Thank you once again Jack, I really enjoy reading your accounts. Believing the war started on D-Day is a common thing in many countires especially in the west, not as much in Europe because we phisically sufferered from its effects as early as 1939, but even the younger generations tend to forget what happened before. D-Day is a victory for all allies and you don't need to be a WWII buff to talk about it.
The Pacific Area is far away for many of us. Those who are interested know and/or want to learn like me, but when I quote the "I shall return" from Mc Arthur most people wonder whether I am talking about Termninator II.... so it's a bit sad.

Regarding the Japanese, I understand your feelings, so many of your buddies died because of their traps. I personnally think that in 2008 they are just like our youth, which means many are overfed with junkfood and video games and not drilled like during WWII and certainly not ready to die for their country like back then. The surrender trap is not a specific Japanese trick. It happened all the time and everywhere. I know a lady who saw it happen in my hometown when a German officer threw a grenade in the middle of a bunch of Gi's who came to accept his surrender.

__________________