In July-August 1944, during Operation Forager, part of the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, U.S. forces captured Tinian. Its strategic location made it an ideal base for launching air raids on Japan. My father was deployed immediately to Tinian. Less than 3 months later, he struggled to catch transports to return to the mainland to see his new son and wife. He only had a few days before having to return to the War. Events then happened rapidly, bringing WWII to an end. See Addendum for details.
Things happened quickly. My father returned to the hell of war, and my mother left the hospital with me to go to her parents' three-bedroom home. Her parents slept in the most spacious back bedroom of the Heights house, while my mother and I had the middle-sized bedroom in the front of the house. Mother's sister Jean slept in the smallest third bedroom. I likely majorly disrupted the lifestyle of my mother's family.
Problems with Mother and Baby
When we entered the emergency room on October 30th, routine blood tests showed my mother had slightly high blood sugar. It turns out that during her pregnancy, my pancreas had been tasked with lowering her blood sugar. The result was I was a large baby with a large, potentially disabling birthmark on my back with a future of overactive carbohydrate digestion that would give me a tendency to be overweight and develop T1&2 diabetes later in life. My mother had come down with T1 diabetes during our pregnancy.
My grandfather owned a drugstore that serviced many people with diabetes, so taking care of his daughter was not a difficult task. Diabetes did run in the Dealy family, as many relatives had died young of it before insulin was available. For the rest of her life, my mother put a drop of her urine on a test strip to determine relative blood sugar. Thus, regarding the amount of insulin needed, she boiled a needle and a glass syringe, filled it with the appropriate amount of insulin, and either gave herself the shot or, most likely, had someone else give her the shot. She did not like to stick herself.
My mother and grandfather consulted with a network of doctors associated with the family drugstore concerning the blister-like red birthmark that extended from my butt crack to just below my shoulder blades. There was a new procedure using radiation applied in several treatments that promised to not only remove the birthmark but eliminate any disability. The family voted, and the birthmark was removed.
Meanwhile, on Tinian Island
The B-29 Superfortress “Waddy’s Wagon” crew poses to duplicate their nose art. All were KIA when "Waddy's Wagon" was shot down while guiding a crippled B-29 to safety during a mission over the Nakajima aircraft factory in Musashino, Japan. Combat Losses: Around 147 B-29s were lost due to enemy action, which includes being shot down by Japanese fighters or anti-aircraft fire (flak). During World War II, the United States lost approximately 414 B-29 Superfortresses. Many B-29s were lost due to mechanical issues, particularly engine failures. The exact number of mechanical failures alone can be more challenging to pinpoint precisely. Still, it's acknowledged that mechanical problems were a significant cause of loss for the B-29, especially early in their deployment due to the complexity of the aircraft and issues with the Wright R-3350 engines. As far as my father was concerned, it was a brilliantly designed aircraft.
My father and the rest of the B-29 aircrew finally received a shipment of beer and sorely needed toilet paper from the mainland. They chilled the beer by evaporating B-29 fuel using an air compressor. One night, they discussed the top-secret weapons project in one of the hangers. One thing led to another, and they asked what was in the hangar. They were allowed to see the atomic bombs "Fat Man" and "Little Boy." They thought that two bombs could force Japan to surrender, which was ridiculous.
War Suddenly Ends
On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay, a B-29 based on Tinian, dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Three days later, on August 9, Bockscar, another B-29 from Tinian, dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, marking the end of World War II.
My father was not in the first demobilization wave to go home. He had to stay and maintain the aircraft on which many others traveled home. His transport occurred between Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the long wait for flights on the journey home, he had a lot of time to think. He thought about what being a man and a good father meant. He had no mental model of how to act as a father. Women dominated his childhood, and he was comfortable knowing how to work with and please women. However, his experience interacting with males was limited, mainly what he learned in boot camp and everyday military command.
Something else bothered him: war is hell. It is estimated that 75 to 80 million people died as a result of WWII. Good, brave men faced with what looks like certain death seek survival. To explain the situation, my father often recited General Patton, "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." On an ongoing basis throughout the War, fellow airmen and friends would be killed by a sniper; maybe he just craved a cigarette after dark. The sniper would quickly be located and killed. Afterwards. Because most Japanese experienced extreme tooth decay and therefore had gold crowns on their teeth, the angry American soldier would knock the gold crowns out of the dead Jap's mouth. Whether you are desperate or disgusted, good men do things that question their morals. There were other rumors my father heard about illegal weapons used to assault beaches, where American soldiers were at an extreme disadvantage to the Japanese. Then, there was the firebombing that killed so many Japanese civilians. Then, there were the two atomic bombs that killed so many everyday citizens. My father was always looking for a list, a mental model to live by. He was a Christian thanks to his mother, but The Ten Commandments were not comprehensive enough. He was a Boy Scout, but the Boy Scout Oath still did not add enough. This is the man who came home to support his family. He decided that the chaos of war was no place to look for answers.
Men took souvenirs home to remind them of what they had experienced. In my father's duffle bag was a harmless emptied hand grenade, a couple of helmets, an ashtray made from the bottom of an anti-aircraft round with a sniper rifle round in the middle, and a Japanese soldier's rifle damaged by several bullets that killed him on Tinian. The War is Over. Japanese soldiers living under high ground on Tinian may not know the war is over.
Christmas Dinner 1945 at the Dealy House
By 1945, although World War II was coming to an end, rationing was still in effect in many countries, particularly in the UK, affecting how families celebrated Christmas dinner:
Meat Rationing: Turkey, a traditional Christmas meal in many places, was not commonly available due to continued meat rationing. People often had to make do with alternative meats like pork, lamb, or rabbit. In some cases, "mock" dishes like "mock goose" (a potato-based casserole) were popular substitutes.
Butter and Fats: Butter, margarine, and other fats were rationed, which meant that traditional rich, buttery sauces or gravies were often replaced with lighter alternatives or omitted.
Sugar: Sugar was still rationed, which impacted dessert options. Christmas puddings and cakes still required sugar, but it was often used sparingly or supplemented with other sweeteners like honey or treacle. Ingredients like dried fruit, which were scarce, might be replaced with grated carrots or other local produce.
Cheese and Dairy: Cheese was rationed, and fresh milk was not. Due to transportation issues, there were often shortages, which affected recipes that traditionally called for cream or cheese.
Fruits and Vegetables: While not rationed, fruits like oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits were rare due to import restrictions. Families often relied heavily on home-grown produce from "victory gardens" or local sources, which might not have included the usual festive items.
Points System: Some foods were allocated through a points system rather than direct rationing, which meant that families had to prioritize which items they would use their points on, often saving them up for Christmas.
Substitutions and Make-Do: Families got creative with substitutions. For example, "mock cream," made from margarine and sugar, was used instead of natural cream. Breadcrumbs or grated carrots might be used to bulk out puddings and cakes.
Black Market and Sharing: Some supplemented their rations through black market dealings, though this was illegal and risky. Community sharing was common; neighbors might pool resources to ensure a more festive meal.
Increased Rations for Christmas: There were slight increases in rations around Christmas time, particularly in sugar, which helped prepare some traditional desserts but was still under wartime scarcity.
Despite these limitations, the spirit of Christmas was maintained through creativity, community, and the emphasis on what was available rather than what was missing. The war years fostered a sense of resilience and ingenuity in meal preparation, making do with less while celebrating the holiday.
Christmas Gifts 1945 at Dealy House
In 1945, just after the end of World War II, Christmas gifts were influenced by wartime conditions, rationing, and the economic aftermath of the war. Here's how gifts might have looked:
Practicality Over LuxuryClothing: Due to fabric rationing, clothing gifts were often practical rather than fashionable. Items like socks, handkerchiefs, scarves, or gloves were daily, especially if knitted at home.
Food: Due to food shortages, edible gifts were highly valued. Items like jams, pickles, or home-baked goods using the limited sugar rations were appreciated.
Books: Books were still produced, though often on lower-quality paper due to paper shortages. They were thoughtful gifts because they provided entertainment and education.
Stationery: Paper products like diaries, notepads, and cards were gifts, especially since paper was rationed.
Handmade GiftsCrafts: With the "make do and mend" mentality, crafts like knitted toys, wooden toys, or handmade decorations were popular. The lack of manufactured toys due to metal and rubber shortages meant many toys were homemade.
Artworks: Hand-drawn Christmas cards, painted or handmade ornaments, or other forms of artwork were given as gifts, reflecting personal effort and creativity.
Useful Household ItemsTools: For men or those who enjoyed DIY, simple tools or gardening equipment might have been gifted.
Kitchenware: Pots, pans, and kitchen utensils made from materials not in high demand for the war effort were practical and useful gifts.
Soap and Toiletries: With soap being scarce, a bar of soap or homemade toiletries were considered luxurious gifts.
War Bonds and StampsWar Bonds: These were still popular as gifts, symbolizing investment in the country's future and recovery from the war.
Vintage and Reused ItemsAntiques or Second-Hand: People might have given old items that still held value or could be repurposed. Furniture, jewelry, or other valuables that survived the war might have been regifted.
Personal and Sentimental Letters and Photos: At a time when many were reuniting with loved ones or still separated by distance, letters, especially those with photographs, were deeply meaningful.
Mementos from Service: Soldiers returning home might have brought back small souvenirs or mementos from their time abroad, which would have been cherished as gifts.
Children's ToysSimple Toys: Wooden toys, dolls made from fabric scraps, or board games made from cardboard were familiar. Due to the scarcity of materials, toys were often more straightforward and essential than in pre-war times.
The spirit of Christmas 1945 was one of gratitude for peace and the return of loved ones, making even the simplest gifts carry significant emotional weight. Many gifts reflected the ingenuity and resourcefulness required during the war years, focusing on what could be crafted or gathered rather than bought.
Addendum:
What are the outcomes of undiagnosed type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and the birth of a child?
Undiagnosed type 1 diabetes during pregnancy can lead to several adverse outcomes for both the mother and the child:
Congenital Malformations: High blood sugar levels in the first trimester can increase the risk of congenital disabilities, particularly in the heart, brain, and spinal cord. The likelihood of significant congenital disabilities might be about 6% to 10% when blood glucose levels are not well-controlled.
Macrosomia: Babies born to mothers with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes often grow larger than expected due to high glucose levels crossing the placenta, leading to excessive insulin production in the fetus. This can result in macrosomia (large baby), increasing the risk of Shoulder Dystocia: Difficulty in delivering the baby's shoulders, which can lead to birth injuries.
Cesarean Delivery: Increased need for C-section due to the size of the baby or complications during labor.
Respiratory Distress: The fetus can have delayed lung maturation, leading to breathing difficulties at birth.
Hypoglycemia: After delivery, the newborn might experience low blood sugar due to high insulin levels from adapting to the mother's high glucose levels in utero.
Stillbirth: There is an increased risk of stillbirth, especially if diabetes is not well-controlled.
Preterm Birth: High blood sugar can lead to preterm labor.
Neonatal Complications: The baby might face issues like jaundice or polycythemia (too many red blood cells), which can lead to further health complications.
Maternal Risks: Preeclampsia: Increased risk of developing high blood pressure and other symptoms that can threaten both mother and baby's life.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A severe and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes if the mother gets sick or has severe morning sickness without proper management.
Long-term Implications for the Child: Children born to mothers with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity later in life due to genetic predispositions and early metabolic programming.
Future Health Risks for the Mother: Women with gestational diabetes (which might be undiagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
These outcomes highlight the importance of diagnosing and managing diabetes effectively before and during pregnancy. Information from various health-related publications and posts on X underscores the need for regular screening and tight glucose control to mitigate these risks.
Here are significant events in the Pacific Theater of World War II from November 1, 1944, until the end of the war in August 1945:
November 1944:Philippine Sea Battle (Formosa Air Battle): From October 10 to November 2, American carrier aircraft attacked Japanese airfields on Formosa (Taiwan), the Ryukyu Islands, and Luzon, significantly reducing Japan's air force capabilities.
Battle of Leyte: Continued from late October, with fierce fighting between American and Japanese forces for control of Leyte Island in the Philippines.
December 1944: Battle of Mindoro: On December 15, American forces landed in Mindoro to establish airfields for operations against Luzon.
January 1945:Invasion of Luzon: On January 9, U.S. forces landed at Lingayen Gulf, beginning the campaign to recapture Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines.
Battle of Manila: The battle for Manila began on February 3. It resulted in intense urban combat and significant destruction of the city.
February 1945: Battle of Iwo Jima: From February 19 to March 26, one of the war's bloodiest battles took place on this small but strategically important island. On February 23, the famous flag-raising on Mount Suribachi took place.
March 1945:Operation Meetinghouse (Tokyo Firebombing): From March 9-10, American B-29s conducted a massive firebombing raid on Tokyo, causing immense destruction and loss of life.
April 1945: Battle of Okinawa: The battle began on April 1, marking the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific of the war. It lasted until June 22, involving heavy fighting and significant civilian casualties.
May 1945: End of Organized Resistance on Okinawa: Although pockets of Japanese resistance continued by June, the battle was essentially over by mid-May.
June 1945:Battle of Borneo: Operations began to retake Borneo, with landings at Brunei Bay on June 10.
July 1945:Potsdam Declaration: On July 26, the Allies called for Japan's surrender with the threat of "prompt and utter destruction" if the demand was not met.
August 1945:Atomic Bombings: Hiroshima: On August 6, the first atomic bomb was dropped, resulting in massive casualties and destruction.
Nagasaki: On August 9, a second atomic bomb was dropped after the Japanese government did not immediately surrender.
Soviet Invasion of Manchuria: Also, on August 9, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and invaded Manchuria, swiftly defeating Japanese forces there.
Japanese Surrender: Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in a radio address on August 15, known as V-J Day in many Allied countries.
The official Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the end of World War II.
These events collectively illustrate the intense and multifaceted campaign in the Pacific that ultimately led to Japan's defeat.
The bombing of Japan from Tinian Island from 1944 to 1945.
The bombing campaign against Japan from Tinian Island from 1944 to 1945 was a pivotal part of the Pacific War's endgame. Here's a detailed description:
Tinian Island:
Capture: In July-August 1944, during Operation Forager, part of the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, U.S. forces captured Tinian. Its strategic location made it an ideal base for launching air raids on Japan.
Airfields: After capturing Tinian, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers quickly constructed several airfields, notably North Field and West Field. North Field was particularly significant, featuring four runways, one of the world's largest at the time.
Bombing Campaign:
B-29 Superfortress: The primary aircraft used for these missions was the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, which had the range and payload capacity necessary to bomb targets in Japan from Tinian.
Initial Raids: On June 15, 1944, the first B-29 raid from Tinian, part of Operation Matterhorn, targeted the Japanese city of Yawata. Though it was flown from China, the island became the main base for these operations after Tinian was secured.
Precision Bombing to Area Bombing: The U.S. initially focused on precision bombing aimed at industrial targets. However, the effectiveness was limited due to operational limitations, such as high-altitude winds.
By March 1945, under the leadership of General Curtis LeMay, the strategy shifted to area bombing with incendiary bombs, which was devastatingly effective against Japanese cities built mainly of wood.
Key Bombing Campaigns:
Tokyo Firebombing (Operation Meetinghouse): On March 9-10, 1945, over 300 B-29s from Tinian and other Marianas islands conducted a massive firebombing raid on Tokyo, leading to one of the most destructive air raids in history, with an estimated 100,000 deaths.
Firebombing Campaign: Similar tactics were used in other cities, such as Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka, and Yokohama, in what became known as the "fire raids." These campaigns aimed to destroy Japan's ability to wage war by targeting urban and industrial areas.
The Atomic Bombings: "Little Boy" on Hiroshima: On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay, a B-29 based on Tinian, dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
"Fat Man" on Nagasaki: Three days later, on August 9, Bockscar, another B-29 from Tinian, dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki.
Logistics and Operations:
Airfield Operations: The airfields on Tinian were operated around the clock. The efficiency of the operations from Tinian was crucial in maintaining the pressure on Japan with continuous air raids.
Maintenance and Crew Rest: The island served as a launch pad, where aircraft were maintained and crews rested. The scale of operations required an enormous logistical effort.
Security and Secrecy: The preparations for the atomic bombings were secret. The 509th Composite Group, responsible for these missions, was based in Tinian and had strict information controls.
The bombing operations from Tinian were a critical element in the strategic bombing campaign against Japan, significantly contributing to Japan's eventual surrender and the end of World War II. The island's role underscored the shift in warfare towards air superiority and the devastating impact air power could have on the outcome of global conflicts.
What was the death toll of WWII by country?
World War II resulted in an estimated total of 70 to 85 million deaths, with the following being a breakdown of casualties by country:
Soviet Union: Estimated at around 20 to 27 million deaths, with military deaths around 11.4 million and civilian deaths due to military activity, famine, and disease ranging from 8 to 15.7 million.
China: Estimated between 15 to 20 million total deaths, comprising approximately 3.75 million military and over 16 million civilian casualties.
Germany: Total deaths estimated at 6 to 7.4 million, with military deaths around 5.5 million and civilian deaths due to military action and other causes like the Holocaust up to 2.2 million.
Poland: Experienced one of the highest death rates as a percentage of the population, with about 5.9 to 6 million deaths, including an estimated 3.2 million Jewish civilians in Nazi concentration camps.
Dutch East Indies (Indonesia): Casualties ranged from 3 to 4 million, mainly due to the Japanese occupation and wartime conditions.
Japan: Approximately 2.5 to 3.1 million deaths, with many occurring towards the end of the war, including civilian deaths from bombings.
India: Estimated between 2.2 to 3 million, including military personnel serving in the British forces and civilian deaths from famine and disease.
Yugoslavia: Recorded around 1 to 1.7 million total deaths, split between military and civilian casualties.
France (including French Indochina): French casualties are estimated at 600,000, with additional deaths in Indochina due to Japanese occupation.
United States: Approximately 407,300 military deaths and some civilian losses, notably from the attack on Pearl Harbor.
United Kingdom: About 383,700 military deaths, with civilian deaths due to bombing raids numbering around 70,000.
Here are some famous quotes attributed to General George S. Patton:
"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."
"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
"Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom."
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived."
"Don't tell people how to do things; tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."
"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."
"Lead, follow, or get out of my way."
"May God have mercy for my enemies because I won't."
"Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory."
"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
"You're never beaten until you admit it."
"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory."
"Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base."
"Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit the circumstances."
These quotes reflect Patton's philosophy on leadership, warfare, and life. They showcase his directness, emphasis on action, and aggressive approach to military strategy and leadership.
What rules of war were used in WWII?
During World War II, several sets of rules and conventions were in place to govern the conduct of war, although adherence to these rules varied significantly among the belligerent nations. Here are some fundamental conventions and regulations:
The Hague Conventions (1899 and 1907): These conventions set out rules for warfare, particularly in land and naval warfare. They included provisions on the humane treatment of prisoners of war (POWs).
The prohibition of specific methods of warfare, like the use of poison or poisoned weapons.
Restrictions on the bombardment of undefended towns.
Rules regarding the occupation of enemy territory.
The Geneva Conventions (1929) focused on treating wounded and sick soldiers in the field.
The treatment of prisoners of war expands upon earlier protections.
Customary International Law: In addition to written treaties, customary international law, derived from practices widely accepted among nations, also played a role. This included the principle of distinction between combatants and non-combatants.
The principle of proportionality in the use of force.
The 1923 Hague Rules of Air Warfare (though not ratified): While not legally binding, these rules influenced how air warfare was conducted, emphasizing The prohibition of aerial bombardment to terrorize civilian populations.
The requirement is that military objectives must be identifiable.
However, during WWII, these rules were often breached:
Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan committed numerous violations: The Holocaust and other genocides.
The use of slave labor.
Unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany didn't respect the rules of engagement set by the Hague Conventions.
The bombing of civilians in cities like Rotterdam, Warsaw, London, and later, the firebombing of Dresden by the Allies.
Allied Powers Also conducted actions that contradicted the spirit or letter of international law: Strategic bombing campaigns targeting cities, leading to high civilian casualties (e.g., the bombing of Dresden, Tokyo, Hamburg).
The internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S.
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought into question the proportionality of force used.
The conduct of WWII highlighted the limitations of international law during total war, leading to significant changes post-war, including the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which expanded on protections for civilians and POWs and expanded protections in occupied territories, aiming to prevent future atrocities.
Comments