He’s right on many levels. Bombing those two cities actually saved lives, both Japanese and American (and Australian and Canadian and everyone else out there).
But the idea of “civilians” in a civilization-level clash like WWII is simply a false chivalrous European idea, left over from when the Lords fought and the peasants were property to be fought over. No since in killing the cows that gave milk. Wasteful and all that, good chap!
When two industrialized societies clash, the guy in the factory making a tank is often just as important as the guy driving it.
Heck, how about the college professors and various other brilliant dorks at University of Chicago (I think) that made a stable nuclear reaction under the football stadium? They were just as much a part of the attack on Japan as the pilot. Perhaps more vital. And they were “civilians.”
Regarding rotary pilots, in general, I have nothing but respect. I used to begrudge the fact they went back, generally slept in a real cot with air conditioning, and got solid meals and a shower every day.
Then I realized that the guys coming for me, flying in a slow, generally lightly protected, plexiglass bubble were these guys. They flew to the fight when it got too hot.
Then I wanted them to get a good night sleep every time.
There are few civilians in the middle east conflicts. They are either providing aid and support or are soldiers who just put down their weapons at that second and claim to be civilians for propaganda purposes.
The women and especially the young boys (like ages 10-14) are the most dangerous and crazy ones there. You can save their lives and they get up in the night to try to cut your throat.