"This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, and ask where the good way is, and walk in it. You will find rest for your soul."
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Jacob DeShazer

Photo by Lynn Howlett - http://lynnphoto.com
Among DeShazer’s many military decorations for service and bravery are the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and the Chinese Breast Order of Yung Hui.

Mitsuo Fuchida (left) and DeShazer became lifelong friends.

Photo by USAF (#94615)
The crew of #16 (from left): George Barr (navigator), William Farrow (pilot), Harold Spatz (engineer gunner), Robert Hite (copilot) and Jacob DeShazer (bombardier).

Bombardier Jake DeShazer’s B-25 bomber was the last to take off from the lurching deck of the U.S.S. Hornet. Ahead lay the enemy territory of Japan.

Photo by USAF
After 40 months as captives, three of the four surviving American prisoners — noticeably emaciated — arrived at Chungking, China, in late August 1945.
From left: Jake DeShazer, Bob Hite and Chase Nielsen.

Seven months after graduating from Seattle Pacific College, the DeShazers boarded the U.S.S. General Meigs bound for Japan, where thousands eagerly awaited their arrival.

Photo by Lynn Howlett - http://lynnphoto.com
Nearing six decades of marriage, Florence and Jake DeShazer stay in touch with 16 other surviving Raiders and many friends in Japan.
