Kalbfleish Testimonial
New York, New York
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Ed Kalbfleish 1941
This is to state that I first met Tamotsu Murayama while I was a prisoner-of-war at Bunka Camp, Tokyo. I found Mr. Murayama to be extremely concerned about the treatment given to all prisoners, and especially to those of us at Bunka with whom he came in frequent contact. As a result of his personal feelings, Mr. Murayama took advantage of every opportunity to endeavor to improve the living conditions of all prisoners, and especially of us.
On numerous occasions, Mr. Murayama risked his own safety in order to aid us. In particular, I remember the case of Major Williston Cox, USAAF, who entered the camp suffering from severe malaria. Constant pleas to the Japanese authorities for medicine or medical treatment for Major Cox brought no results. Mr. Murayama himself—at considerable personal risk—finally secured sufficient quinine to enable Major Cox to recover. It is my firm belief, based on personal observation of many malarial cases in the Philippine Islands, that had not Mr. Murayama acted in this manner, the death of Major Cox would have only been a question of time.
In addition, Mr. Murayama constantly advised and urged the Japanese military authorities to increase our food rations, give us better medical care, and in other ways improve our living conditions. A few of his requests resulted in some improvements. However, I believe that his concern for our well-being resulted in creating a suspicion among Japanese authorities which ultimately caused him some hardship.
In my own particular case, I believe that it was only through his intercession on my behalf that I was not executed in 1944. I feel that if he had not been willing and able to reach certain high Japanese officials, I definitely would have been executed.
At all times I found Mr. Murayama trustworthy and reliable and of the highest moral character. I consider it an honor and a privilege to number him among my closest friends today.
(Signed) EDWIN KALBFLEISH, JR.
Captain, Artillery
0-418576
U. S. Army