What do you think?
Rate this book
A Trial of Generals: Homma, Yamashita, Macarthur
A TRIAL OF GENESIS tells for the first time the entire story of one of the most tragic moments in American judicial history--the trials, convictions, and executions of two Japanese generals who not only did not order or perpetrate the crimes with which they were charged--they did not even know about these crimes until they were arrested.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
233 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1981
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 29, 2015
This book starts out with a brief history of the WWII conflict between the USA and Japan. The author takes the stance that the USA and western allies practically forced Japan to attack them because their economic sanctions and the threat that post to Japan's prosperity. The sanctions were taken to slow/halt Japan's wars of aggression against Korea and China but the author doesn't really go into that much.
He sets the scene and then does a short biography of two generals. One (Homma) commanded the Japanese invasion force that captured the Philippines and defeated the American/Philippine defenders. He commanded all Japanese forces during the Bataan Death March. The second commander (Yamashita) was in charge of the forces that captured Singapore from the British and then was later called to the Philippines to command Japanese forces during the American invasion and ultimate Japanese surrender. During the American invasion Japanese naval forces in the capital went on a killing and raping spree against the Philippine populace in Manila and committed many horrifying atrocities and then fought to the death as the Americans entered the city.
The author points to evidence that neither commander agreed with Tojo's expansionist views but did their duty as commanders. The author points to evidence that seems to indicate that neither Homma nor Yamashita were aware of the atrocities that were committed by Japanese forces during their time in leadership positions. Homma was relieved of command about a month after the American surrender leading to the death marches. Yamashita took command of Japanese army forces but had no control/authority over the naval forces that committed the atrocities in Manila and there is not evidence to suggest he condoned or agree with what happened there.
The author then relates how Macarthur set us a hybrid admin/justice type court to try both generals for war crimes. But with significant reduction in the ability of either general to defend themselves by the way the courts were set up. The defense were given weeks or days to handle capitol charges and the only appeal authority was Macarthur himself. An appeal was made the American Supreme Court but was not granted though a stinging dissent was written that points out that justice was substantially denied to these generals by the way the court process was designed to get them both executed. Both generals were executed.
I'm willing to agree with the author that both generals were probably railroaded by the system. I'm willing to agree based on the evidence presented that General Yamashita probably should not be held responsible for the actions of the Japanese navy in Manila. I'm not sure I'm willing to agree with the author that General Homma was not responsible when the men under his command initiated and carried out the Bataan Death March. Between six to ten thousand men died during that march after they had surrendered.
He sets the scene and then does a short biography of two generals. One (Homma) commanded the Japanese invasion force that captured the Philippines and defeated the American/Philippine defenders. He commanded all Japanese forces during the Bataan Death March. The second commander (Yamashita) was in charge of the forces that captured Singapore from the British and then was later called to the Philippines to command Japanese forces during the American invasion and ultimate Japanese surrender. During the American invasion Japanese naval forces in the capital went on a killing and raping spree against the Philippine populace in Manila and committed many horrifying atrocities and then fought to the death as the Americans entered the city.
The author points to evidence that neither commander agreed with Tojo's expansionist views but did their duty as commanders. The author points to evidence that seems to indicate that neither Homma nor Yamashita were aware of the atrocities that were committed by Japanese forces during their time in leadership positions. Homma was relieved of command about a month after the American surrender leading to the death marches. Yamashita took command of Japanese army forces but had no control/authority over the naval forces that committed the atrocities in Manila and there is not evidence to suggest he condoned or agree with what happened there.
The author then relates how Macarthur set us a hybrid admin/justice type court to try both generals for war crimes. But with significant reduction in the ability of either general to defend themselves by the way the courts were set up. The defense were given weeks or days to handle capitol charges and the only appeal authority was Macarthur himself. An appeal was made the American Supreme Court but was not granted though a stinging dissent was written that points out that justice was substantially denied to these generals by the way the court process was designed to get them both executed. Both generals were executed.
I'm willing to agree with the author that both generals were probably railroaded by the system. I'm willing to agree based on the evidence presented that General Yamashita probably should not be held responsible for the actions of the Japanese navy in Manila. I'm not sure I'm willing to agree with the author that General Homma was not responsible when the men under his command initiated and carried out the Bataan Death March. Between six to ten thousand men died during that march after they had surrendered.
January 30, 2024
This tells of a shameful happening in American military history. I had gotten the impression in my education that Douglas MacArthur was not the greatest guy. This narration shows that he was a despicable human being, and points to the danger of letting a military commander play the part of a vicious dictator.
There is a great deal of explanation of the legal issues involved, interesting for lawyers and others. There are philosophical questions posed about the responsibility of a military leaders for the wrongs committed by soldiers under their command.
I highly recommend it to students of history, WWII, law and ethics.
There is a great deal of explanation of the legal issues involved, interesting for lawyers and others. There are philosophical questions posed about the responsibility of a military leaders for the wrongs committed by soldiers under their command.
I highly recommend it to students of history, WWII, law and ethics.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews