"The following list contains the names and addresses of the approximately 1,619 prisoners of war (primarily American) who were herded aboard the Japanese ship Oryoku Maru on December 13, 1944 for transfer to Japan. We believe that the list was obtained from captured documents presented at the time of the war crimes trial.

We are aware of many errors in spelling of the names and addresses, but have decided to reproduce the list in its original form. We are also aware of the fact that the names of some passengers were omitted from the list; this is understandable when one considers the confusion that existed when this detail was being assembled in the bilibid prison in Manila. Last minute substitutions, additions and other changes were made when some sick men were replaced by others in better physical condition. Other changes/addition were made, and it now appears that there may have been slightly more than 1,619 prisoners on the voyage.

To the best of our ability, errors in spelling will be noted on "errata" page(s). The names of passengers not shown on the passenger list will be listed on separate "Additional Personnel Not On Original Passenger List" pages(s)."

-Charles M. Brown, Lt.Col.AUS Ret., survivor and preparer of The Oryoku Maru Story