of the Japanese should not apologize for dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which helped bring WWII in the Pacific to an end SGT David Ewers . Since the 1930's when Japan invaded China and "raped" much of that land as it did wherever its forces invaded.
Japan could apologize to the proverbial cows come home for the myriad atrocities they committed in China, SE Asia, Thailand, Burma, India, throughout the eastern Pacific from wake through the Solomon Islands. Japans's atrocities were committed in accordance with their worldview of the valor of the victor and the absolute subjugation of the vanquished. Our leaders wrestled with dropping the bombs because that action mitigated against our worldview.
Not only was the war brought to a close at an allied cost much less than feared; but, our post war efforts to rebuild Japan and turn it from a warrior idolizing nation to a nation of acute businessmen and women and many world class entrepreneurs. Japan is our staunchest allie in NE Asia and our diplomatic relationship with Japan is secure.
Revisionists may wish to reinvent the 20th century and the conflicts of relative good versus unspeakable evil. Those who are truly interested in history are at the forefront of encouraging others to remember what happened so "we" do not repeat the past.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs, COL Jon Thompson, CW5 Charlie Poulton, CW5 Private RallyPoint Member, CW3 Private RallyPoint Member, SGM Mikel Dawson, SGM Steve Wettstein, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, LTC Stephen C., SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Forrest Stewart. Sgt Richard Buckner, TSgt Hunter Logan, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Randal Groover

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 9:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 09:58:32 -0400

Right after they apologize for all of their war crimes. Anyone remember a little thing called the Bataan death march?

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Aug 8 at 2015 10:12 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 10:12:11 -0400

No, should we apologize to Al Qaeda for 911?

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Aug 8 at 2015 10:35 AM

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 10:35:05 -0400

Maybe for the 2nd one. Three days later didn't give diplomacy a chance to work.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 8 at 2015 11:52 AM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 11:52:08 -0400

Never. It's bad enough that the United States rebuilt their country and now we're selling ours to them.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Aug 8 at 2015 11:57 AM

MSgt Stephen Council — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 11:57:29 -0400

We do not need to apologize for ending the war and saving hundreds of thousands of lives (U.S. and Japanese). We did not wait for a reason. In order to gain surrender, we had to convince Japan that we had a virtually unlimited inventory of the devices. There were at least three more in the pipeline that we cancelled. I think the government of Japan should thank us for not dropping the rest of them.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Aug 8 at 2015 12:41 PM

COL Ted Mc — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 12:41:38 -0400

SGT David Ewers - Sergeant; If you want to check the actual wording, Japan has never actually "apologized". "Expressing regret" for an "unfortunate incident" is NOT the same thing as apologizing.

I don't like nuclear weapons and would be just as happy if they had never been invented - BUT - I also recognize that TENS OF MILLIONS of lives (mostly Japanese) were saved by using the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Japanese military and government knew that the war was lost before the bombs were dropped (and, in fact, had known that it simply couldn't be won if the US chose to pursue it rather than come to a negotiated settlement while Japan was still in the ascendant),

However, the Japanese military and government simply could not surrender until obviously, finally and decisively beaten.

BUT, the Emperor could "save face" by protecting the Japanese people from weapons of unparalleled lethality against which the Japanese people had no defence by ordering the military and government to surrender AND the military and government could "save face" by complying with the dictates of the Emperor.

Response by Sgt Ken Prescott made Aug 8 at 2015 1:01 PM

Sgt Ken Prescott — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 13:01:23 -0400

"We're sorry that you were too f***ing stupid to realize that sucker-punching a guy ten times as big and twenty times more ornery than you would turn out badly."

Response by LTC Gregory d'Arbonne made Aug 8 at 2015 1:43 PM

LTC Gregory d'Arbonne — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 13:43:30 -0400

Hell no.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Aug 8 at 2015 3:09 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 15:09:17 -0400

We gave the country massive amounts of aid to rebuild after the war. Shortly after surrender, our medical people were all over those areas treating the sick. Apologies 70 years after the fact mean very little, but our actions directly afterward; the compassion we showed to a defeated enemy spoke volumes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 4:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 16:49:08 -0400

Winners don't apologize. We write the history.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 5:51 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 17:51:42 -0400

No, I don't think so. Japan was the enemy in a war they started with us. We need to stop with the apology tour and get on with leading the world as its only super power. As President Obama and others have said: When the world wants help, they don't call China or North Korea or anyone else. They call the USA. If we apologize to Japan for ending WWII in the Pacific with those two bombs, a war they started, what's next? Will we be asked to apologize to ISIS for fighting them and backing those who are fighting them? It sounds crazy now, but I'll bet the very idea of apologizing to Japan would have sounded pretty nuts to my grandfather's generation, and here we are discussing it.

Response by TSgt Kevin Miller made Aug 8 at 2015 6:43 PM

TSgt Kevin Miller — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 18:43:04 -0400

Of course not!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 7:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 19:09:45 -0400

SGT David Ewers, You tell us whether they should be forgiven. I lost an Uncle at Pearl, and another on the Bataan March. They started it with their strategic plans at Pearl. We ended it with our strategic plans at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. They liked playing dirty? We liked it also, but ours saved lives.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 8 at 2015 8:06 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 20:06:47 -0400

No Japan should apologize to the world.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Aug 8 at 2015 9:17 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:17:54 -0400

I see no reason for any apology for ending a war that they started. Several years ago I stood at Wright Patterson in front of Bockscar and a Japanese reporter asked me what i thought about the dropping of the bombs. I told him flat out that I was glad they ended the war and that I pray we never need them again.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 8 at 2015 9:34 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:34:47 -0400

No Way! We didn't start the war. Enough said!

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 8 at 2015 9:38 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:38:00 -0400

No, we shouldn't apologize to Japan, they started it with destruction and we finished it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 9:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:59:43 -0400

I think the United States giving them the "tools" to rebuild their country is apology enough. I know many Japanese exchange students and they say the country loves America.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 8 at 2015 10:29 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 22:29:19 -0400

This is a joke, right? I'll tell you what. Let the Japanese first apologize to the "comfort women" in Korea. Let them apologize to the Chinese. Then they can apologize to the POWs they incinerated rather than allowing to be repatriated as their camps were being liberated. Next, they can apologize for the murder of their own citizens. After all that, I still won't see any reason to apologize. Indeed, they should thank us for dropping the bombs and forcing the Emperor to issue the decree of surrender over the objections of his military who wanted to fight to the last drop of blood. Our nuclear weapons saved millions of Japanese lives as well as Americans. Oh, are you thinking maybe we should apologize for then helping them rebuild their nation into one of the most successful economic powerhouses in the world, in all of history?

Response by MSG John Wirts made Aug 8 at 2015 11:54 PM

MSG John Wirts — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 23:54:57 -0400

No! they started the war by deceit, without declaring war. They killed civilians, and military pows, they took young girls from conquered countries to serve as "Comfort Girls" for their military. Before we dropped the Atomic bombs, we warned both targets ahead of time, we advised them to surrender, before and after the first Atom Bomb was dropped. The Japanese sent Kamikaze planes and subs against our fleet. They were training old men and women, young women to and children to attack our invasion force with sharpened bamboo spears , and to die to the last person. The Atom bombs, caused the Emperor to reconsider and announce their surrender. The invasion of the Japanese homeland would have prolonged the war and caused many more casualties on both sides. Japan saw that the Allies had beaten them before the bombs were dropped, it was their stubborn pride which cost them so dearly. Then the U.S put them under martial law and rebuilt their country! What do we have to apologize for?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 12:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 00:00:11 -0400

No, War is war!

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Aug 9 at 2015 12:26 AM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 00:26:27 -0400

No. An apology is given when someone has done something wrong.

Some who favor an apology might point out the effects of the bombs, but they forget that was the whole point of them. And if we apologize for them, should we apologize for other actions we took during the war?

Yes, the Japanese apologized for their actions, because they were the aggressors and they committed all sorts of atrocities during the war. Should we apologize for defending ourselves?

The closer land forces got to Japan, the lower the kill ratio got, from 5:1 when we took the Philippines to 2:1 when we took Okinawa, and casualty estimates for a ground assault on Japan itself were estimated between 400,000 and 800,000. Would the American people have been able to put up with that? I don't know.

These devices were deployed with the intention of saving American lives that would have been lost, and in that regard, which was probably the prevailing theory at the time, it was absolutely right to use them.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Aug 9 at 2015 2:02 AM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 02:02:13 -0400

We should apologize to the victims of Japanese atrocities for not finishing the job by bombing Japan back to the stone age and for not executing Hirohito and a bunch of other scumbag war criminals.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 7:21 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 07:21:00 -0400

The Army sent me back to school to get a master's degree in counseling. I counsel married couples, family members, dependents and DOD civilians. Whereas a therapist's perspective may not always be applicacble in areas of tactics, I would like to offer some insight. A husband or a wife should ALWAYS apologize to his or her spouse, when he or she was WRONG. SGT David Ewers, if the actions of the United States in response to Japan's un-provoked attack on Pearl Harbor was morally wrong, then apology is warranted. If the United States was acting in defense of her sovereignty, in kind, with intention of stopping additional bloodshed, the United States should promise all aggressors that she'll do it again, in spades.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Aug 9 at 2015 8:45 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 08:45:41 -0400

Should we appologize for dropping atomic bombs on Japan.... My answer would be no. Now, I come from the generation who's parents fought in that war. My father was on Guadalcanal at the age of 17, and my mother lost her first husband on the USS Arizona, so yes, they had serious rage towards Japan, that a surrender did not even come close to soothing.

We have nothing to apologize for. I hate to sound petty, but "They started it!" we just finished it, and we finished it the LEAST BLOODY WAY POSSIBLE" I recommend that you read up on the Bombing raids that took place. At least two of the conventional bombing raids killed more people than the Atomic bombs did... and then of course, there was every indication that, had we done a conventional attack on the mainland, it would have cost so many lives that there would have been little left of either side. They were jumping off cliffs rather than surrender in Okinawa... and even their small children were taught to hold grenades closely and run towards the Americans. When those bombs fell, my father was on a troop ship, heading towards Japan, so no.... I see no point in apologizing for a mess that they themselves created.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Aug 9 at 2015 12:09 PM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 12:09:55 -0400

No... Two words: Pearl Harbor.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 9 at 2015 12:22 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 12:22:43 -0400

Appeal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aerial Bombardment of Civilian Populations, September 1, 1939

The President of the United States to the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and His Britannic Majesty, September 1, 1939

The ruthless bombing from the air of civilians in unfortified centers of population during the course of the hostilities which have raged in various quarters of the earth during the past few years, which has resulted in the maiming and in the death of thousands of defenseless men, women, and children, has sickened the hearts of every civilized man and woman, and has profoundly shocked the conscience of humanity.

If resort is had to this form of inhuman barbarism during the period of the tragic conflagration with which the world is now confronted, hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings who have no responsibility for, and who are not even remotely participating in, the hostilities which have now broken out, will lose their lives. I am therefore addressing this urgent appeal to every government which may be engaged in hostilities publicly to affirm its determination that its armed forces shall in no event, and under no circumstances, undertake the bombardment from the air of civilian populations or of unfortified cities, upon the understanding that these same rules of warfare will be scrupulously observed by all of their opponents. I request an immediate reply.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

And with that nice little statement the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan proceeded to quite happily bomb the hell out of civilian populations.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 2:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 14:50:48 -0400

SGT David Ewers, absolutely not! Not only was it a war of their choosing, the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima prevented the only viable alternative COA which was an invasion of the Japanese mainland. Casualty estimates for such an action were staggering; likely resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops and Japanese forces. That Japanese leaders refused to relent after Hiroshima, necessitating the dropping of the second bomb on Nagasaki speaks to the low and reckless regard that nation held for the safety and welfare of her own citizens during this era. As horrific and devastating as the impact these new weapons had on these two cities, the reality is that far more civilian lives were most likely spared, as was the rest of Japan, as a result of this decision. No, it is not the United States of America that owes Japan an apology for the unleashing of the atomic age upon it, but rather the Japanese Government itself that owes the World an apology for making it necessary in the first place.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 9 at 2015 4:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 16:46:36 -0400

This is the deal. Japan wants to mimize their actions in WWII, but they want to remember the Atomic bombs.

Response by MSgt Darum Danford made Aug 9 at 2015 8:52 PM

MSgt Darum Danford — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:52:15 -0400

absolutely not.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 9 at 2015 9:17 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:17:30 -0400

No. They should, apologize for attacking us. You do, what needs to be done.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 9 at 2015 10:23 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:23:46 -0400

SGT David Ewers There is no reason for us to apologize. Japan started the war. We used the bombs to lessen the casualty count from both countries.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 9 at 2015 11:33 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 23:33:21 -0400

This is a really delicate question -- part of me feels like it was justified, but part of me thinks that the atomic bomb is just way too far on the spectrum of EOF.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Aug 10 at 2015 12:34 AM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:34:46 -0400

No we did what we had to do. The Japanese had many opportunity's to end the war but the emperor and their military leaders refused to, they thought America was weak and they thought wrong. For a good info watch Hiroshima documentary on Netflix. Good thing Obama was not president then or we would all be Japanese!!!

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 10 at 2015 3:21 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:21:07 -0400

_ _ _ _ NO!

Response by SGT William Howell made Aug 10 at 2015 9:14 AM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 09:14:45 -0400

Only after they apologize to China and Korea for raping and killing millions of people.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 10:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:07:01 -0400

Not sure how many know that the Japanese, as well as the Germans, also had an extensive atomic weapons research program. If it weren't for some miscalculations related to the purification processes, it is quite likely Japan would have had the weapon around the same time.

Given their state in the war at that time, I have little doubt they would have used it on the US.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 10 at 2015 10:13 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:13:51 -0400

Should America apologize for confining Japanese American's during WWII? Should America apologize for killing and confining Native American's? Should America apologize for slavery? There are a lot of things America as a young nation could have and should have done. But the best apology is avoiding doing these wrong things ever again.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 12:32 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:32:59 -0400

I can see this happening, especially in the politically correct world we live in today. The newer generation today would say 'yes', however, the generation that stormed the beaches and died on their sands would scream 'hell no'. I personally say 'no', it led to the end of the war. Yes, hundreds of thousands died in the bombings and effects afterwards, but it could have been much worse. What if the US decided to drop it on the Emperor's castle? All of Japan's leadership would have been lost, millions killed, Japan as it's seen today would never be. Who knows what kind of government would have arisen out of a Tokyo bombing, if any at all. These were strategic bombings, felt to this day, but it could have been felt much worse. I guess, technically, the war wouldn't have ended with a peace treaty until a new government was stood up, which could have taken many more years and a US occupation would have been much more intense in the end.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 10 at 2015 2:26 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:26:54 -0400

No.

Response by SFC Joseph James made Aug 10 at 2015 4:03 PM

SFC Joseph James — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:03:12 -0400

Honestly not sure. I understand why we dropped it, but I don't think i could have given that order. Those towns were full of innocent (Yes, innocent women and children). I think i would have bombed the crap out of their emperors temple and Tokyo. I'm internet Generaling i know but not that bomb on those people. Maybe dropped it near a town and then say the next is on Tokyo! I think as a people we crossed a line. A a very horrible line. Just google the "Shadows" that were left after the blast.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 4:03 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:03:44 -0400

Based on discussions I have had with Japanese Citizens. They Don't even blame us for the event. They blame Germany and Russia more than us and even though it was a tragedy, I was War. Do I think It was necessary? I don't really know because I want their, but I think apologizing isn't necessary but would be the gentlemanly (or lady like) thing to do.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 10 at 2015 4:17 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:17:31 -0400

Nope, estimates say 4 million would have died in a mainland invasion.

More died in the firebombing of Tokyo than did in Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined.

"Apologizing" is the same old politically correct CRAP that spews forth from the people that really don't understand war... War SHOULD be fought quickly, decisively, and with extreme brutality. The longer a conflict continues the more innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire.

Response by SSG Mathew Ada made Aug 11 at 2015 2:23 PM

SSG Mathew Ada — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:23:29 -0400

No. The decisions made by our leaders then, who are now long dead, determined that the threat they posed was too great to ignore. It's like apologizing for flattening most of the major cities in Germany. This day and age when we as a country feel the need to "apologize" for everything due to this political correctness or sensitivity is crap. War is something that is calculates the risk vs. rewards. We weighed the risk and rewards, and determined that it was appropriate to respond with a bomb. Haven't had any issues with Japan 70 years. Looking for similar references, look at Pershing's actions with the Muslims or Vlad Dracul of Romania. Such atrocities forced certain parties to avoid conflict for a very long time. Sometimes brutality guarantees a lasting peace.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 7:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 19:16:34 -0400

No.

Response by MSgt Roger Hoyle made Aug 18 at 2015 7:35 PM

MSgt Roger Hoyle — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 19:35:13 -0400

NUTS

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 8:11 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:11:42 -0400

No, As someone who was born and raised in Hawaii before it became a state, I had relatives serving in the Pacific in WWII, along with my deceased F-I-L as an RM1, USN. The answer is very simple. NO! Look folks when I was growing up in the Islands my dad was with the 25th Infantry, Tropic Lightening at Schofield Barracks. We used to live across the street that had a plaque that read it was the first building fired upon by the Japanese Fighters at Schofield Barracks. As a high school student I did an extensive research on the Battle of Pearl Harbor and what it was like. When they filmed Tora, Tora, Tora, it was film in my home town of Wahiawa, Hawaii. Watching those makeshift Zero's flying down the street on California Avenue it was something out of the blue. As a kid, I remember the U.S. Marines in their Dress Blues from the Marine Barracks of Hawaii Guarding the Arizona Memorial, day and night. Now the Pacific Island National Park Services are in charged. I had many friends who survived those attacks that unfaithful day and I listened to their stories when I see them. Not many are left and if you would ask them, I bet they will say the same No or just walk away. I am a member of the AMVETS-Hawaii Arizona Post, and I know that the Hawaii Pearl Harbor Survivors and the San Diego Pearl Harbor Survivors will be Honored by the State of Hawaii and the Pacific Island National Park Services. I had family relatives that died by the hands of the Japanese. It's a hard thing to live with when you go to work everyday and see both the U.S.S. Arizona and the U.S.S. Missouri at Ford Island. S/F JK

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 18 at 2015 9:45 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 21:45:11 -0400

Why is it necessary to bring all of this up now? It's been 70 yrs....what's done is done...let it be....we already went into Japan after dropping TWO atomic bombs...and we helped them clean up...re build and get back onto their feet.

Leave it alone...why bring it up? what's the sense?

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 19 at 2015 12:30 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:30:17 -0400

No.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 2:20 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 02:20:13 -0400

Nope....

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 6:47 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 06:47:04 -0400

SGT David Ewers. While we may not apologize for dropping two atomic bombs, we may want to respectfully remember and regret inevitable massive vaporization, burns, wounds, radiation poisoning, and radiation induced mutations inflicted on so many unsuspecting and defenseless civilians. The before and after strike imagery of Hiroshima . . . together with the implications of actually fighting a protracted nuclear war with thermonuclear weapons one thousand times more powerful than Hiroshima and Nagasaki devices . . . brought about limitations, reductions, and the potential for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons . . . massive stockpiles and hair trigger delivery systems that according to even Ronald Reagan were never intended to be used, were developed to counter the threat of use by other countries, and that threatened the continued existence of the human population and other life on earth. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by MAJ Michael Bressler made Aug 20 at 2015 2:04 PM

MAJ Michael Bressler — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:04:40 -0400

To all future generations who may yet contemplate Japan’s atomic destruction as unnecessary, cruel, and unjust I say let them come to Pearl Harbor as I had done to stand quietly some morning at the USS Arizona Memorial, respectfully bow their heads and simply listen to the wind. (Michael A. Bressler)

Response by MAJ Michael Bressler made Aug 20 at 2015 2:07 PM

MAJ Michael Bressler — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:07:17 -0400

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 21 at 2015 8:58 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 08:58:10 -0400

No, Japan was never going to surrender particularly in their land; which we were about to invade. As awful as it was it had to be done IOT to stop the Japanese effort. Hey, it took 2 bombs to have them surrender!

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Aug 21 at 2015 9:24 AM

LTC Michael Hrycak — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 09:24:51 -0400

Did the Japanese apologize to China for the Rape of Nanking in December, 1937? The brutality of their attack and subsequent occupation exceeds even that of the Soviet Army in World War II. The Bataan Death March, starting on April 9, 1942, was addressed only much later when "On September 13, 2010, Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada apologized to a group of six former American soldiers who during World War II were held as prisoners of war by the Japanese, including 90-year-old Lester Tenney and Robert Rosendahl, both survivors of the Bataan Death March. The six, their families, and the families of two deceased soldiers were invited to visit Japan at the expense of the Japanese government" I include a photograph of an American Soldier being bayoneted by Japanese Soldiers during the Bataan Death March, as well as Japanese burying a live Chinese prisoner during the occupation of Nanking in 1938. Although the Allies spent over a year preparing for the invasion of Japan, President Truman determined that the cost in lives and materiel warranted the dropping of the atomic bomb. General George Marshall commented on the Bataan Death March " These brutal reprisals upon helpless victims evidence the shallow advance from savagery which the Japanese people have made. [...] We serve notice upon the Japanese military and political leaders as well as the Japanese people that the future of the Japanese race itself, depends entirely and irrevocably upon their capacity to progress beyond their aboriginal barbaric instincts" Although a number of the leaders were later tried, executed, or imprisoned, it is still hard to this day to stomach the atrocities committed by the Japanese Army.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Aug 21 at 2015 10:30 AM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 10:30:50 -0400

I grrew up in a tough lower class neighborhood and being short and slender, was picked on regularly and because of my religious parents avoided confrontation. One day after a round of schoolyard humiliation, I grabbed the biggest kid in the group, tripped him so that he fell and sat on him pummeling him till he cried and begged me to stop. a teacher pulled me off of him. Moral is this: I didn't ask for what I got but he did. I was never bothered the rest of the time I was in school. I didn't apologize to the kid and he never apologized to me. I don't see the necessity of apologizing to Japan or Germany for anything that they provoked.....

Response by CW4 Don Kite made Aug 21 at 2015 11:33 PM

CW4 Don Kite — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 23:33:21 -0400

Absolutely NOT, the dropping of the Atomic Bomb saved thousands of American lives. The invasion of mainland Japan would have been a disaster as the Japanese people would have fought us tooth and nail. They were prepared to fight to the death of every man, woman and child. My only regret would be that the technology of that day was not able to pin point a military target and hit it and only it. The bombing caused hundreds of Japanese lives. But from the ashes rose the great economical and technical nation of today. A World Power when it comes to technology. Japan as a nation is recognized as the one of the world leaders in technological advancements. Lastly, we warned the Japanese that we had the bomb and they did not believe us and after we dropped the first one they still did not capitulate.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 27 at 2015 12:37 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:37:38 -0400

My father served in China Burma India theater of war from May 1942 until the War ended. This was not one of the areas of constant Allied Victories even late in the War. I can tell you exactly how he felt about it, can't say I disagree either. "They started it, it saved American Lives, they got what they deserved". After reading up on the atrocities in Burma and China, I don't even disagree with the last part of that statement.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Aug 27 at 2015 12:52 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:52:01 -0400

Nope. Not ever. Not for any reason. They chose a most dishonorable path of making war before it was declared. They deserved to get exactly what they got.

Response by MSgt Rick Hovik made Aug 27 at 2015 1:10 PM

MSgt Rick Hovik — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:10:36 -0400

No for two reasons:
1. More lives were saved by not having to invade the home islands.
2. The graphic impact of the bomb and the after effects, has given many would be belligerents pause, and as a result we have not had a major world conflict since. However...
I believe the "cold war" was WWIII. Nukes were used, not on each other but in remote areas of the world, to demonstrate power.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Aug 27 at 2015 1:54 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:54:50 -0400

Simply put, HELL NO! Japan dragged us in WWII by their cowardly attack on Pearl Harbor. Dropping the bombs secured our victory and peace! A lesson the current administration could learn from!

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Aug 27 at 2015 6:28 PM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 18:28:09 -0400

The alternative would have been an invasion of Japan that was estimated to cost us 250,000 lives as the Japanese were, among other thi0ngs, training civilians to be suicide bombers, etc. So the choice was clear 250,000 of my people or 60,000 approximately of the enemy. BTY I have never read anywhere that Japan apologiezed for anything and are still not apologizing for their "comfort women" program.

Response by SSgt David Walden made Aug 28 at 2015 10:55 AM

SSgt David Walden — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:55:47 -0400

Why should we apologize for defending ourselves?

Response by SSgt Hal Longworth made Aug 29 at 2015 1:51 AM

SSgt Hal Longworth — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 01:51:07 -0400

No, hell NO! The first "no" is for me and the "hell no" is for my uncle that served on the USS Tennessee during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
I'm happy to say that my uncle survived the war and retired from the USNR.

Response by TSgt Charles Holmes made Sep 3 at 2015 9:39 PM

TSgt Charles Holmes — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 21:39:33 -0400

Not only no, but hell, no! After we brought the Japs to their knees, we helped them to rebuild into a nation far stronger & smarter than they were before. After their totalitarian regime was defeated, WE, THE USA, made them better than they were. That is apology enough.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Sep 12 at 2015 10:58 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 22:58:32 -0400

No!

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Nov 30 at 2015 9:29 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 09:29:21 -0500

The Japanese should be thanking us for not invading their country which would have caused many more casualties.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2015 9:33 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 09:33:23 -0500

I know what Oppenheimer would say
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb13ynu3Iac

J. Robert Oppenheimer: "I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

J. Robert Oppenheimer speaks those famous words. This video was posted on the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Response by TSgt Charles Holmes made Dec 3 at 2015 1:07 PM

TSgt Charles Holmes — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 13:07:53 -0500

Hell, no! Wars are fought & won with the victor determining what happens next. Japan, with the help of the USA, has prospered into one of the world's greatest economies. THAT is their apology! However (comma) our Commoder-in-Chief will probably try to make an apology happen. He's done it for everyone else.....

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Dec 3 at 2015 4:44 PM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:44:43 -0500

I have lived in both Europe and Asia for over 50 years. It is my observation that the Germans are certainly disliked by Europeans because of the war but it is nothing compared to the hostility that Asians exhibit toward the Japanese for the war. I was told in the 70's that when Japanese merchant ships put in at harbors in the Philipines that the Japanese sailors would not leave the ship because if the philipinos caught them under the right circumstances they would kill them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 3:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:23:22 -0500

No apologies needed. It was the decision of the time based on the information and situation of the time. The United States was running a financial deficit that equal its GNP in 1945. Though we had many military successes in the Pacific, many economist were not sure if our nation could take such excessive government spending without economic collapse which could lead to losing. The atom bomb seemed to be the quick alternative to a land invasion and little was known about the effects of radiation fall out. That said, there is no reason to gloat about dropping the bomb either.

As a nation, we must wear the scar of being he first an only nation to make to take this act. It is nothing to hang our head high or in shame over. Yes, I looked at schools books with pictures rarely seen by Americans, when I was stationed in Japan, and it brought tears to my eyes. I love the Japanese people as much as Americans, especially being married to one and the father of two (dual) of its citizens. We must remember the past and move forward in our partnership with Japan. If we ever must use nuclear weapon on another people again, I pray to God, that we who serve, give our Commander in Chief the best information possible.

Response by Capt Tom Orlando, MSOM, PMP made Jan 21 at 2016 9:25 PM

Capt Tom Orlando, MSOM, PMP — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:25:20 -0500

Should you apologize to the bully who broke your bicycle and beat up your little brother after you kick his ass? I think not, paying his hospital bill was enough.

Response by Capt Tom Orlando, MSOM, PMP made Jan 21 at 2016 9:26 PM

Capt Tom Orlando, MSOM, PMP — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:26:47 -0500

Should you apologize to the bully who broke your bicycle and beat up your little brother after you kick his ass? I think not, paying his hospital bill was enough.

Response by PFC Carl Willmon made Jan 22 at 2016 7:55 AM

PFC Carl Willmon — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 07:55:40 -0500

H.F.N

Response by LTC Marc King made Apr 13 at 2016 9:15 AM

LTC Marc King — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:15:02 -0400

Next month, Obama will travel to Japan for a summit of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. While there, he may pay a visit to Hiroshima, the site of the world’s first atomic bombing. “No sitting U.S. president has ever visited Hiroshima, out of concern that such a trip might be interpreted as an apology,” reports the Washington Post.
This has never stopped Mr. Obama before. But consider this... has Japan ever formally apologized for the unannounced attack on Pearl Harbor, or have they ever formally apologized to the women who they made sex slaves or for the treatment that was given to the POW's in their captivity... The Bataan Death March, the "rape of Nanking" and the list goes on. They started it in a most provocative manner... we ended it with a weapon of war that ultimately saved a million GI's lives as well as countless civilians on both sides. Should WE apologize, perhaps for not getting the job done sooner so fewer Marines and Soldiers had to die on all of those Pacific Islands. Japan has reconciled themselves to how the war ended and so should we. History cannot be changed and we should not be apologizing for preserving the life of our citizens at the cost of a dastardly enemy's people. The US President needs to keep his "BIG BOY" pants on -- No visit to Hiroshima.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 15 at 2016 2:16 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 14:16:15 -0400

Not only NO, but H,F, NO. After what they did?

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Mar 2 at 2017 10:00 AM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 10:00:07 -0500

NO! We actually did them a favor as well as ourselves. Not a popular option but the Japanese were prepared to fight to the death any invasion of their homeland which would have resulted in many more deaths on both sides. The bomb was a horrible choice but most experts agree and so does my grandfather that it was necessary to end the war. I might add that Japan has not apologized for their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor either and they had the opportunity when they visited the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.!

Response by PVT James Seiber made Mar 2 at 2017 9:27 PM

PVT James Seiber — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 21:27:00 -0500

Absolutely under no circumstances should The United States of America ever apologize for the two Atomic Bombing in Japan. If these bombing did not take place we could very well be speaking Japanese or possibly German today.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 3:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:28:59 -0400

Hell no. They started the war. We finished it.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Mar 17 at 2017 3:33 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:33:31 -0400

No. Japan was never brought up in War crimes like the Germans.

Response by SPC Johnney Abbott made Mar 17 at 2017 7:05 PM

SPC Johnney Abbott — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:05:43 -0400

Hell no

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 7:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:21:47 -0400

No.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 23 at 2017 9:17 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:17:03 -0400

Wouldn't even think of it until after Japan has apologized for the Rape of Nanking, Luzon, the famine in Vietnam and every other crime they committed

Response by MSgt Roger Hoyle made Apr 5 at 2017 8:18 PM

MSgt Roger Hoyle — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 20:18:24 -0400

Never

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 5:01 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 17:01:23 -0400

The first thing that came to my mind is Why should we? Are you aware that they don't discuss this and their atrocities in their schools. Did you ever been to any battlefield in the Pacific? I have just to name a few: Wake Island, Midway, Okinawa, Guam, the Philippines, and Mainland Japan, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and yes Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay, my home. I think that before we ask these kinds of questions we should consider the consequences of our asking the question. Again, "Why Should We Apologized for something that happened 77 years ago. Just leave well enough alone. Both Nations sacrificed a lot and we don't need to bring up the dead if we weren't there to begin with. Don't you agree?

Response by SPC Greg Carr made May 7 at 2017 10:10 AM

SPC Greg Carr — Sun, 07 May 2017 10:10:44 -0400

No.
America should apologize to Russia, China, Korea, and SEA for not bringing adequate justice on Japan. The atom bombs were nothing to them.
http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/17/world/unmasking-horror-a-special-report-japan-confronting-gruesome-war-atrocity.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

Unmasking Horror -- A special report.; Japan Confronting Gruesome War Atrocity

He is a cheerful old farmer who jokes as he serves rice cakes made by his wife, and then he switches easily to explaining what it is like to cut open a 30-year-old man who is tied naked to a bed and dissect him alive, without anesthetic. "The fellow knew that it was over for him, and so he didn't struggle when they led him into the room and tied him down," recalled the 72-year-old farmer, then a medical assistant in a Japanese Army unit in...

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 7 at 2017 10:55 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 07 May 2017 10:55:23 -0400

I'm with those who say, No! WWII was total general war. The full resources of many nations were engaged in the fight. President Truman believed using nuclear weapons would save American and Allied lives. He was right. The US and our Allies won.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 28 at 2017 6:42 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 28 May 2017 18:42:28 -0400

Old timers in Japan are now contending that they tested a nuclear weapon off Korea. I doubt it but if true we needed to put an end to that.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made May 28 at 2017 7:27 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Sun, 28 May 2017 19:27:22 -0400

Actually Japan has NEVER officially apologized for their war time atrocities. And not only no but H__L No!! We should not apologize for dropping the bombs. You do of course know that the Japanese Government was preparing to execute all POWs they held prior to the end of the war, Also they were gearing up to defend their homeland with military civilians etc. Bill Reilly's book on this subject is very good!!

Response by LTC Marc King made Jun 1 at 2017 3:10 PM

LTC Marc King — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 15:10:48 -0400

No... what we should do is round up some of the survivors and have them brief the North Korean about the scunion that will rain down on them if they ever hit a US city or US interests in the region with a missile. No apologies... ever. We don't start them but we can finish them.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 6 at 2018 12:44 AM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 00:44:25 -0500

Never. Have they apologized for the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 6 at 2018 1:10 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:10:31 -0500

No because Japan was using a Total War concept.