The Execution Of Lieutenant William Farrow U.S.A. -- Doolittle Raider From South Carolina (1918 - 1942)

Crew #16 of the Doolittle Raiders B-17 "Bat Out Of Hell"
(From left to right) Navigator Lt. George Barr, Pilot Lt. William G. Farrow,
Engineer Gunner Sgt. Harold A. Spatz, Co-Pilot Lt. Robert L. Hite,
and Bombardier Cpl. Jacob D. DeShazer.
Photograph courtesy of the National Archives.

On Saturday, April 18, 1942 -- 80 years ago this month -- 80 men in 16 B-25B Mitchell two-engine bombers, led by famed aviator U.S. Lieutenant Colonel James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, launched from the pitching deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) and bombed the city of Tokyo and other Japanese cities. The Doolittle Raid was America’s initial payback for the Japanese naval sneak attack on Pearl Harbor four months earlier.

This daring raid was the first time that medium-sized Air Force bombers took off from a Navy aircraft carrier. The planes had been stripped down to pack in just enough bombs for the raid and fuel to reach China where the bomber crews would land, or bail out and meet up with Chinese partisans who would get them to American, or British-held parts of Asia.

The final B-25B Mitchell bomber to take off from the aircraft carrier's flight deck was number 40-2268 nicknamed the "Bat Out Of Hell" commanded by a 24 year old U.S. Army Air Corps lieutenant named William Farrow.


1st Lieutenant Bill Farrow

William Glover "Bill" Farrow was born to Isaac and Jessie Farrow in his grandmother's hometown in Darlington, South Carolina on Tuesday, September 24, 1918 -- less than two months before the end of the First World War.

At age 16, Farrow became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from St. John's High School in May of 1935, and later attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina for two years. During the fall of 1939, he received his pilot training at the Hawthorne School of Aeronautics in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

After college, Farrow enlisted in the United States Army on Saturday, November 23, 1940 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina joining the United States Army Air Corps' Aviation Cadet Program. He obtained his aviator badge and a commission as a second lieutenant at Kelly Field, Texas on Friday, July 11, 1941. Following his completion of the B-25 Mitchell bomber training program, he was sent to Pendleton Field in Oregon as a member of the 34th Bomb Squadron.

Farrow was stationed there when naval military forces of the Japanese Empire attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Sunday, December 7, 1941 and the United States formally entered World War II the next day.

In January of 1942, the 34th Bomb Squadron was transfered to Columbia Army Air Base in West Columbia, South Carolina. The next month in February, members of the squadron were approached by Lt. Colonel James Doolittle and asked to volunteer for a highly top secret mission, for which none of them were given details at the time. Farrow and many others jumped at the opportunity. In all, 80 men (five men per the 16 bombers) volunteered.

Codenamed the B-25B Special Project, the volunteer Air Corps flyers reported to Eglin Field in the Florida panhandle on Sunday, March 1, 1942. The crews received concentrated training for three weeks in simulated carrier deck takeoffs, low-level and night flying, low-altitude bombing, and over-water navigation.

On Wednesday, April 1, 1942, the crews and their respective specially modified aircraft departed from San Francisco harbor at Naval Air Station Alameda in California aboard the U.S. Navy's newest carrier, USS Hornet. The aircraft were strapped to the deck of the Hornet. Each aircraft aboard carried four specially constructed 500-pound bombs.

Two days later on April 13th they made rendezvous with the convoy Task Force 16 that would escort them to the point of launch. This task force was led by Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey Jr. from his flagship, the carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6). It was only then that the volunteers were told their mission objectives and their destination: Japan. 

The B-25B Mitchell Bombers used in Doolittle's Raid on the flight deck of the USS Hornet (CV-8)
on their way to the Japanese Islands in April 1942.
Lieutenant Farrow's B-25 "Bat Out Of Hell" is located in the back to the left of the photo.
Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the Air Force.

Doolittle's Raid

At 07:38 A.M. on the morning of Saturday, April 18th, while the task force was still about 650 nautical miles (750 miles) from the Japanese coast it was sighted by a Japanese picket boat which radioed an attack warning to Japan.

Admiral Halsey ordered the bombers to launch at once.

Doolittle's plane took off at 8:20 A.M. with the others all following rapidly, the last of which was number 16, Lieutenant Farrow's B-25 "Bat Out Of Hell" which was airborne by 9:20 A.M.

Doolittle reached Tokyo and dropped his bombs at 12:25 P.M. Close on his tail came the other raiders, who struck military targets at Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Osaka.

The Japanese made no use of the patrol boat warning, mistakenly assuming the carriers to have had only short-range U.S. Navy aircraft, and were therefore no danger to the Japanese mainland. They also later falsely claimed to have shot down nine of the Raiders, when in fact all 16 bombers got through to land or crash in China or, in one case, divert to the Soviet Union, where the airplane was impounded.

Farrow's plane over the Japanese city of Nagoya, where the "Bat Out Of Hell" released its bombs from 500 feet destroying an oil storage tank and inflicting damage on the Mitsubishi Aircraft Factory and taking off for the Chinese coast. Sixteen hours after leaving the USS Hornet, the B-25s engines sputtered out of gas, and Lieutenant Farrow instructed his crew to bail out even though he knew they were close to enemy-held Nanchang city.

Before noon the next day, all five of the unlucky U.S. crewmen were captured by Japanese patrols and became prisoners of war.


Imprisonment & Execution

William Farrow and the rest of his crew were five of the eight members of Doolittle's Tokyo Raiders captured by the Japanese.

Farrow and his crew were tortured for six months by the Japanese military who tried to force them to sign confessions of guilt for "war crimes" in bombing civilians -- this in spite of the fact the Japanese military had done the same throughout the Pacific and Asia.

The captured members of Doolittle's Raiders were all tried by a Japanese military tribunal had sentenced to death for allegedly bombing civilian targets and "strafing non-combatants" with machine gun fire. Five of the Raiders had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment by the Emperor of Japan.

Of the remaining members of the crew of the "Bat Out Of Hell" Lieutenant Robert Hite, Navigator Lieutenant George Barr, and Bombardier Corporal George DeShazer remained prisoners of war for 40 months until they were liberated on Monday, August 20, 1945.

Lieutenant Farrow, his gunner Sergeant Harold Spatz, and 2nd Lieutenant Dean Hallmark of the 6th Bomber crew, were executed by firing squad at Kiangwan Cemetery, Shanghai, China on Thursday, October 15, 1942. The three men were forced to kneel and were tied to three small crosses, blindfolded, and then shot in the head.

Their bodies were cremated and their ashes were taken to the International Funeral Home in Shanghai, China, where they remained until 1946 when they were recovered along with their final letters written the night before their executions (which the Japanese never sent) and returned to the United States by American investigators.

Lieutenant William Farrow was awarded decorations posthumously, including: the Order of the Sacred Tripod of the Republic of China, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Prisoner of War Medal by order of Congress in 1985.

On Monday, January 17, 1949, the ashes of Lieutenants William Farrow and Dean Hallmark were interred in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C. A simple marble base and urn bear Farrow's name in the family plot at Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington, South Carolina.

Never Forget!

The grave of 1st Lieutenant William G. Farrow at Arlington
National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia near Washington D.C.
Section 12 Grave 157.
His ashes were interred on January 17, 1949 -- almost seven years
following his execution.

1st Lieutenant William "Billy" Farrow's memorial in his
family's plot at Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington, SC.
The marker bears words from his last letter:
"I have built my house upon a rock, my faith in God is complete.
So I am unafraid."

Justice Or Vengance? The Tragic Hanging Of Amy Spain

Engraving that appeared in the September 30, 1865 edition of
Harper's Weekly depicting the hanging of former slave
Amy Spain by Confederate soldiers and the citizens of
Darlington, South Carolina.

On Friday, March 10, 1865, Confederate soldiers and the citizens of Darlington, South Carolina hanged a young African-American former slave named Amy Spain from a sycamore tree on the courthouse lawn.

The month before, elements of Union Major General William T. Sherman's invading army arrived in Darlington sometime in late February of 1865 following the destruction of the South Carolina State capitol of Columbia earlier in same month. The federal troops burned down the depot, cotton platforms and railroad trestles in 1865. The Union troops also did some foraging (or looting depending on one's definition of the term).

Despite the destruction inflicted on much of the rest of the State, the Union soldiers did not completely destroy Darlington -- this owing to the fact that the commander of the Union forces sent there, a former architect, upon arrival saw a house that he had designed, and ordered that the house and the rest of the town be left standing, destroying only equipment that was of military use.

A large number of Darlington’s white residents had deserted the area as Union forces approached, and many of the African-American slaves in the area believed the arrival of the Yankee soldiers marked the end of bondage.

Amy Spain, then a 17 year old girl described by some as a "mulatto" because of her light skin, had been the property of Major Albertus C. Spain, a veteran of the Mexican–American War who had been a member of the South Carolina Secession Convention.

According to some sources, upon seeing the blue-coated soldiers arriving, Spain is reported to have exclaimed in jubilation, "Oh bless the Lord, the Yankees have come!"

In their foraging and looting of the now empty homes, the Union soldiers did nothing to prevent the newly liberated slaves from taking whatever belongings that had been left behind by their now former owners.

Spain and her brother Willie dragged some mahogany furniture from an abandoned warehouse, and later took "linens, sheets, pillow cases, flour, sugar, lard, and some furniture" from the home of their now former master -- compensation for the years of work done without being paid as a slave.

Soon the Union forces moved on north from Darlington towards the small town of Cheraw and then on to North Carolina. Many of the town's white residents returned, thankful that most of their homes were still standing, but also angry to find nearly all of them looted while many of the local slave owners found that "their people" had deserted with the victorious Yankees.

A short time later Confederate troops led by General Joseph "Fighting Joe" Wheeler re-occupied the town.

Some of those residents who had stayed behind during the Union occupation, including a few of the slaves themselves, reported that Spain had been the "ringleader" of the looting, and accused her specifically of guiding Union troops to places where valuables had been hidden.

Unfortunately for the young woman, Spain was captured and later charged by a Confederate military tribunal -- which was little more than a drumhead trial -- on the charges of looting, insurrection, and treason (the latter specifically stated as "conduct unbecoming of a slave"). The retired Major Spain reportedly acted as her defense counsel in spite of her actions, though he was unable to sway the Confederate officers in finding her guilty on all charges.

As were the case in most military tribunals like this, the convictions and punishments were both swift, and any appeals were denied.

Spain was sentenced to death and hanged from a sycamore tree in the Darlington town square on Friday, March 10, 1865. The location of her final resting place is unknown.

After the war, the town was again occupied by federal troops during the Reconstruction Era which were not withdrawn again until 1871.

Should Amy Spain have been found guilty of the charges?

As a slave she was not legally a citizen of the State. No matter her legal status as a slave, or otherwise, she was not one of Sherman's Bummers, nor a member of the military. As a civilian should she have been tried under military tribunal?

This later point can be argued from both sides of the legal arguments about the role of the military during a state of emergency -- which was certainly what Sherman's march through the Carolinas could be called. Under 19th century military law, civilians can be punished and sentenced to death for looting during a state of emergency when a state, or territory, is under military occupation and active civilian authority is unavailable.

Yet, despite the fact Spain was not the only former slave captured after the looting of Darlington, she was the one singled out to take the punishment of the actions of many others. This seems more like the Confederate military were trying to make her an example as no other recaptured slave was tried, or sentenced to death. If so, then the actions of Wheeler's men could be considered a war crime.

Was her punishment justified, or a petty act of vengeance? Justice, or racism? Maybe a bit of both with one act used in justifying the other?

Now matter how one sees the incident, the hanging of Amy Spain is another tragic footnote in the much larger story of the suffering inflicted on the peoples of South Carolina during the War Between The States -- all of them are stories that deserves to be remembered.

This blogger would like to thank the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for their help in contributing to the information in this article.

Private Henry "Dad" Brown C.S.A. -- A Veteran Of Three American Wars

 Henry "Dad" Brown United Confederate Veterans (UCV) taken with the
drum and captured Union drumsticks he carried during
the War Between The States.
(Photograph courtesy of the Darlington Historical Society)

 

In Darlington, South Carolina, there is a marker dedicated to Henry "Dad" Brown, a local resident and free person of color who served as a veteran in three American wars: the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the War Between The States/Civil War (1861-1865), and the Spanish-American War (1898).

Brown served as a musician for the 8th & 21st South Carolina regiments where he received payment of $12.00 a month. The Confederate Congress authorized salaries for black musicians in the Confederate military in 1862, it specified that they were to receive the same rate of pay as white army musicians, stating: "whenever colored persons are employed as musicians in any regiment or company, they shall be entitled to the same pay now allowed by law to musicians regularly enlisted."

Pay voucher showing Henry Brown receiving $54 dollars for service with
Company F, 8th SC Infantry between January 1 - May 15, 1862.

During the war, Brown served in several battles on the line with the 8th and 21st SC Infantry Regiments -- including the first battle at Manassas (Bull Run) on Sunday, July 21, 1861. It was there that Brown captured a pair of Union drumsticks after his original sticks had been damaged (one account says shot out of his hands) and used them for the remainder of the war.

Muster roll for Henry Brown.

After the war ended, Brown returned to Darlington and became a coroner and later as a loyal Southern Democrat supported former Confederate Lieutenant General Wade Hampton in his bid to be Governor at the end of the Reconstruction Era. As a member of the United Confederate Veterans, Brown attended every convention till his death.

Henry Brown with fellow United Confederate Veterans of the
8th SC Volunteer Infantry at a Reunion in Darlington, SC.
(Photograph courtesy of the Darlington Historical Society)

Brown also later served again as a drummer with the Darlington Guards in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
 

Henry Brown on the far left with his drum standing with the Darlington Guards in 1898 during the
Spanish-American War.

Henry Brown died in 1907 and was laid to rest beside his wife Laura at Cannon Cemetery, a small family cemetery. His funeral was attended by Darlington residents both whites and blacks, as well as the former Confederate Veterans that Brown served with. His casket was covered in a Confederate battle flag and members of the UCV acted as pallbearers.

The following articles mention the life and service of Confederate Veteran Henry "Dad" Brown from those who knew him personally, followed by a news account of his funeral:


Excerpts - The Darlington Press - November 1907
DEATH OF HENRY BROWN
Drummer of Darlington Guards And Well Known And Highly Respected Colored Man 

On Saturday afternoon the old drummer Henry Brown, well known colored man, passed away. ...the Darlington Guards assembled at their armory and marched to the house under arms. There the Captain was requested to detail pall bearers from the ranks, which he did.
When the body was brought out, the company stood at present arms. The line of march was then taken up to the church. ...When the church was reached a representative five number of the white citizens of the town acting as pall bearers took the body into the church the Company again presenting arms.
The colored Masons...took its way to the cemetery where the rest of the masonic ritual was given...the bugler Mr. Angus Gainey sounded "taps" very softly and the Company fired three rounds over the grave. Should the stranger in our gates ask, "What mean ye by this service. Why should white people thus pay honor to a colored man?" The answer would be because he was a man. In life he was faithful to every trust, his word was his bond and not only were his friends numbered among those who live in Darlington but wherever he was known and that was throughout the length and breadth of the State.
The grave was covered with beautiful flowers, the offerings of his friends, both white and colored...
Tribute to Henry Brown From Gen. W.E. James, Who Knew Him Well
On Saturday evening Henry Brown, a most highly respected colored man, died. He had lived a long life and had been one of the land marks of this community, and from his conservative and upright life he had commanded the respect of both white and colored people. ...The Darlington Guards in full uniform with arms marched to his late residence and were placed in front of the hearse...it was determined that a number of white gentlemen should act as pall bearers---should take charge of the body and attend it from his residence to the colored Presbyterian church of which he was a member. Arriving at the church the Guards presented arms and the white pall bearers took it into the church...
Henry Brown came from Camden and had been a free man all his life...When the War broke out Henry Brown went with the Darlington Guards...and remained with that company until the 1st Regiment was disbanded. He then went with the 8th Regiment to Virginia as the drummer for that regiment. He was regularly enlisted in Company E...and he remained with that regiment till its reorganization in 1862, when all above the age of thirty-five were discharged...on the 21st of July '61 the regiment was stationed at Mitchels Ford on the South side of Bull Run. The battle began two miles above and at 12 o'clock the regiment was ordered to go where the battle was raging. As soon as the order came Henry began to beat the long roll. This indicated to a battery on the other side of the Run the position of the regiment and the shells began to fall thick and fast. It was some time before the Colonel could stop him but he was beating all the time regardless of the danger. He followed on to the battlefield and was under fire with the others.
After leaving the 8th regiment he joined Capt. S.H. Wilds' company and remained with the 21st S.C. regiment to the close of the war. 
When...the reconstruction period began...Henry was given the office of Coroner, which he held for a while, but when he saw the injuries that were being done to the white people by those men who were in office, he allied himself with the white people and remained so for the rest of his life. When Camp Darlington No. 785 U.C.V. was organized he had his name enrolled and never missed a reunion...He prided himself on being a Veteran and took great interest in the camp. We shall miss him. He has gone to join the great majority of those who marched to the tap of his drum. But we, too, shall soon follow them.

Story about Henry "Dad" Brown's funeral in Darlington written in the
(Columbia) State newspaper in November 1907.

In 2000, the city of Darlington erected a historical marker near his grave site honoring his memory. 

SC Historical Marker honoring Confederate Veterans
Henry "Dad" Brown. Located on 204 Brockington Rd.
just off SC Hwy 52 in Darlington, SC.

Cannon Cemetery, Darlington, SC.

The grave of Confederate Veteran Henry Brown.
Note the Confederate Cross of Honor and
US Veteran markers at the foot of the grave.

United Confederate Veterans Reunion Banner.

This post is dedicated to the honored memory of Henry "Dad" Brown, United Confederate Veteran, soldier, and free Southern man, and for all of those regardless of their race, religion, or creed who served with honor in defense of South Carolina and Southern independence (1861-1865). 

Your memory will never be forgotten.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae.
Deo Vindice!