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SWEEPER OR SAINT?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:44:12 GMT

Tap, tap, tap. I feel it on my shoulder, just as I was about to cry in admiration of life's majestic ways. It is the man in the seat next to mine, wanting to talk about God.

I tune in. After couple minutes, I turn around to look out the bus window next to my seat. Again, in a minute or two, I am about to cry. And again: tap, tap, tap. It is my neighbor, telling me something else about God. This happens a third time and then, there is no turning back. :)

A simple, unassuming, thin man, Vinod is talking exactly what I am thinking ... which is rather odd. To mess things up a bit, I bluntly ask him a bold yet tricky question:

"Have you actually seen God?"

Much to my surprise, he simply says, "Yes. Twice."

"Oh really?" Now, things were getting really interesting. He knew that 'God' is technically everywhere, in everyone and in everything. So how can you just see 'him' twice?

Then, Vinod describes some stories that leave me spellbound for the next twenty minutes. [While I would love to share it, a written description would not do it justice; so I will gloss over the details below.]

Vinod loves to sit in peace. Maybe we could call it meditation, but he doesn't label it. During one such time, he went to a quite spot in a park and sat under a tree. He was sitting there, being with God, when two gentleman came by and sat down in front of him. "They were dressed in nice, fancy clothes," Vinod added with an innocent smile.

They started talking about the only thing Vinod really knows -- God. During the course of the conversation, both of these men started crying. Vinod said he was speaking without even knowing or thinking about what he is saying. And then, as Vinod recalls, a third man came down and sat next to the two, although he never said a word.

The way Vinod was describing the encounter, I couldn't tell if these were super-human people or imaginary people or what. But nonetheless, for Vinod that experience and that exchange was God enough. And for me, just reliving that experience with him was powerful.

"What about the second time?" I ask, curiously.

Vinod then goes on to describe the first -- and the only -- time he went to a seven-day "katha" (spiritual discourse) on Ramayana. It is said that sincerity of prayers manifests God at these long prayer gatherings, and while some claim to "feel" it, almost no one can really claim to see it. Except, of course, Vinod.

"Everyone would crowd up to the front, but I saw him sitting towards the back of the room, in orange robes, shining bright and luminous, amidst the people. I couldn't take my eyes off him!" Vinod recalled. After a pause, he continued: "Most people are blind, though. I don't think they recognized or saw God sitting right there in front of them. And of course, it's ultimately everywhere but you have to have the eyes."

I asked if he has gone again to one of those prayers; he said he hadn't. "Why not?" I asked. "Circumstances," he replied without any emotion. "But God is everywhere, so it doesn't matter to me."

It turns out, Vinod is a janitor. He makes about $50 per month, for a family of five. When he is not cleaning the floors, he is cleaning his mind.

THE SLEEPING GIANT

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:27:01 GMT

Today was a beautiful morning - a little warm, a little colourful and with just the right number of chirping birds to make the entire scene pleasantly melodic.

Then, at four minutes past seven, my bed tried to eat me.

I have had this bed since I moved into my apartment almost two years ago. Its a comfortable Sleepyhead, with a pretty headboard and ergonomic spring arrangement and other then a little creakiness in the bottom left leg, its never given me reason to complain.

Till now.

It'd been a late night last night. Sunday nights usually are. Its jazz night at the local tavern. They were playing the old favourites, the atmosphere was nostalgic, the audience receptive to good old stories and other people were buying. It just would have been rude to leave.

So anyways, at seven o'clock this morning, like seven o'clock every morning my alarm goes off. And like every morning, I thump down on the snooze button exactly as the neighbours' washing machine kicks into the final stages of its rinse cycle and makes the entire room shudder just a little.

It usually takes me just a little more that three minutes of tossing and turning and getting completely tangled in the sheets and duvet before I very groggily clamber out of bed and hobble toward the bathroom for my morning ablutions. This morning, it was just as I was dragging out behind me a royal trail of bed linen when it happened. I suddenly felt the sheets tighten around my feet. I struggled and the more I struggled the tighter they became until I found I could not move at all. I held my breath, rubbed my sleep encrusted eyes and nothing happened for a few moments. Then, almost imperceptibly, I felt I was being pulled back into the open, engulfing arms of Giant Sleepyhead. Quicker and more strongly, I could feel the tug of the sheets and now I realised the duvet wasn't merely wrapped around me, it was in fact ensnaring me, closing off my means of escape and trapping me in its shadowy limbs. The pillows, the very pillows that I had relied on, depended on, yes...even slept on...for years, were betraying me. They were lulling me while the Big Headboard of Death held me mesmerized and drew me into its hungry jaws.

The room swam before my eyes. The thought fleeted across my mind that I was being drugged by this maniacal beast that was endeavoring to devour me, but I couldn't hold on to the thought. I felt myself slackening and giving in and the darkness swallowed me. It was strangely dry - I'd seen enough movies to expect more moisture from the beasts of beyond, more dripping acidic saliva. As I shuffled around inside this lusus naturae, I could hear its raspy cottony breathing that made it bellow out and collapse and faintly I could hear the thumping of its evil heart racing that sounded so much like a distant washing machine spinning down. What, in the early morning sun, I had mistaken for chirping birds, were in fact digestive juices, preparing the guts of this monster for a small tasty snack.

I could see in my minds eye, a clock counting down my final minutes. I could even see myself reaching out toward this mental timer in some strange psychological attempt to prevent my inevitable demise - only too late - as a phenomenally loud ringing in my ears marked my end and I slipped into a deep sweet slumber.

And that is why I am late to work this morning.

J. Nagra

MIKE'S LETTERS - CONCLUSION

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:49:50 GMT

These are a few thoughts of Dolores (Rita), Bernard, Tiny Gale, Bernard’s wife Mary Jo, my wife Kitty and myself and any others from fifty years ago who may recall any of the happenings of those times.

As I keyboarded these documents some things that I heard came back to me, can’t remember who told me, as time has faded my memory. I will try to briefly recap his story. He was in a field artillery unit shipping to the Philippines and a day past Pearl Harbor when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The convoy diverted to Australia where they later reshipped to Java. In Java he was a telephone operator in the field artillery. Some one told me that they wanted to capture a Jap soldier for interrogation and the story was that "big Mike from Kansas" came back with a Jap under each arm.

The Army Air Corps took some of Mike’s outfit in as aerial gunners, later on. He or someone else told me that he was on a B17 and was shot down over Java. Also the story was that there were no tail turrets yet on the B17 and they made their own gun position in the tail to shoot at the enemy

When it was imminent that the Japs would soon overtake the Americans in Java; one last American ship was in port to take out all the survivors that they could. Soldiers with wives and children at home were allowed on first and volunteers were asked to stay on and fight. Mike was among the volunteers who stayed and fought and was captured by the Japanese when Java fell.

So the ones who survived and were taken prisoner were later taken on a horrible trip by sea from Java to Hokkaido the northernmost island of Japan. I remember Mike saying the boat trip was by far the most horrible part of the whole adventure. He related that they were attacked by American aircraft and ships, in the long and terrible trip by boat. There was no food or water for them and they were mistreated on board. They drank their own urine, many simply gave up and died, others jumped overboard to their deaths. The lucky survivors made it to Hakodate prison camp to be mistreated and starved for almost three more years.

The event that we all can remember was the Japanese dinner that Mike prepared at home for the family and a few friends. Tiny Gale and I tried to recall who all were there for the dinner but time has faded our memories too much. Rita said she would not go to it. Anyhow Mike wanted us to taste one of his Japanese delicacies: A fishhead and rice dinner. Our neighbor a grocer and butcher, Earl Snyder furnished him with the fishheads. I guess Mike did a good job of preparing the meal, but none of us could stand the sight of those fish eyes staring up at us.

When Mike went to California Rita was a little girl, but when he came back in 1946 she was a young lady. Mike had a hard time adjusting to that, as did Rita to him. Expecting to come home to a baby sister as he left her, he brought her from California a huge beautiful stuffed black and white Panda. He lugged that thing all over getting in and out of fights over it but still bringing it home to his baby sister.

Another time, I recall Mother had a beautiful cat, a black Persian named Jezebel. This cat was a real slinky, superior acting cat and was starting to get on Mike’s nerves. So, one evening he put a tea kettle of water on to boil and started to chase the cat all over the house, so he could catch it and have cat for our dinner like he used to have in prison camp. Remember, in camp they ate cats, dogs, insects, rodents any thing they could get their hands on to stay alive. This was one time Mother fought him to victory and she saved her beloved cat from the dinner table.

I don’t know what would have happened if Bernard had not been home during those trying times. He had been in a military police battalion in Egypt and had been guarding some pretty tough characters, the German and Italian prisoners of war; he also dealt with some outlaw Arabs who had been preying on American soldiers on leave. He was tough enough to make Mike toe the line most of the time and actually decked him once that I knew about.

Parsons, Kansas was a wild and wooly town in those days the Army Ammunition Plant was working full time and the Katy railroad running full blast. There were lots of all night restaurants, diners and hash houses. There were many, many nightclubs and beer joints and plenty of fights and brawls by returning servicemen, much to the delight of Mike. I don’t want to go in to detail here, but we became involved in many of them trying to keep Mike out of trouble.

Bernard agrees with the above and added that not much of the fish heads were eaten at the fish and rice dinner. He also mentioned that Mikes’ lungs were ruined by the forced labor. His job was to wear a mask and clean the hulls of ships (underwater) saving the ships from having to dry-dock.

Bernard was home from the military police in Africa when Mike came home; I did not get out of the service until March 5, 1946. I don’t think any one else could have handled Mike like Bernard did. He recalls taking Mike out on the Katy train to Kansas City and on out to the military hospital at Colorado Springs. That was a nerve-wracking trip but he safely deposited him at the hospital. From there Mike later went back to Los Angeles.

He had to leave southeast Kansas he said because his lungs couldn’t stand our cold winters and humid hot summers. He kept in good touch with his Mother. I remember he sent her a red electric blanket when the electric blankets first came out. She was so proud of it. He phoned her frequently and his favorite past time was watching the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.

Mike died August 8, 1966 and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery August 15, l966. It is a beautiful cemetery located out on the peninsula that overlooks San Diego Bay and the military installations over at North Island. The peninsula curves out and upward into the Pacific much like Cape Cod does in Massachusetts. At the very top of it is the historic old lighthouse that guided sailing vessels when California was colonized by the Spaniards. I think the cemetery is closed for further burials but is a beautiful place to visit yet. His Mother died Dec. 13, l957.

--John Daley

November 17, 1999

MIKE'S LETTERS

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:14:32 GMT

JAP BAYONETS FOILED MOBS.

Policeman Tells of Protecting Captured U.S. Fliers.

YOKOHAMA, April 8.(AP)--A former member of Japan’s military police testified at a war crimes trial today that Japanese had to use fixed bayonets "in order to keep the people from mobbing captured American fliers."

Shoichi Uzawa made the statement in testifying at the trial of two Japanese charged with beheading Lieut. Darwin R. Emry of Denver who was captured after his B-29 crashed May 25, 1945.

In another courtroom, the prosecution dropped prosecution of one charge against Capt. Tsutomu Shiba. It was an accusation that he permitted a subordinate to beat Pvt. Michael Daley Parsons, Kas. The beating occurred before Shiba was assigned to the camp, the defense had insisted.

*********************************************************

From the TULSA DAILY WORLD, Oct 8, l946

LOST BATTALION SURVIVORS RECALL JAP PRISON HORRORS

Plainview, Tex., Oct. 8 (U.P)--Survivors of the Lost Battalion would like to be better remembered by the Veterans Administration.

A resolution they adopted at their fifth annual reunion here said they felt they should receive more consideration from the federal agency.

The Lost Battalion was a group of American soldiers held prisoners by the Japanese on the island of Java for 42 agony-filled months of brutality, disease, slave-labor and malnutrition Until the war ended in l945 , nothing had been heard of the group.Approximately 30 per cent of the 2^nd Battalion, l3lst Field Artillery, died while held prisoners by the Japanese, according to J. B. Heinen Jr., an officer of the battalion and now president of the Lost Battalion Assn.

Tom Wootan of Kermit, Tex., still bears the mute testimony of the treatment received. He continues to be hospitalized with arthritis after being ravaged by beri beri. He attended the reunion on crutches, on short leave from a hospital.

He was a member of Battery E. In an interview, Wootan told this story:

"We were captured on Mar. 8, l942, when Java was surrounded by the allied commander, British Gen. Wavell. E Battery was separated from the rest of the battalion, and we were joined by survivors of the cruiser Houston, which had been sunk between Java and Sumatra. Some of the specially trained men, mainly communications personnel, were sent to Japan.""Our main group was sent to Burma, where we were forced to construct a railroad through the jungle of Bangkok, Siam, in conjunction with Australia and English prisoners (mostly survivors of the British ship Dunkirk) and Dutch prisoners."

"During this period we suffered loss of about 200 divided between the Lost Battalion and Houston survivors."

"The basic cause was malnutrition, which in time permitted the boys to be eaten up by tropic ulcers, beri beri, pellagra, dysentery and malaria."

"We served as slave labor, with pick and shovel, seeing no power equipment, and being forced to work from before sunup until l0 and ll o’clock at night.""We were given a very small amount of rice, an occasional bit of meat no larger than one bite, and gourds with no food value."

"During one period we worked over 90 days without a single day of rest.""At the outset, we were divided into groups of 50--"kumi"—and at the end of the 90 days an average "kumi" could only muster five men able to work."

"Our hospital facilities were bamboo huts with "atap" leaves for a roof. The floor of the hospital hut was covered by over a foot of water, except for a small space at the ends.""There were no facilities, no medicine. The boys who were bedridden, many of them with several of these diseases, had to crawl through water to get outside."

"After the railroad was built we were forced to work on Siam roads."

"At the end of the war the Japs were ordered to concentrate us at points near airports and we were flown to hospitals in Calcutta where we had the first treatment and food for 42 months."

*****************************************************************

A letter to Mike from the:

"LOST BATTALION"

ABILENE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ABILENE, TEXAS

Nov. 21, 1945

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LOST BATTALION, AND THEIR FAMILIES:

Battery is sponsoring a three-day reunion of the Lost Battalion and their families in Abilene, since many were unable to attend the meeting at Wichita Falls on October 29.

Registration will begin at the Windsor Hotel on Friday, November 30, at 2:00 p.m. A dinner honoring the Battalion, sponsored by the V. F. W., will be held at 8:00 p. m. that evening. A program of the activities for Saturday and Sunday will be furnished at registration.

We would like to have a reply from you as soon as possible as to the number of guests you will bring. Address your reply to me at Box 228l, Abilene, Texas.

We are looking forward to having a great reunion. Be sure and be here.

William R. Slone

Captain, F. A.

*********************************************************

A very dim and aged copy of Mike’s discharge, some of the information which is still readable is as follows:

ENLISTED RECORD AND REPORT OF SEPARATION

HONORABLE DISCHARGE

Daley, Michael J. ASN 39 156 123,Cpl., Arm of Service..AC, AUS

Organization 19^th Bomb Gp. Date of separation 9 Mar 16

Separation Center, Ft. Logan, Colo., Date of induction 27 Mar 41

Military specialty number, armorer 911. AAF Air Crew Badge

Campaigns: East Indies, Philippine Islands.

Decorations: American Defense Service Medal, American Service Medal, (something illegible), Meritorious Service Unit Plaque AAF 7 Nov 45 World War II Victory Medal, (something illegible), Distinguished unit Citation with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters AAF 7 Nov 45

Lapel button issued, ASH Score (2 September 1945-108 Prisoner of war Of Japanese Government from 8 Mar 42 to 14 Sep 45

"Separated from the Service on a Partial service record and affidavit from the Soldier"

Philippine Defense Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal

(discharging officers name illegible.)

*********************************************************************************

Those are all of the letters, cards, telegrams and newspaper clippings. In his mother’s memory book was also a citation from the President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson:

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

HONORS THE MEMORY OF MICHAEL J. DALEY

This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Lyndon B. Johnson PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

MIKE'S LETTERS

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:25:59 GMT

From the PARSONS SUN no date shown

Returns to camp

Cpl. Michael Daley, who was a prisoner of the Japs 3 ½ years, has returned to Camp Carson, Colo., to report for further treatment, after spending a 10-day furlough here, visiting his mother Mrs. J. S. Daley, 2421 Main.

His brother, Bernard F. Daley, has received his discharge from the army after serving more than three years as a military police. He was overseas 38 months in the middle-east theater.

Cpl. John Daley, another brother , has returned to the army air field at Victorville, Cal., to report for duty after spending a short furlough here.

Another visitor in the Daley home has been Mrs. J. W. Lansdowne, Charleston, S. C. the former Miss Margaret Daley.

from the PARSONS SUN, no date shown:

DALEY’S PRISON CAMP CHIEF
NOW FACING ATROCITY CHARGE

Tsutomu Shiba, medical captain in the Japanese army, must stand trial on charges of beating and mistreating Pvt. Michael (Mike)Daley, 2421 Main, and ten other Allied war prisoners, it has been learned here through an Associated Press dispatch.

Daley, who was taken prisoner by the Japs on the island of Java early in l942 and not liberated until September, l945, was confined at the Hakodate prison camp, where the alleged atrocities took place in l943 and l944.

Charge Atrocities

The specifications filed by an Allied headquarters legal section with a military tribunal in Tokyo accuse Shiba of permitting members of his medical staff to commit varied atrocities against Daley, one other American and nine British soldiers.

Daley is the son of Mrs. J. S. Daley and at present is in Los Angeles visiting friends. He is on a 90 day furlough and will report May l0 at the Santa Monica, Cal., separation center, where he expects to receive his honorable discharge from the army.

Expects Discharge Soon

Daley, while here on a brief convalescent leave from the Camp Carson, Colo., hospital over the Thanksgiving holidays, never mentioned Shiba by name but did relate having been severely mistreated at the hands of the Hakodate camp staff, it was reported. He has fully recovered, however, and expects to receive his discharge soon after reporting to the separation center.

From the KANSAS CITY STAR March 5, 1945

CHARGE JAP MEDIC

BEAT KANSAS YOUTH IN PRISON CAMP

Tokyo, March 5 (AP)--Tsutomu Shiba, formerly medical captain in the Japanese army, was charged formally Tuesday with beating and mistreating allied war prisoners including two Americans and nine British.

In specifications filed by the allied headquarters legal section with a military tribunal, Shiba also was accused of permitting members of his medical staff to commit varied atrocities at Hakodate prison camp in l943 and l944.

Among those named as victims was Pvt. Michael Daley, Parsons, Kan.

from the KANSAS CITY STAR, Jan 11, 1946

GUILTY JAP NEAR TEARS

PRISON CAMP COMMANDER IS GIVEN LIFE TERM.

FURUSHIMA ALMOST WEEPS AS COURT

CONVICTS HIM OF BRUTALITY, ACQUITS

ON CHARGE OF WITHHOLDING FOOD.

YOKOHAMA, Jan. 11.(AP)--Lieut. Chotaro Furushima, third Japanese prison camp commandant to be convicted of the brutal mistreatment of Americans, nearly wept today as his sentence—life imprisonment—was read. His wife, in the rear of the courtroom, remained impassive.

Furushima, former school teacher and vice-mayor of Funatsu, was acquitted by the trial commission of two specifications alleging that he deprived internees of adequate food. was convicted of brutalities for which the prosecution had sought the death penalty. "The trial was satisfactory." said Furushima’s attorney.

In earlier cases, one camp commandant had been sentenced to death and another to life imprisonment at hard labor. All three sentences are subject to review by Lieut. Gen. C. P. Hall, U.S. Eighth army commandant.

A Japanese captain charged with responsibility of the deaths of four Allied prisoners of war goes on trial Monday or Tuesday—the fourth war crimes defendant in Japan.

Eighth army authorities announced a lengthy indictment against Capt. Haichi Hirate, former commander of the Hakodate prison camp on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Hirate is charged personally with the death of British Pfc. Raymond Suttle of Hadleigh, Suffolk, and of responsibility for the deaths of another British soldier and two Dutch soldiers.

Daley Prison Camp Chief to Trial

YOKOHAMA (AP)--Tsutomu Shiba, former Japanese army captain who once was medical officer at the Hakkodate prisoner of war camp will go on trial Monday before an Eighth army tribunal on atrocity charges.

Shiba also is accused of permitting a subordinate to strike Pvt. Michael Daley, 2421 Main St. Parsons, Ks.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:48:45 GMT

From the PARSONS SUN no date shown

BIG DAY AT DALEY HOME WHEN 3 SONS

ONE OF WHOM HAD BEEN POW ARE HOME

FOR A VISIT WITH MOTHER AND SISTERS

----------------

The children of Mrs. James S. Daley, 242l Main, were all home for Thanksgiving this year for the first time in several years, with the exception of a daughter, Mrs. Mary Williams, Ashland, Ky., who was unable to be here.

The crowning event was the return of Corp. Michael J. Daley, Pow since Feb. 24, l942, who reached home the day before thanksgiving.

Another son in service, corp. John Daley, radio operator in the air corps at Victorville, Calif. was granted a furlough at the time. Staff Sgt. Bernard F. Daley received his discharge Nov. l5 at Fort Leavenworth and came home immediately. Another daughter. Miss Dolores Rita Daley lives with her mother.

Corp. M. J. Daley returned to the U. S. Army hospital at Camp Carson, Colo. after spending 10 days here. He has been in service since March, 1941 first serving in the field artillery. After Pearl Harbor when the army was out of guns and ammunition he was transferred to the air corps, where he served as a gunner on a Fortress.

He was taken prisoner by the Japs when his plane was shot down in the hills of Java, Feb. 24, l942. He walked out of a prison camp Sept. 16, 1945, after the Japs surrendered and worked his way to the American lines. He was a member of the Lost Battalion. He is wearing the Presidential citation with 2 oak leaf clusters, 4 battles stars, and the Philippine campaign ribbon, pre pearl harbor ribbon, defense of the Philippine ribbon, Asiatic theater ribbon, good conduct ribbon and the regulation ribbons. He prefers not to talk about his treatment while a prisoner.

Staff Sgt B. F. Daley served 38 months in the African theater and middle East. He has been in service since May 1942.

*****************************************************************

From the PARSONS SUN no date shown

22-YEAR TERM TO JAP CAMP CHIEF

Nobuhiro Miyakawa, civilian guard at the Japanese prisoner of war camp at Hokkaido, Japan, has been convicted of perpetrating war crimes against prisoners and has been sentenced to 22 years imprisonment at hard labor.

His trial, held in Tokyo, was completed last week. Mike Daley, well-known Parsonian, was held a prisoner in the camp and was one of the prisoners listed in the complaints as having been abused by Miyakawa.

From the PARSONS SUN no date shown

A BIG DAY FOR DALEY FAMILY

It will be a real Thanksgiving tomorrow for Mrs. Mary B. Daley, 2421 Main, who will celebrate the day with five of her six children. Special guest of honor will be her son Michael J. who arrived home today after spending more than three years in a Japs prison camp.

Mike as he is better known, slipped home quietly today and hopes to spend his first Thanksgiving at home in five years without very many interruptions. All members of the family are here with the exception of one daughter Mary, who is in Ashland, Ky.

Mike was one of the first casualties from the Parsons area in the war. He was listed as "missing in action: on Java in June 1942, and since that time has been a prisoner of the Japs. He was a telephone operator with the army service of supply and was sent to Java late in 1941 shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Since his liberation he has been convalescing in an army hospital to which he will return at the end of Thanksgiving furlough.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This from the Kansas City Star no date shown

REASON FOR THANKFULNESS

KANSAS SOLDIER MISSING SINCE

JUNE 1942, HAS REACHED HOME

PARSONS, KAS., NOV. 22.—Thanksgiving was particularly significant this year for Mrs. Mary B. Daley. Her son, Michael J. Daley listed as missing and believed dead since early in the pacific war, arrived home late yesterday after being help three and one half years in a Japanese prison camp. He was captured by the Japs in Java in June, 1942

MIKE'S LETTERS

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:13:45 GMT

W A R C R I M E S O F F I C E

When completed this document must be classified as SECRET

Date:14 OCT 1945

YOUR NAME…..DALEY MICHAEL J

RANK: CORPORAL SERIAL NO. 39156123

PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS 2421 Main St Parsons Kansas

AT WHAT ENEMY CAMPS AND HOSPITALS WERE YOU CONFINED AND WHEN

WERE YOU AT EACH? (If never a prisoner of war or internee, then state principal places you have been from time to time while overseas).

OHASI

HAKODATE

BIBIA

DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ATROCITIES AGAINST, OR MISTREATMENT OF AMERICANS, PRISONERS OF WAR, CIVILIAN INTERNEES, OR THE CIVILIAN POPULATION FOR WHICH YOU THINK THE PERPETRATORS SHOULD BE PUNISHED? (Answer by stating YES or NO IN THE SPACES PROVIDED BELOW).

Killings or execution -NO

Torture, beatings or other cruelties -YES

Imprisonment under improper conditions -NO

Massacres, wholesale looting or burning of towns -NO

Use of prisoners of war on enemy military works or operations -YES

Exposure of prisoners of war to danger of gunfire, bombing, torpedoing, or other hazards of war -NO

Transportation of prisoners of war under improper conditions -YES

Public exhibition or exposure to ridicule of prisoners of war -NO

Failure to provide prisoners of war with proper medical care, food or quarters -YES

Collective punishment of a group for offense of others -NO

Any other atrocities not specifically mentioned for which you think the guilty persons should be punished -NO

IF ANY QUESTION IS ANSWERED YES, THEN STATE THE FACTS BRIEFLY ON

REVERSE SIDE OF THIS SHEET.DETAILS OF ATROCITIES

KIND OF CRIME

WHERE IT HAPPENED

WHO WAS THE VICTIM (include name, nationality & whether military personnel or not).

STATE IF YOU SAW IT YOURSELF

IF YOU DID NOT

SEE IT, WHO TOLD YOU ABOUT IT

continued from preceding page

Torture and beatings were frequent happenings in all the camps I was held. Eddie Cudd American merchantman and Harry Egraw U.S.N. were one example in Hakodate they told me of it.

2. Working on gunboats at Hakodate dockyards.

C. Our trip from Java to Singapore and Singapore to Japan.

I. On the same trip and a good part of the time in prison camp mentioned.

HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY BEEN QUESTIONED BY ANY MILITARY ORNAVAL AUTHORITIES ABOUT ATROCITIES OR MISTREATMENT? YES

IF YES BY WHOM, WHERE,. WHEN…..U. S. ARMY 29^TH REP. CENTER. MANILA

DID YOU MAKE A SIGNED STATEMENT?…………………..YES

Michael J. Daley

Sign your name here.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:50:10 GMT

From the Kansas City Star Jan. 23, 1945:

JAP CRIME LIST GROWS

ARREST OF 48, INCLUDING THREE GENERALS, ORDERED.

Matsuoka, Erstwhile Foreign Minister Who Sealed Axis Tie, Surrenders and Is Placed in Sugamo Prison.

TOKYO, Jan. 23.(AP)--General MacArthur today ordered the arrest of forty-eight more Japanese as war criminals, and in a renewed drive against the Nipponese military, included three lieutenant generals.

Ordered to report to Sugamo prison "at the earliest practical date: were Lieut. Gen. Yuichiro Nagano, commander of the Osamu army groups in Batavia in June and July, 1945; Lieut. Gen. Fusataro Teshima, who commanded the Second army, and Lieut. Gen. Seichi Yamada, commander of the 5^th division. The remainder were military of lesser rank and civilians, including a number of guards at prisoner of war camps.

NAVAL MEN ACCUSED.

Also named were a number of naval personnel who were stationed at Infanta, Luzon, including Cap. Takesu Furuse and two junior grade lieutenants. There was no explanation for inclusion of the naval personnel.

Allied headquarters reported the surrender of Yosuke Matusuoka, former foreign minister credited with responsibility for bringing Japan into the Axis line-up under the tripartite pact.

Matsuoka, who has been ill, was placed in Sugamo prison to await trial on war crimes charges.

On the political front, Kyodo news agency said parliamentary viceminister have resigned en bloc to clear the way for the forthcoming elections. The resignations were submitted today to Premier Kijuro Shidehara, who approved the action, but they will not be effective until after a cabinet meeting Friday.

CONSTITUTION AN ISSUE

Cabinet sources indicated that proposed revision of Japan’s constitution may become an election issue. They said Dr. Joji Matsumoto, chairman of the cabinet committee on revision, is anxious publicly to announce a final draft of the plan before the campaign reaches a climax. Tokyo yesterday experienced its first outbreak of unauthorized food seizures.

An official of the home industry, which directs distribution of goods found by occupation forces and turned over to the government confirmed that food stored in a former arsenal had been seized by civilians and distributed among some 3,000 residents of two Tokyo wards.There was no violence and the demonstration was orderly, but it was termed part of a growing movement for public control of necessities.

TWO JAPS TO FACE TRIAL.

General Macarthur’s headquarters announced it is preparing to try on war crimes charges a Japanese medical officer accused of contributing to the deaths of eight British prisoners of war and a non-commissioned officer accused of atrocities against thirty-five Americans.

The medical officer, Lieut. Shigeru Aono, is charged with permitting members of his medical staff at Hakodate main prison camp to commit cruel and brutal atrocities and the "he did himself unlawfully commit cruel and brutal atrocities: against British prisoners."

Kitaro (the Bull) Ishida is accused of immersing American prisoners in cold water, forcing them to stand wet and naked in winter winds, forcing water under pressure into their mouths and nostrils, striking and beating them with clubs, belts, fists and ropes, and holding one man’s head under water until he lost consciousness.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:53:24 GMT

WESTERN UNION

kq46 21 Govt=Washington DC 27 203p

MRS MARY B DALEY= 1945 OCT2PM 2 05

ARRIVAL OF SHIP MARINE SHARK DELAYED PD DOCKING SCHEDULED FOR THIRTY OCTOBER OR POSSIBLE LATER PORT ALSO CHANGED TO SEATTLE WASHINGTON=

EDWARD F WITSELL MAJOR GENERAL ACTING THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE ARMY
WESTERN UNION

KAQ87 GOVT DL PD=WUX WASHINGTON DC 30 504P

MRS MARY B DALEY= 1945 OCT 30 PM 5 47

=DUE TO ENGINE TROUBLE THE MARINE SHARK WILL NOT DOCK UNTIL ONE NOVEMBER PD PORT CHANGED FROM SEATTLE TO SAN FRANCISCO PD IF FURTHER CHANGES ARE NECESSARY YOU WILL BE INFORMED=

EDWARD F WITSELL ACTING THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE ARMY

From the Kansas City Star, May 23, 1945:

YANKS SURVIVING JAP PRISONS HAD

ONE THING IN COMMON—COURAGE
Examination of 4,000 Soldiers by Army Psychiatrists Reveals Social Background and Education Had Nothing to Do with the Will to Live

By Thomas R. Henry.

(Science Editor, North American Newspaper Alliance.)

WASHINGTON, May 23.—The human mind its tough—in tough persons.

This was never better exemplified than by some 4,000 American soldiers who survived the ordeal of beatings, starvation and occasional torture in Japanese prison camps.

They have been studied by army psychiatrists—teams of medical specialists assigned from the office of the surgeon-general—and a report has just been submitted by Lieut. Col. Norman Q . Brill.

The psychiatrists were interested chiefly in why these men survived when so many of their comrades, in about the same physical condition when captured, succumbed. The only common factor was a tremendous will to live. Otherwise, the psychiatrists differed among themselves in about every possible way.

"All the men," says Colonel Brill’s report, "lived only for the day (of their liberation). Indeed, when one of them....gave way to morbid thoughts concerning the seemingly hopeless situation, he was earmarked by his companions as quite likely to die shortly. A prisoner who would hoard his rice allowance for several meals in order to enjoy the sensation of one large meal was referred to as ‘rice happy.’ This, too, was generally an indication of deterioration and early demise.

When Those of lesser spiritual strength became ill, they were likely to give up, quit eating entirely, and frequently, would die in a few days. It seemed to some of the examiners that ‘courage’ was the best word to explain survival. It seemed that the only common factor among the survivors was that they had courage.

"They never stopped in their struggle for survival. They ate anything available, including cats, dogs, silkworms and other things normally repulsive to human beings."

When struck with dysentery and malaria, they would nevertheless attempt to carry on. This strength and courage had no connection with social background or education."

Camps Near War Centers.

"Many of the camps in Japan were located in strategic areas near

Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Hakodate and others in spite of official protests by the American government.

The Japanese have reported some prisoners were killed in bombing raids, but the total number of casualties cannot be estimated."

The captive summary issued with headquarters approval, reported the largest number of Americans are in Japan proper, where an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 prisoners for war are scattered in more than a hundred camps.The greatest number of Allied nationals, however, was reported in Netherlands Indies camps.

One of Most Tragic.

One of the most tragic prisoner stories of the war has come form Thailand, where the Japanese had about 40,000 to 50,000 captives from the Malayan campaign who were building a railroad from Bangkok to Burma. Reports gleaned previously in reconquered areas such as Borneo have told of a tremendous death rate from hardships, malnutrition and lack of adequate medical care for men who became so weak they could barely drag themselves along.

The Red Cross summary said: "Conditions here probably were worst of all in the Far East. British authorities estimate about half of these prisoners died. Most of the survivors were transferred to Japan upon completion of the railroad. Probably only a few thousand still are in Thailand—mostly British and Dutch together with a few Americans captured in Java."

MIKE'S LETTERS

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:40:10 GMT

From the Parsons Sun a picture was shown but no date shown:

Michael Daley Is Liberated

The family of Pvt. Michael J. Daley today were rejoicing the news of his liberation from a Japanese prison camp after more than 43 months of internment.

The message his mother, Mrs. Mary Daley, 2421 Main, received from the war department stated that he had been "returned to military control in Japan, Sept 15 and will be sent to the United States immediately." His physical condition was reported as fair.

Pvt. Daley was taken prisoner in the battle of Java on Feb. 24, 1942, when he was serving with the 131^st field artillery battalion. After he was reported missing, his family did not learn that he was a prisoner of the Japs until March 2, 1943. They have received several brief form cards and letters from him since then. The last one was dated Dec. 31, 1944.

It has been five years since Mrs. Daley has seen her son, because he was living in California, when he entered the army in March, 1941, and did not receive a furlough to come home. He was in Honolulu, when the Japs made their sneak attack on Dec. 7, 1941, and was sent from there to Java.

******************************************************************************************

Another clipping from the Parsons Sun with no date:

Mike Daley Sends Mother a Message

Mrs. J. S. Daley, 2421 Main, through the war department, today received a message from her son, Pvt. Michael J. Daley, liberated Sept. 15, from a Jap prisoner of war camp on Hakodate Island.

The message stated: Safe and well will be home soon, Love. Michael." Although Mrs. Daley had been notified of her son’s liberation, this was first direct word she had heard from him. There was no mention of his present location.

Pvt. Daley was taken prisoner Feb. 24, 1942, when the Japs took Java.

This next clipping from the Visitor no date shown:

Message From Michael Daley

Mother Gets Christmas Present From Prisoner Of War

It was 2:30 last Friday morning. A well known Parsons lady was walking alone westward on Main toward her cozy home, a broad smile of relief written across a face that had shown a worried expression. She saw the editor of the Visitor at his desk. She stopped and entered the office.

In her hand was a flimsy piece of paper. She handed it to the editor—an acquaintance of many years. "Look at the other side," she said hurriedly "and you can tell more about it." We looked. It was from Camp Hakodate, Japan—a prisoner of war camp. It was from Mike.

The editor looked again and read. He was the first to see the message of cheer from Mike Daley to his mother, after she had gotten it out of the post office, when an obliging clerk had telephoned her that she had a letter from her son, a prisoner of war in Japan.

This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had," said Mrs. Daley, and she had good cause to say this, for here was the message:

"Dearest Mama: Received letters with photographs, since I wrote you last. Very nice. I hope everyone is O. K. I am still hoping to see all of you soon. When I do I shall certainly do justice to that banana cream pie. Regards to all. Love, Mike."

It was dated Sept. 24, this year and the approximately post-card size paper, upon which he had printed the message, bore the name, Michael J. Daley, American, Private, Camp Hakodate, Japan, with Japanese characters and addressed to his mother, Mrs. Mary B. Daley, 2421 Main.

He was taken prisoner in the battle of Java, Feb 24, 1942. It had been more than a year since Mrs. Daley had heard from him—but now she is happy-happy to know that he is alive and hopeful and prayerful that he may be delivered alive and unharmed.

Mrs. Daley has two other sons, Bernard, in Egypt and John who is yet in the states.

*******************************************************************************************

From the Kansas City Star, Sept 14, 1945:

TO EVACUATE BY SHIP.

HAKODATE PRISONERS’ RESCUE IS DELAYED BY WEATHER

OMINATO ANCHORAGE, JAPAN, Sept. 14.(AP)--Three ships of the North Pacific fleet were dispatched this afternoon to Hakodate to evacuate 350 Allied prisoners of war from Central Hokkaido camps, after rain and heavy fog prevented ready movement of transport airplanes.

Rescue vessels are the American escort carrier, Kitkun Bay and destroyer Howarth, and the British destroyer Barfleur temporarily attached to this North Pacific force. They will take prisoners aboard at Hakodate, 120 miles north of Ominato, tomorrow morning, then steam directly for Yokohama.

*****************************************************************

From the Kansas City Star no date shown:

TROOP ARRIVALS IN U.S.

(By the Associated Press)

Eighteen ships, with more than 22,000 troops, including army units which recently left India, are scheduled to dock today at three East coast ports. At least nineteen other vessels are due with approximately the same number of servicemen FROM THE Pacific theater at West coast ports. Five ships with more than 11,300 troops are listed to arrive at Boston, seven with 8,278 at New York and six others with 2,696 at Newport News, Va. Ships and units arriving:

(Note due to space will only list the paragraph about Mike)

At San Francisco—An aggregate of 19,838 passengers including returned prisoners of war, aboard these ships: Battle Creek Victory with three men; Camanga, 37, Cavalier, 1,524: Diciens, 1,962; Drew, 1,752; Escalante, 85; General William Weigle, 5,162; Green Bay Victory, 21; Lubbock, 1,862; Marine Shark, 2,413 returned prisoners and 936 others; Mission Santa Barbara, 22; Missoula, 1,943; Mokihana, 17; St. Mary’s, 2008; Tomahawk, 69; William H. Steward, 2.

Also from the Kansas City Star with no date but with a three by five "Wirephoto" picture of a bedraggled but happy looking bunch of prisoners. The caption read: "FREED, THEY START THE LONG JOURNEY HOME to the United States. These Americans are leaving a Jap prison camp on Hokkaido, northern Jap island, where they had been confined. They are shown marching to planes bound for Tokyo, first leg of the trip to the objective all, home--(Wirephoto)."

*****************************************************************

LONG BEACH MAN EVACUATING YANK, PRISONERS ON HOKKAIDO

By William H. Buntin

Staff correspondent International News Service

CHITOSE NAVAL AIR STATION, HOKKAIDO, Sept. 13.—An Army screening team from Yokohama was doing a rush job today in evacuating war prisoners from all camps on Hokkaido to the Atsugi airfield near Tokyo by transport plane.

The processing group of 24 officers and men, including 10 medics, managed to move all 43 of the sick prisoners on Tuesday, the first day of operation, and an average of more than 300 liberees are flown out of the rugged mountain country daily.

Major Lyman B. Sutter of 4220 Chestnut, Long Beach, Cal., who heads the screening party, said that the Hokkaido prisoners are in surprisingly good condition as compared with prisoners found in camps on other Jap islands and in China.

HUNGER CURE----His intelligence aide, Captain T. S. Stirling, of New Haven Conn, said that atrocities have been few by comparison, and were mostly run of the mill beatings, solitary confinement and long hours of standing at attention.

He added, however, that he had sworn reports of criminal acts committed by a Jap colonel who gave prisoners a "three day hunger cure." This consisted of making a prisoner undergo three days of starvation while confined to a flimsy shack, clad only in underclothes and with no blankets and no heat in the dead of winter.

Major Sutter said he hoped to complete the evacuation of the remaining 1200 POWS on Hokkaido by Sunday night.

Along with the last to come out will be the ashes of 154 men who died during their incarceration. The death of two of the men added a note of bitter tragedy to the jubilation in the last few days before release: Cases of food dropped by carrier planes struck a veteran Marine from Wake and a survivor of the Bataan death march, killing both.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:38:09 GMT

KANSAS CITY STAR, Feb 2, 1945

MEDICAL AID FOR PRISONERS

London Given Report on Three Japanese Camps

London, Feb. 2.(AP)--Approximately 900 Allied prisoners of war held by Japan in three camps near the port of Hakodate, at the southern point of Hokkaido island, are being given adequate shelter and medical aid and are allowed to raise their own meat and vegetables, an official report said today.

There are prisoner of war doctors at each camp, and some Red Cross supplies are reaching the captives, most of whom are British, captured in Java and Singapore. There was no indication of the number of Americans among them.

*********************************************************

Form 1616 Rev. Sept. 1942

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Washington, D. C.

International Red Cross Committee

Geneva, Switzerland

CIVILIAN MESSAGE FORM

Sender

NAME …………………………………….Mrs. Mary B. Daley……………………….

Street……………………………………….2421 Main Street………………………….

City………………………………………...Parsons………..State……..Kansas………..

Citizen of…………………………………..United States of America…………………..

Chapter…………………………………….Labette County..Date…August 17, 1945….

Message

News of personal or family character: not more than 25 words:

Dear Son: Now it is over with, we are all waiting joyously to have you home soon. Bernard is in Egypt and we expect him home Christmas. John is in California and Clay is over in your country now. The girls are all fine. Margaret and Bill are still in Charleston and Mary is living in Ashland, Ky. and has three lovely boys. Your namesake is doing quite well, and of course my baby Rita is still at home with me. I hope we will hear from you real soon and that you are all right and will be back home with us real soon. The family and your old friends all send their love.

God bless you my dear,

Mother.----------------------------------signed Mrs. Mary B. Daley

------------------------------------------------------------------- Addressee

Addresssee

Name...Pvt. Michael J. Daley............Identifying Data........

Address. U.S. Prisoner of War........Birthplace.Parsons, Kans...

Hakodate Prisoner of War Camp.2......Birthdate..Feb. 16, 1916...

Country....Japan.....................Citizen of........America...

Reply on the reverse side... Reponse au verso..Antwort umseitig...

WESTERN UNION

KAQ3 GOVT DL PD=WASHINGTON DC AUG 30 925p......1945AUG 31 AM 8 11.

MRS MARY B DALEY=

2421 MAIN ST PA=

=WHILE NO INFORMATION HAS YET BEEN RECEIVED AS TO THE RETURN TO MILITARY CONTROL OF YOUR SON PRIVATE MICHAEL J DALEY YOU ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT A MESSAGE NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY FIVE WORDS FOR ATTEMPTED DELIVERY TO HIM AT SUCH TIME AS HE RETURNS TO MILITARY CONTROL PERIOD YOUR MESSAGE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO CASUALTY BRANCH AGO ROOM 3641 MUNITIONS BUILDING WASHINGTON 25 DC=

EDWARD F WITSELL MAJOR GENERAL ACTING THE ADJUTANTGENERAL OF THE ARMY

3641 25 .

WESTERN UNION

KAQ65 58 GOVT =WUX WASHINGTON DC 22 633P

MRS MARY B DALEY

2421 MAIN ST

THE SECRETARY OF WAR HAS ASKED ME TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR SON PVT DALEY MICHAEL J WAS RETURNED TO MILITARY CONTROL IN JAPAN 15 SEPT 45 AND IS BEING RETURNED TO THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE NEAR FUTURE PERIOD REPORT FURTHER STATES CONDITION FAIR PERIOD HE WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU UPON ARRIVAL

E F WITSELL ACTING THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE ARMY.

J 15 45

***************************************************
WESTERN UNION

KAQ13 GOVT DL PD=WUX WASHINGTON DC 11 911 A

MRS MARY B DALEY= 1945 OCT 11 AM 8 31

2421 MAIN ST PARSONS KS=

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED IN THE WAR DEPARTMENT FROM YOUR SON PVT MICHAEL J DALEY FOR DELIVERY TO YOU QUOTE SAFE AND WELL BE HOME SOON LOVE MICHAEL UNQUOTE REPORT FURTHER STATES PHYSICAL CONDITION GOOD=

=WITSELL ACTING THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:27:36 GMT

These cards are the same format as the others:

Nov 7--44

Dearest Mamie:

One more attempt at writing to you. I write cards twice a month. But according to letters from you you are not receiving them I am still well and hope to be seeing you all again soon Love and best wishes.

Mike

**********************************************

Nov. 26--44

Dearest Mamie:

I am hoping this card reaches you. Am in good health and keeping faith. Hoping to see all of you soon. Received Red Cross parcel this week. Hope to receive them regular now. Very good.

Love to all

Mike

**********************************************

Dec 10, 44

Dear Mamie:

Just another line to let you know I am still well and in good spirits. I am still confident I shall be seeing you soon. I hope all of you are well. Give my regards to everyone. Love to you and all the family.

Mike

*********************************************

Jan 15—45

Dearest Mamie:

Another line, hoping it will reach you. Am still in good health hoping you are the same. Am still hoping to be eating some of your delicious banana cream pie soon. Give all my love to the family.

Mike

*********************************************

Jan 31--45

Dear Dolores:

Just a line in hopes it reaches my charming little sister. I wonder what you are doing now. You must have grown up since I saw you last. Well honey take care of Mamie and keep the home fires burning.

Love

Mike

***************************************************************************

Jan 31--45

Dear Mamie:

Just another line in hopes it will reach you. I haven’t heard from you for several months. I am in good health and hoping all of you are the same. I am hoping to be back with all you soon. Regards to all.

Love

Mike

MIKE'S LETTERS

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:01:31 GMT

This clipping with no date from the PARSONS DAILY SUN:

Daley Letter in Time for Yuletide

Although it was mailed three months ago, the first letter in more than a year from Pvt. Michael J. Daley, 28, a prisoner of the Japanese, arrived today in time to make this a truly Merry Christmas for his mother Mrs. Mary B. Daley, 2421 Main.

Pvt. Daley, a telephone operator with the army supply service, was captured Feb. 24, 1942, in the battle of Java, and is a prisoner on the island of Hakodaito. His mother received three letters from him during his first year in imprisonment, the last on Labor day, 1943.

Although the message was written on a paper postcard it came through in excellent condition, not even soiled. It bore the date Sept. 24, 1944, and is the first of his letters to be dated.

The message read: "Received letters with photographs since I wrote you last. Very nice. I hope everyone is O.K. I am still hoping to see all of you soon. When I do I shall certainly do justice to that banana cream pie. Regards to all. Love, Mike.

Mrs. Daley has two other sons in service, Bernard Daley, M.P., in Egypt and Pvt. John Daley, who attends radio operator’s school in Sioux Falls, S. D. John hopes to spend Christmas here.

Also from the Parsons Sun without any date:

2 Mothers Thrilled by Letters From Sons in Jap Prisons

Two Parsons mothers were thrilled yesterday when they received letters from their sons, both of whom are being held as prisoners of war in prison camps in Japan.

The two are Mrs. Mary Daley, 2421 Main, and Mrs. George Schneickert, R. 3 who heard from their sons Mike Daley and George A. Schneickert.

For Mrs. Daley it was the first actual word received from her son since Jan. 20, 1942

The message written on a postcard was undated and was written from Hokodate, Camp 2, Japan. His message:

Dear Mother: I am all right and glad to get the chance to write. I hope you are all okay and will tell everyone hello for me. I hope to see you again soon. Is there anyone at home with you now? Hoping to see you soon I remain your loving son. Tell Bernard and the rest I am okay. Your son, Mike."

Daley was a telephone operator with the army stationed at Java when he was reported missing Feb. 24 last year. Since that time Mrs. Daley has received several messages from the government concerning her son. She sent a Christmas package recently which was consigned for shipment on the Gripsholm that sailed a few days ago.Mr. and Mrs. Schneickert received a card from their son two weeks ago but the message received yesterday was a letter written April 1. George was reported missing May 13, 1942 and was later reported as a prisoner of war. He was a petty officer, 1/c with the navy stationed in the Philippines.

His letter: "Dear Mother: Hope you and Dad and Sis and Jack are well. Have had no news from you but am hoping to have some soon. Did you get the card sent in December? The winter has been better than expected. Cold and dry.

You are, always in my thoughts and I am looking forward to the day when we shall have a grand reunion. Tell all my friends and relatives hello. My best wishes to all. Keep smiling. Love, George A. Schneickert."

MIKE'S LETTERS

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:14:43 GMT

An (AP) article from the KANSAS CITY STAR Aug 18, 1945.

"BIG PRISON LIST"

About 140,000 Allied Nationals Awaiting Liberation From Jap Prison Camps.

MOST YANKS IN JAPAN

More than 33,000 Americans Still confined—probably 50,000 Allies Have Died

Manila, Aug. 18.(AP)--In prisoner of war and internment camps scattered from Manchuria to Singapore and the Netherlands Indies as many as 140,000 Allied nationals may be awaiting liberation after completion of Japanese surrender negotiations.

A summary of the prisoner of war and internee situation released by the American Red Cross here today said that of 200,000 Allied nationals confined, probably 50,000 died in camps or on torpedoed ships. Most of these fatalities involved prisoners of war. Approximately 10,000 mostly civilians, have been repatriated or liberated.Hold 33,000 Americans.

More than 33,000 prisoners and internees are Americans; nearly 100,000 are British, Australians and Canadians, and the remainder Dutch.

A British foreign office commentator quoted the Swiss charge d’affaires as saying 6,800 Allied nationals—including 650 Americans—were liberated by the Japanese in the Shanghai district August 15. He said the Swiss intermediary at Shanghai had advised the liberated persons to remain temporarily in camps because of transportation and "internal" difficulties.

Heading the list of imprisoned Allied nationals is Lieut. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, last reported held in Manchuria with 200 high ranking American officers and 1,200 enlisted men. They are believed held in one or two camps. Some of them undoubtedly are survivors of the "March of Death" from Bataan.

A New York Times story today said there have been persistent rumors that General Wainwright already has been released, but so far as can be determined now this not been accomplished. In all likelihood, the Times story said , release of Allied prisoners must await the final surrender terms signed by the Japanese.

Another Famous Prisoner.

Another famous American name among the prisoners is Col. J. T. Devereux, marine commander of Wake island, who gained military immortality by his dramatic "Send us more Japs" response to a query as to the needs of the beleaguered Wake garrison.

Devereux is believed to be in a camp near Shanghai with approximately 1,000 marines and civilian contract workers from Wake and a few marines captured at Shanghai and Tientsin.

The Red Cross said approximately fifty camps deteriorated, especially during increased bombing attacks.

"Most of the camps have been visited at one time or another by representatives of the International Red Cross or the protecting power." it added.

Conditions in Japan appeared to be considerably better than in the Philippines, Indo-China, Thailand or Malaya, but all prisoners of war and civilian internees are underfed and lack suitable clothing.

This article also from the KANSAS CITY STAR:

IN ANOTHER ‘DEATH MARCH’

Freed Prisoners Say 3,500 of 7,000 Perished in Thailand Trip.

CALCUTTA, Sept. 4. (Delayed).(AP)--Survivors of the sunken U.S.S. HOUSTON and members of the 131^st (Texas national guard) field artillery regiment liberated from Japanese prison camps in Burma told horrifying stories today of the death of 20,000 out of 56,000 Allied prisoners of starvation, disease and fantastic cruelties.

More than 3,500 were declared to have died on a "death march" of nearly 140 miles in Thailand.

The survivors said the total number of prisoners included 133 Americans who were members of their groups.

Lieut. Roy E. Stensland of Salinas, Calif., said his outfit was captured March 8, 1942, on Java after the Dutch commander capitulated. He estimated 400 men were captured and said sixty-four died in the prison camp he was in.

The prisoners said it had been fully authenticated that 7,000 convalescent Allied prisoners in Thailand were taken by the Japanese on a purported trip to a rest camp, but in the "death march" of almost 140 miles more than 3,500 died.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:59:48 GMT

The following series of cards received on Japanese 3 by 5 inches standard Prisoner Of War post cards with all kinds of Japanese printing and U.S. Censorship examiner numbers on them. All from Michael J. Daley, Nationality-American, Rank-Private, Camp-Hakodate, Japan:

Aug 21-44

Dear Mamie:

I hope you are all still all well. I am in good health yet and hoping to eat some of the good chow when I return so don’t forget those recipes of yours especially Heavenly Hash and Hungarian Goulash. Hoping to see all of you soon.

Love

Mike

*****************************************

Sept 24--44

Dearest Mamie:

Received letters with photographs, since I wrote you last. Very nice. I hope everyone is O. K. I am still hoping to see all of you soon. When I do I shall certainly do justice to that Banana Cream Pie. Regards to all.

Love

Mike

*****************************************

October 29--44

Dearest Mamie:

I am hoping this card will reach you I can not understand why you have not heard from me. I write you twice a month. Received mail from you dated June and July 44. Sorry to hear you and Dolores are only ones at home. I hope nothing has happened to rest of family.

Love

Mike

*********************************************************

Nov. 7--44

Dear Rita:

Just a line to let you know I have not forgotten you. I often wonder what you are doing and am hoping to see you again soon. Give my love to all and drop me a line, I must close.

Love

Mike

MIKE'S LETTERS

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:48:07 GMT

D-DAY JUNE 6, 1944: ALLIES INVADE NORMANDY

Card number 9 is dated July 21-1944,

Some parts of it are illegible.

Dearest Mamie:

I am sending you a photo. Hope to get one of you. I certainly expect to enjoy life when I return to the States. There is really no place like home. And, it has certainly been a long time since I have been there. Hope everyone is at home and all of you are okay. I would really love to see all of you again. Give everyone my regards. Hoping to see you all soon.

Love

Mike

Card number 10 appears to have been astray, it is post marked;

U.S. NAVY 2PM 1942 NAVY, but has no month on it. On the other side, the text side (form letter card) is the notation:

Nothing is to be written on this side except the date of writing and the signature of the sender. Sentences not required should be crossed out by sender. IF ANYTHING ELSE IS ADDED, THE POST CARD WILL BE DESTROYED.

After he crossed out the lines not pertinent the message read:

I AM WELL

LETTER, DATE DECEMBER 14

LETTER FOLLOWS AT FIRST OPPORTUNITY.

I HAVE RECEIVED NO LETTER FROM YOU

(signature only) MIKE DALEY

*********************************************************

An AirMail letter dated August 6, 1944, was received by Mother from:

Cpl. Albert Betestlride (sp?)

Hdq Det 2^nd Regt

Camp Plauske

New Orleans 12, La

U. S. Army:

Dear Mrs. Daley:

First I want to apologize for not having written sooner for I’m sure I know how anxious you are for any news of your son "Mike". Your son-in-law Clay has probably told you how we happened to meet here in this camp, so perhaps the best way for me to tell you all that I know would be to start from the time Mike and I were both put in the 26^th F.A. Brigade in Calif. That was in July 1941, at Camp Roberts. Then on Nov. 21, as you already know, we left for the Philippines on the Army transport "The U.S.S. Republic."

First we stopped at Honolulu for a day and then together with 9 other ships sailed again. We were one day passed the Equator when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Am not going to go in detail as to how we felt and all that, but we were quite stunned. Anyway the convoy immediately changed course and we headed for the Fiji Islands where we stayed for a day and then headed for Australia landing at Brisbane on Dec 23, 1941. We stayed there only four days and together with the 131^st Field Artillery went to Java where we landed at Sarabaya on Jan 11, 1942 and from there inland 50 miles to Malang, Java where we were stationed on a large airfield that had a few Flying Fortresses that managed to escape from the Philippines, operating off of it. Things were rather serious, as we didn’t have any fighter planes or anti-aircraft guns.

After being there two weeks or so Mike and some of the other fellows were sent up to General Wavel’s headquarters at Bandoeng, Java where he remained for two weeks and then came back to Malang only to be transferred into the 131^st Field Artillery which was to remain there. About 25 other boys from my outfit were also transferred with your son as replacements for men lost. No need to say how desperate things were by now, but shortly after what remained of my outfit escaped to Australia and almost got caught in doing so.

Clay told me that you had received two cards from Mike about six moths ago and that he is somewhere in Japan. That to me Mrs. Daley, is very encouraging because I’m sure that if he was well then that he will be at the end of the war. I am also very sure that the other boys are with him and that some day not too far off and if God wills they will all be back with their loved ones.

I don’t guess that I have given you much information but those are the things that happened up until we separated and so I will close putting my trust in God that you will have your son Mike back home before too long and also all the other Mothers in this world.

If you would care to know anything more please write and I’ll do my best.

Sincerely

Albert

MIKE'S LETTERS

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:48:07 GMT

The next series of communications from Mike to Mother were on prisoner of war post cards about 3 by 5 inches with much Japanese printing on them and a stamp "PASSED BY BASE 1591 ARMY EXAMINER." The cards have forms to fill on the address side:

FROM:

NAME.........................Michael J. Daley

NATIONALITY.........American

RANK.........................Private

CAMP.........................Hakodate, Japan

TO:

Mrs. J. S. Daley

2421 Main St

Parsons, Kansas

.U.S.A.

Dear Mamie:

Am happy to be able to write you again. Received your Parcel about two months ago made me very happy have received nine letters. Glad to hear all are well. I am in good health. Give everyone my regards. Hope to be back soon.

Love

Mike

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Dear Mother:

I am still safe and well. No change since the last time I wrote you. I hope you are all O.K. I expect to hear from you soon. And am hoping it won’t be long before I see all of you again.

Your loving Son

Mike

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The next one was dated December 25, 1943:

Dearest Mamie

I am in good health. Hope you are all well. Tell every one hello for me. Received seven letters from you, a super Christmas present. When you send Parcel remember American cigarettes and candy. I miss them most. Tell me more about yourself and family in next letters. Must close now.

Love

Mike

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Card number 4 is dated 1-23-44:

Dearest Mamie

I am alright hope you and the rest of the family are too. Received nine letters from you. Hope you have heard from Bernard and J. Send Parcel Spam, Chesterfields, chocolate tops. Red Cross parcel tops. Tell more of family in letters following, must close.

Love

Mike

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Card number 5 is dated April 29-44

Dear Mamie:

Happy to be able to write you once more. Am still in good health and hoping to see you soon. Hope you are all well.

Love

Mike

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Card number 6 has no date on it:

Dearest Mother:

I hope you are all well. I am in good health. Hope you received my radiogram and have answered. I hope you haven’t forgotten how to make those delicious Banana Cream pies. I will be ready for them when I return. Hoping to see you soon.

Love

Mike

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Card number 7 has no date on it either:

Dear Mother:

I am well, I hope you and the rest of the family are okay. Tell them all hello for me. I hope to be back some time soon. It seems like an awfully long time since I saw any of you.

Love

Mike

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Card number 8 is dated June 1-1944

Dear Mamie:

I am still in good health. Hope all of you are the same. In your next letter please send photographs, I think it is O.K. I have certainly enjoyed the chips you sent. What is all the family doing and where are they. How is Mary and Clay doing. Is little Mike O.K. Have Margaret and Bill any additions yet. I guess the rest of the family are still single or has Dolores taken advantage of leap year. I hope you will give everyone my regards. Hoping to see you soon.

Love

Mike

MIKE'S LETTERS

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:16:10 GMT

COPIES OF LETTERS SENT TO MIKE FROM MOTHER

Parsons, Kansas, May 11, 1943

My dear Son Michael:

We have just had the intense pleasure of hearing of you through the government and hope you are well and your family and friends all are hoping for your safety and well being. The family here are all well, and send best wishes for your safe return, and all remember you in our prayers—and my daily prayer is that my three sons will soon come home. Girls are fine. Pray and hope for the best. If you can, please write me.

Your loving Mother

MBD:rdd

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Parsons, Kansas, June 1, 1943

My Dear Son, Michael:

I am happy to be able to write you a few lines, although I can’t send you a very newsy letter, you know what I wish to say. All the family and your old friends are praying and hoping for your safety and coming home soon. We are all well, my flowers and little garden are fine. We hope to hear from you soon. Love and best wishes from all. God bless you and bring you back safely to us.

Mother

MBD:rdd

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Parsons, Ks. September 29, 1943

My Dear Son:

We were overjoyed to hear from you—your card was a relief to home and city. Have written you many times—also sent a box—hope you get it—your 41 Xmas. box came back.

You ask am I alone no. Rita is still with me. She is a secretary in National Life Insurance Co. So she and I are whats left.

Bernard has been over seas for past year. John is a cadet in training. So I have three stars in the window and a three star pin. Margaret and Bill are still in the south—she was home for two weeks.

Clay is switching for the Katy here. They have two boys now. Your Aunt Rachel passed away last month—my great loss.

We all hope to be together soon again—say your prayers—I had a Rosary for you but missed getting in the box. So I am saying it for you every day. So til we meet.

God bless you my dear

Mother

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The preceding letter was returned to sender by censor, with the following U.S. Government notification:

"This communication is returned since the Japanese Government has refused delivery of any mail to American prisoners of war and civilian internees held by Japan unless it complies with all of the following conditions:"

1. Letters must be less than 25 words in length.

2. Letters must be typewritten or legibly block printed.

3. Subject matter must be strictly personal; no military or political matters or opinions may be included.

4. The name of the Internment Camp must appear in the forwarding address.

THESE CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN IMPOSED BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT AND NOT BY U. S. GOVERNMENT.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:56:38 GMT

From the Parsons Sun, no date, beneath a picture of Mike:

Mike Daley ,26, son of Mrs. Mary Daley, 2421 Main, who was reported missing in action in the Java area.

Daley, who is possibly a prisoner of war, was a telephone operator in the army service of supply and has been stationed at Java since shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He has been in the army since March 1941.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WESTERN UNION

WASHINGTON D.C. MAY 2, 1943.

MRS MARY B DALEY=

YOUR SON PRIVATE MICHAEL J DALEY REPORTED A PRISONER OF WAR OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT LETTER OF INFORMATION FOLLOWS FROM PROVOST MARSHAL GENERAL=

ULIO THE ADJ GENL.

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The following article from the PARSONS SUN, no date shown:

PRISONER OF JAPS—Pvt. Michael J. (Mike) Daley, 27, is being held as a prisoner of war by the Japanese, his mother, Mrs. Mary B. Daley, 2421 Main, learned yesterday when she received a telegram from the war department. Daley was reported missing in the Java area last June and the word yesterday was the first received in nearly a year. The message stated that "details would follow." Daley was a telephone operator in the army service of supply and was sent to Java shortly before the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor.

MIKE'S LETTERS

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:05:53 GMT

On March 9,1942, Netherlands East Indies were surrendered by the Dutch Colonial Authority

This letter from: Mrs. J. S. Daley, 2421 Main, Parsons, Kansas to Pvt. Michael J. Daley 39156123, A.P.O. 501 c/o Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif., postmarked Parsons, Kans., Mar. 14, 1942 also stamped "Return to sender, service suspended to this organization." Has other notations on envelope HQ&HQBtry-26^th F.A., "N.I.F., S. E., 131^st F.A. Java"

Friday 13-March-1942

My Dear Mike:

Just received two letters from you dated Jan 10 and 14^th after having received one dated 24 Jan nearly two weeks ago. In one you gave an address but it was censored in following letter. So will use last and hope one of my letters will some time catch up with you. My dear boy you sure are getting to see the world aren’t you? And how! Your Father would think that quite an adventure if he were still alive—and so do I. We are very proud of you so be a good soldier, I know you are. Bernard spent a few days with us this week—he just left a while ago, back to St. Louis. He expects to be called real soon, about three weeks,. He wants to go, says the only thing could stop him would be if he couldn’t pass the physical and he is sure he will pass. It is hard to give him up too—but I wouldn’t try, and now that he is going John wants to go too. That is he would like to, but I do hope he will be left with me.

You ask about the girls. Margaret and Bill are fine still in Charleston. We had a lovely visit, she had to come alone, Bill couldn’t get off—her address is 1019 King St., Charleston, S. C.

Mary, Clay & Mike are fine, Clay is working in a drugstore. He seems to be trying hard and Mary really loves him and Michael is a card. He is very smart and lovable and mean as the dickens.

John is a yard clerk and fine—Dolores is a senior and graduates this spring you know, quite a young lady. I do hope some of my letters reach you soon and do write often.

God Bless you

Mother

Mike's Mother had not heard from him in over a year.