Were the crew of the Enola Gay war criminals?

[sandandfoam]

I was watching a documentary about Hiroshima last night. I found it very disturbing and it left me wondering - were the crew of the Enola Gay war criminals?

I think they were.

[Sunstone]

I forget which American general characterized the bombing of Japan -- not just the atomic bombing, but all of it -- as a war crime. Do you remember who it was, by any chance?

[sandandfoam]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

I forget which American general characterized the bombing of Japan -- not just the atomic bombing, but all of it -- as a war crime. Do you remember who it was, by any chance?

Sorry, no. I'd be interested to hear though.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by stephenw

Sorry, no. I'd be interested to hear though.

The general was commenting on the illegality of targeting civilians -- which is what the American bombing campaign was doing.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

The general was commenting on the illegality of targeting civilians -- which is what the American bombing campaign was doing.

Oh, and for the record, I think that general was right. America committed war crimes in targeting civilians. Of course, that includes Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

[not nom]

Hiroshima Enola Gay - YouTube

Enola Gay
You should have stayed at home yesterday
Ah-ha words can't describe
The feeling and the way you lied

These games you play
They're going to end in more than tears some day
Ah-ha Enola Gay
It shouldn't ever have to end this way

It's eight fifteen
And that's the time that it's always been
We got your message on the radio
Conditions normal and you're coming home

Enola Gay
Is mother proud of little boy today
Ah-ha this kiss you give
It's never going to fade away

[Willamena]

No. They were soldiers.

[sandandfoam]

Originally Posted by Willamena

No. They were soldiers.

So were the SS. Is 'We were ordered to' a valid excuse in your view?

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by stephenw

So were the SS. Is 'We were ordered to' a valid excuse in your view?

It's not an "excuse" at all. The following of orders, by definition, is not required to be excused.

The crew of the Enola Gay were bombadeers, and they believed in what they were doing: ending the war.

[sandandfoam]

Originally Posted by Willamena

It's not an "excuse" at all. The following of orders, by definition, is not required to be excused.

I disagree. That excuse didn't work for Nazi and Japenese war criminals why should it hold for American ones?

The crew of the Enola Gay were bombadeers, and they believed in what they were doing: ending the war

Is your argument that the end justified any means?