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        'Life without the courage for death is slavery'
                                                                — Seneca

        The Second World War was the bloodiest conflict in history. Even now we cannot be sure of its real human cost. All that we know is that millions of lives were lost. Thousands were grievously injured and handicapped for their life-time. The strategic bombing of Germany and Japan which resulted in the victory of the Allies, can be viewed differently by different persons today. It is infinitely easier to strike a moral stance with the clear vision of hindsight than it was at that time, when bitterness, desire for revenge and the wish to preserve friendly lives blurred the sight. So there are few simplicities and abundant contradictions. Yet it cannot be forgotten that ultimately it was a war in which good was pitted against evil.

        Here is an inspiring story about William G Farrow of the US Air Force who was savagely tortured by the Japanese in 1942. Lieutenant William Glover Farrow was born in Darlington, South Carolina. He was the pilot of one of 16 B-25s under the command of Lt Col James H Doolittle, whose mission was to bomb Tokyo and other industrial cities in Japan. It is known today simply as the 'Doolittle Raid,' which is well-recorded in history books. Farrow's life story is told in a book written by his aunt Margaret Meadows Stem, 'Tall and Free as Meant by God'. Farrow attended the University of South Carolina, and while at the USC he wrote what he called his creed, which set forth his view of how to live the proper life. It received national attention when it was published in newspapers and magazines across the country after his capture by the Japanese.

        As a Doolittle Raider, Lieutenant William G Farrow took off from the deck of the USS Hornet on 18 April, 1942, successfully completed a bombing raid against the Japanese mainland and then crash-landed off the coast of China where he and his crew were captured by the Japanese.

        Following the Tokyo Raid, the crews of two planes were missing. On 15 August, 1942. it was learned from the Swiss Consulate General in Shanghai that eight American flyers were prisoners of the Japanese at Police Headquarters in that city.

        On 28 August, 1942, Hallmark, Farrow, and Spatz were given a 'mock trial' by Japanese officers, although they were never told the charges against them. On 14 October, 1942, Hallmark, Farrow, and Spatz were advised they were to be executed the next day. At 4.30 pm on 15 October 1942, the three Americans were brought by truck to Public Cemetery No 1 outside Shanghai. In accordance with ceremonial procedures of the Japanese military, they were then shot. Farrow's body was cremated by the Japanese. His ashes were located after the war and returned to the United States where they were buried in Section 12 of Arlington National Cemetery. In 1982, a street was named after Billy Farrow at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. They did that to mark the 40th anniversary of the US Air Force and to mark POW-MIA Day.

        One day prior to his known date of execution on 15 October 1942, young Lt William G Farrow, unseduced, unshaken, unmoved and unnerved, was sitting in his cell writing his last letter to his mother. He wasn't thinking of himself, or of the cruel death that awaited him and the two other Doolittle Fliers condemned with him. He was thinking of his mother, and of the girl he now would never marry. How could he comfort them, excepting to remind them of the faith that was his own great comfort in this hour of trial. The time was getting short. He re-read what he had written to his mother, and anxious to spare as much grief as possible, added these closing immortal words:

        'Don't let this get you down. Just remember God will make everything right and that I'll see you all again in the hereafter.Read 'Thanatopsis' by Bryant. If you want to know how I am taking this. My faith in God is complete, so I am unafraid'.

        Lt William G Farrow's letter was found in the files of the War Ministry Building in Tokyo, along with the last messages of those condemned with him. These letters were used as evidence in the war crimes of Japanese accused of executing the Doolittle Fliers, and they were widely publicised at the time.

        The above brief excerpt from Farrow's letter appeared in newspapers all over the world and stirred the hearts of millions of readers. To many who had faced tragedy and grief during the war years, it came almost as a personal message. Parents who had lost sons clipped it and carried it about with them, finding unexpected consolation in Farrow's lost brave message to his mother. Ministers in all the churches made it the subject of moving sermons on faith, and newspapers the theme of countless editorials on courage. Appearing at a time when many people were lost and confused in the bitterness of their own bereavement, Farrow's letter made an immense impression and helped many regain the faith and peace of mind they thought they had lost for ever. Farrow's thrilling exploit will never be forgotten by his grateful nation. We should remember he gave more than he knew. For his simple but eloquent words of courage and faith live on; and the now-famous quotation from his last letter to his mother takes its place among the inspirational messages of mankind.