FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dates in History
September 1942— Oregon was bombed during World War II by Japan.
Pilot Nobuo Fujita launched his attack from a submarine-carried floatplane, dropping incendiary bombs in the forests of southern Oregon in an attempt to ignite devastating wildfires and divert American resources. Fujita was selected for the mission because he had extensive war experience. The mission caused only minor fires, but it secured Fujita’s place in history as the only enemy combatant known for an aerial bombing of the contiguous United States during World War II. However, there is a bigger story in that years later, Fujita accepted an invitation to visit Brookings as a guest at the city’s Azalea Festival. He arrived prepared to apologize, bringing his family’s centuries-old samurai sword as a gesture of remorse and peace. What began as a controversial invitation became an enduring story of forgiveness, cultural exchange, and friendship.
“Nobuo Fujita’s life offers readers a view of history from the mind of a loyal soldier during war and a wiser man after the conflict,” said Daniel R. Grimes who wrote Nobuo Fujita: The Japanese World War II Bombing of Oregon and His Postwar Peace Mission. “His story begins with war, but it does not end there. It becomes a story about responsibility, courage, and the possibility of reconciliation even after deep wounds.” According to Mr. Grimes, Fujita had no idea if the invitation was genuine or possibly a trap to arrest him for war crimes. Having escaped danger unscathed on numerous occasions, an older Fujita prepared to embark on a much different mission. This trip to Brookings would be the exact opposite of his bombing mission in 1942. Fujita planned to apologize to the people of the town for the bombing. Before he left home, Japanese officials warned that there would be nothing they could do to help him if the locals in Oregon were hostile. However, as it turned out, Fujita developed a long-standing bond with the town of Brookings.
Background
Nobuo Fujita: The Japanese World War II Bombing of Oregon and His Postwar Peace Mission is written for readers of Oregon history. Beyond that, the book places Fujita’s raid in the broader context of Imperial Japan, the war in the Pacific, and the human choices that shaped his later peace mission.
This ebook is available through online retailers, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Daniel R. Grimes writes narrative history that brings overlooked events and individuals into sharper focus for modern readers. His work explores the people, decisions, and consequences behind consequential moments in history.
Media Contact
Rod Grimes 410-707-0579
The Civil War
The American Civil War involved governments and people in many countries. Far from the eastern United States, there were naval battles and the planning of secret operations. Various places provided the North or South with material support.
Many Europeans came to America to fight. Primary motivations included advancing their military experience, supporting democracy, or ending slavery. Having been exposed to life in America, some of this culture would expand far and wide when these people returned home.
Regarding the important military issues, much as been written about battles in the eastern United States, and while these are detailed, political and cultural issues are highlighted as well.
Ethnic issues were key throughout the war. The North had a large population of voters with Irish or German backgrounds. On the battlefield, Irish-born soldiers were on important front lines and took heavy casualties. Half a dozen units consisted entirely of German Americans.
The Civil War changed the world forever. Some changes were small. But the big impact was that the reconstituted United States was on the world map as a major industrial and military power. To buy the book that explains all this and more, click below.
This June 4th is the 50th anniversary of the biggest riot at a sporting event in North American history. It took place at a baseball game between the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers in Cleveland. My book Ten-Cent Beer Night and the 1974 Baseball Season covers not only this event but other memorable events such as Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's home run record and Ron LeFlore, a convicted felon, making his major league baseball debut.
Ten-Cent Beer Night and the 1974 Baseball Season on Amazon Kindle.
Ten-Cent Beer Night and the 1974 Baseball Season on NOOK.
Ten-Cent Beer Night and the 1974 Baseball Season on Apple iTunes.
“Just published, The Packers, the Ice Bowl and the Memorable 1967 season tells the story of an epic contest between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, was the coldest pro football game ever played. It pitted Vince Lombardi and the Packers’ 1960s dynasty against Tom Landry and the up-and-coming Cowboys. The challenge of playing against a strong opponent was compounded by the brutal, sub-zero temperatures. In a heart-pounding thriller, players and fans alike proved their mettle.Available on major eReaders including: iTunesKindleNOOKBookBaby”