Saipan
Suicide of civilians
“For the Marines at Marpi Point, a tragic sight took the edge off a happy occasion. Hundreds of Japanese civilians, fearful of the Americans, committed suicide by jumping from the
seaside cliffs. Some took their children with them. Efforts to stop them fell upon ears deafened by Japanese propaganda. Fortunately, many civilians had previously surrendered amicably,
entrusting their fate to Marine and Army civil affairs officers, and were grateful for the care and safety found in the internment camps.”
In other material I've read, the Japanese on the home islands were similar as far as their beliefs. They were totally astounded when the American occupation forces showed up and didn't engage in a rape-and-pillage sort of thing. The U.S. soldiers gave candy to kids and were generally rather friendly.
Guam
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