War Prisoner

Having been a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II for three years and two months, I wrote our two California senators suggesting the U.S. pay us $20,000 for our time of internment along with the payments to the American Japanese interned here. We received $2 a day for our “relocation” in four camps. The only reply I received was a form letter explaining the reasons for payment to the Japanese here.

This was bad enough but on Sept. 16, which was POW Recognition Day throughout the United States, I attended the awards ceremonies beautifully done at the Long Beach Naval Station. However, when I registered at the POW desk I was informed there were no medals or recognition for civilians. I was working for the U.S. government in Manila when captured. Perhaps now that the Japanese are so affluent they might like to pay us.

MARGE PIERCE

Laguna Niguel