Jacob DeShazer

Jacob DeShazer was a United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) sergeant and one of the participants in Doolittle's Raid on Japan during World War II. He was captured and imprisoned by the Imperial Japanese Army, but later converted to Christianity and became a missionary. DeShazer's experiences during the war had a profound impact on his life, leading him to dedicate himself to spreading the Christian gospel.

Early life and military service

Jacob DeShazer was born on May 9, 1919, in Taft, Oregon, to a family of farmers. He grew up in Eastern Oregon and developed an interest in aviation at a young age. DeShazer enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1940 and received training as a gunner on a B-25 bomber. He was assigned to the Doolittle Raid team, led by James H. Doolittle, which aimed to conduct a surprise attack on Japan.

Doolittle Raid and capture

On April 18, 1942, DeShazer participated in the Doolittle Raid, flying as a gunner on B-25 number 16. The raid targeted several cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. After the raid, DeShazer's plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean, and he was captured by the Imperial Japanese Army along with three other crew members. They were taken to Japan and imprisoned in various prisoner-of-war camps.

Imprisonment and conversion

DeShazer was imprisoned in the Omori POW camp in Tokyo, where he was subjected to harsh treatment and forced labor. During his imprisonment, DeShazer and his fellow prisoners were visited by a Japanese-American Christian convert, Clarence T. Hinkley, who shared the Christian gospel with them. DeShazer eventually converted to Christianity and became a devout Christian. After being transferred to another camp, DeShazer was liberated on August 29, 1945.

Post-war life and ministry

After the war, DeShazer returned to the United States and attended Wheaton College in Illinois, where he studied theology. He later moved to Japan as a missionary, working with Japanese people and sharing the Christian gospel. DeShazer also married a Japanese woman, Yasuko, and they had several children together. He continued to serve as a missionary in Japan for many years, establishing a Christian church and working with local communities.

Legacy and honors

Jacob DeShazer's experiences during World War II and his subsequent conversion to Christianity had a profound impact on his life. He received several honors for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. DeShazer's story has been documented in several books and films, including the film "The Story of Jacob DeShazer" (1952). He passed away on March 22, 2002, in Beaverton, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy as a Christian missionary and a World War II veteran. Category:American World War II flying aces Category:American Christian missionaries Category:Converts to Christianity