The pilot who led Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor later met Christ and became friends with an American pilot who was once his enemy, according to a new book whose author says the story has lessons for today's society. . T. Martin Bennett books injured tiger This book details the unlikely friendship between Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the deadly surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, and Jake Deshazer, the American pilot who led the bombing of Japan. The story of how Fuchida became a Christian will also be revealed. The audio version of the book will be released on December 7, the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“This is, without a doubt, the most amazing historical story I've ever come across about World War II,” Bennett told Crosswalk Headlines.
Bennett said the story was so bizarre that he wondered if it was even real.
“I thought if this story was special, we would all know about it,” he said. “Well, it's amazing, but we know almost nothing about it.”
Bennett said Fuchida was “handpicked” to be in charge of the attack by Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto because he “hated America and Americans” as a young man.
However, when he became a Christian, his outlook on life changed.
“he [formerly] He wanted people's praise and glory. He realized it was selfish to ask that of himself. He realized that seeking the glory of God was something greater,” Bennett said.
“The more Bennett dug into the story, the better it got,” he said.
“He was in Hiroshima the day before. [America] dropped [atomic] It’s a bomb,” Bennett said.[But] He gets a phone call and leaves to go to another air force base, and the next day the city is bombed. His hotel evaporated. he should have died. He isn't. he [then] come back [to Hiroshima]. He walks through radioactive rubble for three days and a month later they are all dead, but he has no ill effects from walking through this radioactive rubble. And he had to start thinking, why am I still alive? …It was part of his spiritual awakening. ”
Fuchida's story is one of redemption, Bennett said.
“In reality, it's not how you start or live your life that matters; it's how you end it. And in this case, Fuchida was driven by selfish ambition and national ambition and conquest. …but it was all for them. And it was a terrible disaster for the Japanese people, and of course I think many Japanese people were misled by government officials who were actively attacking a defenseless enemy. was not actually an enemy. [Japan] They wanted to conquer so they could get raw materials. And when the war ends, [Japanese] They felt very bitter towards the government that had misled them.
“He regretted joining the war, because it wasn't planned in the first place.”
Bennett said the book contains lessons about forgiveness, friendship and love.
Mr. Fuchida passed away in the 1970s.
“Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.'' Well, by nature we love our own families, and when we think of everyone as part of our family, we love them. I think the way we treat it will change. ”
Watch: Wounded Tiger 4K Sizzle Reel
Photo credit: © T. Martin Bennett
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
