The last hold out passes on.

MikeP · 01-21-2014, 01:50 AM

I read his book a long time ago.
Kind of a pitful dupe, kind of a nutjob.
He was a REMF intel officer and ordered to take to the hills and observe the enemy when the main Japanese force left. They would return and take his report.
He had a number of men, up to a hundred as I recall.

They stayed a few years but gradually all but 2 turned themselves in.
Onoda and his 2 guys had a miserable life-eating bugs and garbage, moving about from spot to spot and trying to draw as little attention as possible.

Both other guys died and he maintained vigilance. A kid from Japan heard rumours about him and set out to find him.
Onoda-from his book-"Observed him and determined to capture and interrogate him,"
Long story short, they found his former CO, and at a prearranged ceremony he stood and ordered Lt Onoda to cease hostilities and surrender.

He was made a very big deal in Japan, having saved national face, but he had a hard time with society-ya think?

I have some respect as a soldier, but mostly dismay that folks couild be so brainwashed and victimised.
RIP

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01-21-2014, 01:50 AM	#6
MikeP User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ILL Posts: 686 Thanks: 36 Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts	I read his book a long time ago. Kind of a pitful dupe, kind of a nutjob. He was a REMF intel officer and ordered to take to the hills and observe the enemy when the main Japanese force left. They would return and take his report. He had a number of men, up to a hundred as I recall. They stayed a few years but gradually all but 2 turned themselves in. Onoda and his 2 guys had a miserable life-eating bugs and garbage, moving about from spot to spot and trying to draw as little attention as possible. Both other guys died and he maintained vigilance. A kid from Japan heard rumours about him and set out to find him. Onoda-from his book-"Observed him and determined to capture and interrogate him," Long story short, they found his former CO, and at a prearranged ceremony he stood and ordered Lt Onoda to cease hostilities and surrender. He was made a very big deal in Japan, having saved national face, but he had a hard time with society-ya think? I have some respect as a soldier, but mostly dismay that folks couild be so brainwashed and victimised. RIP