[gridlock]

Twenty Eight Million Japanese had become a part of the National Volunteer Combat Force. They were armed with ancient rifles, lunge mines, satchel charges, Molotov cocktails and one-shot black powder mortars. Others were armed with swords, long bows, axes and bamboo spears. The civilian units were to be used in nighttime attacks, hit and run maneuvers, delaying actions and massive suicide charges at the weaker American positions.

Our soldiers would have had to kill massive numbers of these irregulars. Of the 28 Million, very few would have survived.

To me, 4 Million dead seems wildly optomistic. Dropping the bombs was a no-brainer.

[reagan_fanatic]

My Dad (God rest his soul) would have been one of those sent in in an invasion force.

Had it gone through as planned, I might not be here today.

[magslinger]

To me, 4 Million dead seems wildly optomistic. Dropping the bombs was a no-brainer.

I concur. In the past I have discussed the subject at length with my father. Dad was a veteran of three beachhead invasions. He considered himself as a fugitive from the law of averages as it was. His only hope was "Please, God, don't let it be a fire in the tank crew compartment." Absent the bomb, I certainly wouldn't be here.

I had some discussions with a couple of Japanese who would have been involved when I was stationed in Japan in the '70's. They were equally convinced that the use of the Atomic bomb saved their lives.