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'I am working hard with many difficulties . . . under the present war situation I have been placed under serious uncertainty and tension . . . the enemy will surely invade this Iwo Jima. . . ." So wrote the General, as he saw the handwriting on the wall
SINCE THE END OF WORLD WAR II, I was anxious to know the hidden details of the Iwo Jima battle, particularly about the last moment of General Kuribayashi.
I met some survivors who were captured by the American forces during the battle and were sent back to Japan after the end of war; and officers and men who left there just before the American forces landed.
Also, I was interested very much in the General's personal letters sent to his family from Iwo Jima. So I borrowed all the letters from Mrs Kuribayashi and translated them word for word into English.
It should be my great pleasure if this article would be read by the American Marines who fought on Iwo Jima.
The last moment of Gen Kuribayashi
From 2100 to 2130, on the 14th of March 1915, Song of Iwo Jima, composed by the fighting men of Iwo Jima before the American forces landed, was broadcast to the stillfighting officers and men from Tokyo. General Kuribayashi sent his thankful message to all Japanese.
On the 15th of March he informed Tokyo through Chichi Jima radio station as follows:
"I am determined to make 'Banzai' charges against the enemy at midnight on the 17th. Now I say goodbye to all senior and friend officers everlastingly." He added in this telegram his three farewell songs.
At 2300, 17 March, all officers changed their uniform into soldier's or sailor's uniform and at midnight Gen Kuribayashi; RAdm Ichimaru; Col Takaishi, chief of start; LtCol Nakane, operations staff and about 200 men. Army and Navy, went out of the Div Headquarters cave, leaving 50 or 6O men who had received severe wounds there, with one handgrenade for each man for their suicide, and moved to a new cave about 150 meters northwest. During their movement under darkness, Gen Kuribayashi was wounded on his right thigh by an enemy shell splinter. One sergeant shouldered him and bound up...