Fuji Fire: USMC veteran and journalist documents the forgotten story of a Marine Corps tragedy, typhoon and walls of fire.

This week we talk with Marine Corps veteran and acclaimed journalist Chas Henry about his dramatic new book, “Fuji Fire, Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy”. It's the story of how in 1979 the largest typhoon ever recorded hit Camp Fuji, Japan, ruptured a fuel tank, sending 5000 gallons of fuel into huts where Marines were staying, eventually engulfing the camp in walls of fire after the fuel was ignited by kerosene heaters. Henry recalls the origin of the project was when he posted photos from his deployment there (before the fire), and how it inspired a multi-year investigation to finally tell their story. In our detailed interview Henry shares first-hand accounts he gathered from veterans who lived through the tragedy. He also shares how Japanese forces assisted Marine forces despite strained relations with the US Government. We also hear gripping stories about the crews who helped save Marines, a brave military doctor, advancements in emergency medicine and burn care and a Marine who inspired his fellow survivors. Plus how the work of legendary Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke helped some Marines survive. Get a copy of “Fuji Fire: Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy” here: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640126459/fuji-fire/ More on Marine Corps veteran, acclaimed journalist, and creator of CBS Eye on Veterans syndicated radio show and podcast, Chas Henry here: https://chashenry.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices