16. Unit 731, a covert research division of the Japanese Army, used Allied POWs for the purpose of human experimentation
Unit 731, part of the Imperial Japanese Army, served as a covert research and development organization during World War II. Established in 1935 under the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police, the unit was commandeered by General Shiro Ishii, with the Emperor’s permission, who transformed the secret group into the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army by 1940. Based in the Pingfang district of Harbin, located in Northeast China, it is estimated that in excess of 10,000 people were forcibly subjected to illegal experimentation, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths and with the Kempeitai procuring at least 600 victims per year for the clandestine research from POW Camps.
Despite the horrific nature of their crimes against both civilians and Allied POWs, many of the members of Unit 731 were granted immunity by the United States in the aftermath of the Second World War. Protected from war tribunals and almost certain execution for their criminal actions, the U.S. instead employed these individuals to enable them to contribute to America’s own biological warfare programs. In fact, the U.S. went so far as to dismiss and denigrate veterans who made accusations concerning members of Unit 731, branding their claims communist propaganda.