Japanese aerial exterminating action?

[Larry deZeng]

A simple answer would be both. If I were you, and really, really interested in this subject, I would research the Far East War Crimes Trials transcripts and appended evidentiary documentation and look for material on the code and mind set of Bushido (the way of the warrior). Cruelty to the enemy and non-Japanese was deeply ingrained in the Japanese military at that time and enforced by many of the officers. They did not play by the Western rules of warfare.

However, as you pointed out, the killing of enemy pilots in their 'chutes was relatively common on both sides.

L.