Why was life horrible for the POWs?

Forced to carry out slave labour on a starvation diet and in a hostile environment, many died of malnutrition or disease. Most prisoners of war (POWs) existed on a very poor diet of rice and vegetables, which led to severe malnutrition.

Is it legal to keep prisoners of war?

In the course of an armed conflict involving parties to the Geneva Convention, captured combatants are POWs until proven otherwise. Like the sick or wounded, prisoners of war (POWs) are protected under the Hague and Geneva laws from any violence, indignity, or biological experimentation.

Does America take prisoners of war?

Americans have been held captive as prisoners of war during many wars and in many places. Still, there is a common bond that is shared by all.

Are prisoners of war returned?

At the end of hostilities all prisoners are to be released and repatriated without delay, except those held for trial or serving sentences imposed by judicial processes.

What do prisoner of war do?

Belligerents hold prisoners of war in custody for a range of legitimate and illegitimate reasons, such as isolating them from the enemy combatants still in the field (releasing and repatriating them in an orderly manner after hostilities), demonstrating military victory, punishing them, prosecuting them for war crimes.

How did James Stockdale survive?

Stockdale retired to Coronado, California, as he slowly succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. He died from the illness on July 5, 2005. He was 81. Stockdale’s funeral service was held at the Naval Academy Chapel and he was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.

Were any Japanese charged with war crimes?

The trials took place in around fifty locations in Asia and the Pacific. Of the 5,700 Japanese individuals indicted for Class B war crimes, 984 were sentenced to death; 475 received life sentences; 2,944 were given more limited prison terms; 1,018 were acquitted; and 279 were never brought to trial or not sentenced.