John Magee (missionary)

John Magee (1884-1953) was an American Episcopal missionary and Anglican priest known for his humanitarian work in Nanjing, China, during the Nanking Massacre in 1937 and 1938.

Magee was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Yale University. He arrived in Nanjing in 1912 and served as a missionary affiliated with the Episcopal Church. He dedicated himself to social welfare and relief work, becoming a respected figure in the local community.

During the Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation of Nanjing, Magee played a crucial role in establishing and managing the Nanjing Safety Zone. This zone, a neutral territory designated by a committee of foreign nationals, provided refuge for Chinese civilians seeking to escape the widespread violence and atrocities committed by the invading Japanese army.

Magee courageously documented the events of the Nanking Massacre using a 16mm camera, capturing footage of the atrocities, including murders, rapes, and arson. This footage, along with his detailed diaries and letters, provided invaluable evidence of the Japanese army's crimes and helped to bring international attention to the events in Nanjing. He also actively worked to provide food, medical care, and shelter to the refugees within the Safety Zone.

After the war, Magee testified at the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal, providing firsthand accounts of the atrocities he witnessed and presenting his film footage as evidence. His testimony and documentation played a significant role in the prosecution of Japanese war criminals.

John Magee's bravery, compassion, and dedication to humanitarian service during a period of extreme violence are widely recognized and celebrated. He is remembered as a hero who risked his own life to protect and document the suffering of the Chinese people during the Nanking Massacre. His work helped to expose the horrors of war and contributed to the pursuit of justice for the victims.