“You’re Operating on ME?” — Japanese Women POWs Never Expected an American Surgeon’s Help

“You’re Operating on ME?” — Japanese Women POWs Never Expected an American Surgeon’s Help
THE MERCY PROTOCOL: The Untold Story of 47 Japanese Women POWs on Saipan (1945)
In October 1945, American Marines discovered 47 Japanese Women POWs hiding in a Saipan basement, ready to die rather than face capture. What happened next defied everything these women had been taught about their enemy. Instead of torture, they received medical care. Instead of starvation, hot meals and chocolate. Instead of cruelty, wool blankets delivered at midnight by soldiers who had every reason to hate them.
This is the true story of Camp Susupe—where an American doctor bearing torture scars from Japanese captivity chose to heal his former enemies. Where Sergeant Willis, whose brother starved to death in a Japanese POW camp, still followed the Geneva Convention. Where mercy proved stronger than revenge.
Featuring the incredible journey from prisoner to survivor, from enemy to witness, these Japanese Women POWs carried one powerful lesson back to Japan: the strongest weapon isn't bombs or bullets—it's the choice to remain human when your enemy expects a monster.
A tribute to the Greatest Generation and the American values that defined them.
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