Katie Wilson- Overall, I found the first chapter to be an informative one. As the author, James Bradley, set the scene for the book he also instilled in his readers' a sense of just how passionate he is about the subjects of both of his books. I felt as though the fate of the young boys was important due to his emphasis on his personal interest as well as the interest of others. He made a point of emphasizing how their fate wasn't just part of history, but applied to the families and friends they left behind. In addition, I felt a sense of anger at the government who had spent so much time covering up the flyboys' fate. The idea of the families who waited for so long to discover the fate of their loved ones and those who will now never know, is a sad thought. It makes me feel betrayed as an American to know that our government withheld information that could have saved a lot of families even just some of the grief they suffered with the disappearance of their loved ones. I know that if had been my father or son out there then I would've wanted to know what had happened to them, no matter how horrible. The not-knowing is, after all, often much worse than the knowing. I found this chapter to be short and to the point, but also packed full of facts and stories that leave an impression on the reader as they embark on the journey of reading the flyboys' fates.
I also enjoyed his passion for discovering the stories behind the Flyboys. I thought it was interesting that Bradley's father was a flag raiser at Iwo Jima. I also agree that it would be terrible not to know my family's fate. It does, as you said, set up the reader for the rest of the book very well
I agree, Katie. Having a family member fighting in the war can be emotionally exhausting already, and families deserve the right to know what happened to their loved ones (no matter how horrible). I also felt angry when I read that the government covered up the Flyboys fate. I'm sure the journey of the Flyboys will have many heroic events and will contain new information to read about.
Colin Briggs- I thought that the first chapter did a very nice job of setting up the rest of the story. I was interested to learn that the U.S. military succeeded in killing more Japanese civilians than soldiers. It also appears to me that the U.S. would appear more honorable than another nation rather than alleviate the families of its' soldiers of their pain should they go missing or be KIA. The chapter does a good job in connecting us to the soldiers in making us see that the soldiers had families as well that cared about them, just as our families would if we went missing. To me, hiding a loved one's fate is a heinous crime, and violates our rights. The family has a right to know why their loved one won't ever come home. Not knowing a loved one's fate would be far more agonizing than knowing that their existence had been snuffed out by another person. I think that the rest of the book will be very good. I also think that we should keep in mind that they had families, and died protecting them, but the families never knew why.
I share the same sentiments in regards to the well-being of their families. Indeed, not knowing the fate of a loved one would be a heavy burden on ones conscience. I was also surprised to find that the U.S succeeded in killing more Japanese civilians than soldiers. Such a statistic certainly does not reflect well on Americas record.
One factor that is often not considered is the nature of the Japanese war effort. As shown in the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Japanese were not willing to surrender easily. The civilian deaths by American should not make America look bad. Every country that fought in the War killed civilians, America included. The new technologies and tactics made civilian deaths inevitable
As much as I agree with you regarding the right of a family to know their child's fate, we still don't know what has happened to the Flyboys. Just playing devil's advocate, are you sure you would want to know if your child had been tortured, starved, etc.? It's an interesting predicament. In addition, the problem of civilian deaths is debatable. This goes back to the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. What matters more, American deaths or civilian deaths?
Casey DiNicola- Although brief, the first chapter really sets the scene for what is to come. I am excited to learn what became of the flyboys as well as the implications of their missions. I can not imagine the horror they must have felt flying into imminent danger. I found it interesting that Chichi Jima was defended by 3000 more troops than Iwo Jima and was much more dangerous to conquer in terms of terrain, yet we never really hear stories of the heroic men who fought at Chichi Jima. I am mystified By what the author means when he says he must go back 149 years to determine why the airmen did what they did. Perhaps he is referencing the American revolution? Regardless, I am sure that the rest of the story will be as enthralling as I hope and I am eager to read more.
The American Revolution may have been a trigger for some of the events that occured in the Pacific and Chichi Jima. Its obvious that Chichi Jima was also a major center of something secret that Japan didnt want uncovered, and thus the fly boy mission was dispatched. I am too intrueged as to what the fly boys were after, and what occured the 149 years ago that led to the event.
Veronica Zayonc- The first chapter of the book set the scene and also foreshadowed the rest of the book. Bradley's interests in the Pacific evidently stemmed from his fathers part in it, as one of the flag raisers at Iwo Jima. Also Bradley's part in the secret trials enabled him to have information no one else had. He believed that he needed to expose the crimes that were committed against the eight flyboys.WWII was a huge part of Americas history, as well as the rest of the world. Despite the fact that the crimes committed were attrotious they need to be exposed to the world, because they are part of that time period. The flyboys family's had the right to know. However so does the rest of the world. However the government should not of covered up the crimes but thankfully Bradley's book is one that will expose the final chapters of the war in the Pacific.
Chris Kordziel- The first chapter worked to capture the reader's attention. It outlines the untold secrets that Flyboys will tell. I was surprised when he talked about ChiChi Jima. This island is rarely talked about. I had never heard of it in any of the war documentaries or books I've read. It's surprising since the island seemed like a pivotal island for the Japanese and a key factor in the defense of Iwo Jima. I hope Bradley will tell the stories of this unknown island. Hopefully the book reveals more of the untold stories of World War Two specifically the Pacific theater.
After reading the first chapter, I am interested to continue reading and learn the story of nine airmen in the Pacific. Personally, my grandfather fought in the Pacific and I am eager to learn more about the war there. He fought on the islands of the South Pacific, specifically Guadalcanal and the Philippines. Also, to learn in the first chapter that so many families were left to worry about the fate of their loved ones surprises me. Families have the right to know what happened to their loved ones overseas. If I was in that position, I would deserve to know if they were ever coming home or not. Another piece of information I found interesting was that the United States killed more Japanese citizens than soldiers. I'm looking forward to reading this story because not many people have heard of the events in it before. Unfortunately, I think the flyboys' families deserved to know their story. I'm excited to read about their heroic actions in the war and learn the story of the Flyboys.
Tony, this is an excellent post. I think you will really enjoy this book because it will be more personal to you and your family. In regards to WWII, the war in the Pacific is less known and was a main reason I chose this book for the class to read.
Tatiana Kobe- I found the first chapter to be a very informative one. It showed me a crucial part of World War II in that it told me about the Flyboys and ChiChi Jima, which I had never heard about before. It also made me sad to know that the families never got to know what actually happened to these Flyboys. I really look forward to reading what else this book will tell about the Flyboys because it is very intriguing. The Flyboys were very important to our history and learning about them seems to me that it should be a necessity in fully understanding the war in the Pacific.
Erin Weaver - This first chapter of Flyboys was intriguing to say the least. After taking an entire class on WWII, I had never heard of CHiChi Jima or the 25,000 Japanese soldiers defending it. It makes the reader curious about the military efforts our government conceals and their repercussions on people's lives. The fact that the families weren't notified about the boys' fates scares me. I was also intrigued by the integral role of the Flyboys as, in the words of Bradley, they performed the same task as the soldiers on Iwo Jima, to clear the skies for the B-29s. Delving deeper into the above-ground warfare in the Pacific theatre will expose untold stories no doubt. I'm looking forward to the heroic stories of the eight Flyboys. War brings out a person's more heroic tendencies, and I'm sure the Flyboys deserve recognition as national heros. Bill Doran undoubtedly holds the key to unlocking a piece of pivotal national history.
I found it a little saddening that while I have also studied the war in a relatively in depth manner, I have never come across the story of ChiChi Jima. It is so often in history that we gloss over events because they may not have been "important" enough. We forget that the statistics were people with families who deserve to be remembered just as everyone else is. In addition, I was also intrigued by prospect of learning about these flyboys. I'm sure that their stories will be fascinating since we often are unable to dive deeper into history than we would like.
This is a test to see if the comment will post. Looks good!
ReplyDeleteKatie Wilson- Overall, I found the first chapter to be an informative one. As the author, James Bradley, set the scene for the book he also instilled in his readers' a sense of just how passionate he is about the subjects of both of his books. I felt as though the fate of the young boys was important due to his emphasis on his personal interest as well as the interest of others. He made a point of emphasizing how their fate wasn't just part of history, but applied to the families and friends they left behind. In addition, I felt a sense of anger at the government who had spent so much time covering up the flyboys' fate. The idea of the families who waited for so long to discover the fate of their loved ones and those who will now never know, is a sad thought. It makes me feel betrayed as an American to know that our government withheld information that could have saved a lot of families even just some of the grief they suffered with the disappearance of their loved ones. I know that if had been my father or son out there then I would've wanted to know what had happened to them, no matter how horrible. The not-knowing is, after all, often much worse than the knowing. I found this chapter to be short and to the point, but also packed full of facts and stories that leave an impression on the reader as they embark on the journey of reading the flyboys' fates.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed his passion for discovering the stories behind the Flyboys. I thought it was interesting that Bradley's father was a flag raiser at Iwo Jima. I also agree that it would be terrible not to know my family's fate. It does, as you said, set up the reader for the rest of the book very well
DeleteI agree, Katie. Having a family member fighting in the war can be emotionally exhausting already, and families deserve the right to know what happened to their loved ones (no matter how horrible). I also felt angry when I read that the government covered up the Flyboys fate. I'm sure the journey of the Flyboys will have many heroic events and will contain new information to read about.
DeleteColin Briggs- I thought that the first chapter did a very nice job of setting up the rest of the story. I was interested to learn that the U.S. military succeeded in killing more Japanese civilians than soldiers. It also appears to me that the U.S. would appear more honorable than another nation rather than alleviate the families of its' soldiers of their pain should they go missing or be KIA. The chapter does a good job in connecting us to the soldiers in making us see that the soldiers had families as well that cared about them, just as our families would if we went missing. To me, hiding a loved one's fate is a heinous crime, and violates our rights. The family has a right to know why their loved one won't ever come home. Not knowing a loved one's fate would be far more agonizing than knowing that their existence had been snuffed out by another person. I think that the rest of the book will be very good. I also think that we should keep in mind that they had families, and died protecting them, but the families never knew why.
ReplyDeleteI share the same sentiments in regards to the well-being of their families. Indeed, not knowing the fate of a loved one would be a heavy burden on ones conscience. I was also surprised to find that the U.S succeeded in killing more Japanese civilians than soldiers. Such a statistic certainly does not reflect well on Americas record.
DeleteOne factor that is often not considered is the nature of the Japanese war effort. As shown in the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Japanese were not willing to surrender easily. The civilian deaths by American should not make America look bad. Every country that fought in the War killed civilians, America included. The new technologies and tactics made civilian deaths inevitable
DeleteAs much as I agree with you regarding the right of a family to know their child's fate, we still don't know what has happened to the Flyboys. Just playing devil's advocate, are you sure you would want to know if your child had been tortured, starved, etc.? It's an interesting predicament. In addition, the problem of civilian deaths is debatable. This goes back to the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. What matters more, American deaths or civilian deaths?
DeleteCasey DiNicola- Although brief, the first chapter really sets the scene for what is to come. I am excited to learn what became of the flyboys as well as the implications of their missions. I can not imagine the horror they must have felt flying into imminent danger. I found it interesting that Chichi Jima was defended by 3000 more troops than Iwo Jima and was much more dangerous to conquer in terms of terrain, yet we never really hear stories of the heroic men who fought at Chichi Jima. I am mystified By what the author means when he says he must go back 149 years to determine why the airmen did what they did. Perhaps he is referencing the American revolution? Regardless, I am sure that the rest of the story will be as enthralling as I hope and I am eager to read more.
ReplyDeleteThe American Revolution may have been a trigger for some of the events that occured in the Pacific and Chichi Jima. Its obvious that Chichi Jima was also a major center of something secret that Japan didnt want uncovered, and thus the fly boy mission was dispatched. I am too intrueged as to what the fly boys were after, and what occured the 149 years ago that led to the event.
DeleteVeronica Zayonc- The first chapter of the book set the scene and also foreshadowed the rest of the book. Bradley's interests in the Pacific evidently stemmed from his fathers part in it, as one of the flag raisers at Iwo Jima. Also Bradley's part in the secret trials enabled him to have information no one else had. He believed that he needed to expose the crimes that were committed against the eight flyboys.WWII was a huge part of Americas history, as well as the rest of the world. Despite the fact that the crimes committed were attrotious they need to be exposed to the world, because they are part of that time period. The flyboys family's had the right to know. However so does the rest of the world. However the government should not of covered up the crimes but thankfully Bradley's book is one that will expose the final chapters of the war in the Pacific.
ReplyDeleteChris Kordziel- The first chapter worked to capture the reader's attention. It outlines the untold secrets that Flyboys will tell. I was surprised when he talked about ChiChi Jima. This island is rarely talked about. I had never heard of it in any of the war documentaries or books I've read. It's surprising since the island seemed like a pivotal island for the Japanese and a key factor in the defense of Iwo Jima. I hope Bradley will tell the stories of this unknown island. Hopefully the book reveals more of the untold stories of World War Two specifically the Pacific theater.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first chapter, I am interested to continue reading and learn the story of nine airmen in the Pacific. Personally, my grandfather fought in the Pacific and I am eager to learn more about the war there. He fought on the islands of the South Pacific, specifically Guadalcanal and the Philippines. Also, to learn in the first chapter that so many families were left to worry about the fate of their loved ones surprises me. Families have the right to know what happened to their loved ones overseas. If I was in that position, I would deserve to know if they were ever coming home or not. Another piece of information I found interesting was that the United States killed more Japanese citizens than soldiers. I'm looking forward to reading this story because not many people have heard of the events in it before. Unfortunately, I think the flyboys' families deserved to know their story. I'm excited to read about their heroic actions in the war and learn the story of the Flyboys.
ReplyDeleteTony, this is an excellent post. I think you will really enjoy this book because it will be more personal to you and your family. In regards to WWII, the war in the Pacific is less known and was a main reason I chose this book for the class to read.
DeleteTatiana Kobe- I found the first chapter to be a very informative one. It showed me a crucial part of World War II in that it told me about the Flyboys and ChiChi Jima, which I had never heard about before. It also made me sad to know that the families never got to know what actually happened to these Flyboys. I really look forward to reading what else this book will tell about the Flyboys because it is very intriguing. The Flyboys were very important to our history and learning about them seems to me that it should be a necessity in fully understanding the war in the Pacific.
ReplyDeleteErin Weaver - This first chapter of Flyboys was intriguing to say the least. After taking an entire class on WWII, I had never heard of CHiChi Jima or the 25,000 Japanese soldiers defending it. It makes the reader curious about the military efforts our government conceals and their repercussions on people's lives. The fact that the families weren't notified about the boys' fates scares me. I was also intrigued by the integral role of the Flyboys as, in the words of Bradley, they performed the same task as the soldiers on Iwo Jima, to clear the skies for the B-29s. Delving deeper into the above-ground warfare in the Pacific theatre will expose untold stories no doubt. I'm looking forward to the heroic stories of the eight Flyboys. War brings out a person's more heroic tendencies, and I'm sure the Flyboys deserve recognition as national heros. Bill Doran undoubtedly holds the key to unlocking a piece of pivotal national history.
ReplyDeleteI found it a little saddening that while I have also studied the war in a relatively in depth manner, I have never come across the story of ChiChi Jima. It is so often in history that we gloss over events because they may not have been "important" enough. We forget that the statistics were people with families who deserve to be remembered just as everyone else is. In addition, I was also intrigued by prospect of learning about these flyboys. I'm sure that their stories will be fascinating since we often are unable to dive deeper into history than we would like.
Delete