Initially, hell ships moved Allied POWs to areas where their labor was needed, such as the Japanese main islands and other recently conquered regions, but later, they also moved prisoners to prevent them from being liberated by advancing Allied forces.

Commander Howard Gilmore’s story is certainly one of extraordinary valor, dedication, and sacrifice. 

Although the attack on the USS Panay did not ignite a war between the United States and Japan, it marked a turning point in their relationship. 

A Q&A interview with Last B-24 filmmaker Kirk Wolfinger. 

US code breakers deciphering Japanese naval messages provided an opportunity for vengeance in April 1943 after intercepting the travel plans of Japan’s naval commander in chief, the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbor.