American prisoners of the Japanese in World War II lived terrible lives. Beaten, starved, and worked to death prisoners had to endure the greatest hardships in prison camps and on hell ships. Even after they were rescued some prisoners had nightmares of the events that took place and were permanently traumatized. Was there a justification to use such torture methods on the POWs or were these just acts of senseless violence?

American POWs were mainly captured through battles like Corregidor, and Bataan. In Bataan food and the number of men was a big issue. (Gordon, Pacbell.com) Even though the American and Filipino forces had greater numbers than the Japanese most of them were not properly trained. The Philippine forces were illiterate and could speak or understand the American troops. When forces had to withdraw from Bataan they had to leave behind their food, which was later destroyed...