Killing the Rising Sun by Bill & Martin O'Reilly and Dugard & Martin Dugard Summary

Killing the Rising Sun examines the final stages of World War II in the Pacific, detailing pivotal events like the battles of Peleliu and Iwo Jima, the Manhattan Project’s development of atomic weapons, and President Truman’s decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book argues these actions prevented a catastrophic Allied invasion of Japan, saving millions of lives.

History enthusiasts, military strategy scholars, and readers interested in World War II’s Pacific Theater will find this book compelling. Its narrative-driven style also appeals to fans of O’Reilly’s Killing series seeking accessible historical accounts.

The authors assert that Japan’s adherence to the Bushido code and refusal to surrender necessitated the atomic bombings. They emphasize the projected million-plus Allied casualties from a ground invasion and highlight how the bombs accelerated Japan’s surrender, preventing Soviet involvement in post-war Japan.

The book details Japan’s imperial expansion under Emperor Hirohito, including atrocities like the Rape of Nanking and forced labor camps. It explains the doctrine of hakkō ichiu (“eight crown cords under one roof”), which justified territorial conquests to unify Asia under Japanese rule.

The narrative traces J. Robert Oppenheimer’s leadership in developing the atomic bomb, the Trinity test’s success, and Truman’s ethical dilemma over deploying it. The authors frame the bomb as a tragic but inevitable tool to end the war swiftly.

While acknowledging the bombs’ horrific human toll, the book defends their use as the “least terrible option” compared to a prolonged invasion. Critics argue this perspective oversimplifies historical context and downplays alternatives like negotiated surrender.

Hirohito is depicted as a divine figurehead whose refusal to surrender extended the war. The authors contrast his secluded life with the suffering of Japanese civilians, arguing his delayed capitulation caused unnecessary destruction.

The Battle of Peleliu and Iwo Jima are analyzed for their brutality and strategic significance. These campaigns demonstrated Japan’s willingness to fight to the death, influencing Allied decisions to avoid a mainland invasion.

Like earlier titles, it uses a fast-paced, character-driven narrative but focuses more on geopolitical analysis than individual biographies. The book’s controversial stance on the atomic bomb distinguishes it within the series.

The authors cite military records, survivor testimonies, and historical biographies. However, some historians critique the lack of Japanese primary sources and reliance on Western perspectives.

Critics argue it oversimplifies complex moral decisions and perpetuates a one-sided view of the war. Descriptions of atomic bomb victims have also been criticized as insensitive.

The book concludes with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri, MacArthur’s post-war governance, and the beginning of Japan’s transformation into a democratic ally. It frames the outcome as a necessary step toward global stability.