by King, Dan
20,129 Military and Civilian Deaths
1,041 Casualties (Military and Civilian POWs)
21,170 Total number of Military and Civilian Deaths, and POWs
The above number of 21,170 does not include anyone who was evacuated due to wounds or illness. Perhaps we will never know the true number of causalities suffered by the Japanese in the battle.
Appendix II:
Records from the 147th Infantry, US Army
A report dated June 4, 1945 submitted to 1st Battalion Headquarters by First Lieutenant William M. MacArthur lists twenty large caves and installations in the 1st Battalion sector that were engaged and investigated. The report covers activities until May 31, 1945. In the report are five of the cave installations that appear in this book. "TA" means "Target Area" and refers to a grid map used by the US during the war to target and control the island.
No. 1 Yasenbyouin cave – Army Field Hospital – TA 185-A
Was closed by battalion Pioneer Section after equipment had been salvaged by Island Command Salvage detail, principally medical supplies, although a large quantity of ammunition, grenades and rifles, plus swords and pistols was [sic] taken. Many dead bodies reported in burial section of cave. 73 Prisoners – 7 killed.
No. 3 Setsueitai Caves – Construction Battalion Caves – TA 185-K
Caves were closed by Marines, then reopened by Japs, closed again by battalion Pioneer Section. Considerable foodstuffs and water, personal equipment. 10 prisoners – 2 dead in cave, 20 killed in area.
No. 7 Setsueitai Cave – Construction Battalion Cave – TA 202-P
Cave was closed by battalion Pioneer Section when repeated efforts to induce the Japs to surrender failed. Investigation prior to closing resulted in finding of 12 bodies. Further advancement into the cave was prevented by occupants throwing grenades. A large store of provisions was found and reported to the Salvage Officer, Island Command. Six prisoners were taken from the cave and the others were gathered up in nearby hiding places.
53 Prisoners – 8 dead.
No. 9 Nishi Tank Regiment Caves – TA 201-C & D
These caves are now almost entirely under the air strip. Twelve prisoners were taken from various entrances, and six dead were counted in one cave. The caves are not thoroughly investigated because of the clinging smoke and terrific heat within. They were blasted and covered completely with bulldozers. A large quantity of food and personal equipment was recovered. There are believed to be more dead in the caves. 12 Prisoners – 6 dead.
No. 13 Nanpō Cave – South Area Air Base Cave – TA 201 – R
Twelve Japs captured near beach disclosed the location of the others. After a week's work, 51 were captured in and near the cave, 1 blew himself up and 19 were killed by burning gasoline. The cave was spoken of as the third largest on the island, and contained 3 AA guns, 2 machine guns, 2 knee mortars, thousands of rounds of ammunition, rifles, grenades, explosives, radios, food, water and a large amount of personal belongings. Most of the material was very badly burned, and the ammunition exploded. 63 prisoners – 20 dead.
A seven page report dated June 6, 1945 by the Office of the S-2, HQ 147th Infantry Regiment describes general cave conditions on Iwo Jima.177 It also specifically addresses the Nanpō bunker complex. The report is titled "Iwo Jima Cave Installations." (Original text)
"An integral part of the Japanese defenses on Iwo Jima consisted of an elaborate system of caves and tunnels, most of which were located in the North, Northeast, and Northwest sectors, where the rugged nature of the terrain facilitated their construction and concealment.
While the existence of these caves had been suspected prior to the operation, no information as to extent and location was available until after D-Day. The effectiveness of the cave system was a means of passive defense is evidenced by the extremely light casualties sustained by the Japanese during 70 days of pre-invasion bombings and naval gunfire, and also by the fact that it was finally necessary to clear and close each individual cave during the operation and the mopping-up operations which followed. Interrogations of prisoners of war indicate that the Japanese went underground early in December 1944, abandoning all surface installations except gun positions.
The Japanese employed the caves to house headquarters installations, radio stations, supply and ammunition dumps, hospitals, engineer depots, warehouses and living quarters, many being located in close proximity to surface defense positions. The most elaborate ones were used as Army or Navy headquarters. Establishment of living quarters appeared to be a secondary consideration, as these were inadequate in most instances, even in the most extensive caves.
Construction of the caves varied widely, ranging from small holes to extensive tunnels with no apparent standard plan being followed. The caves and bunkers were created to fit the requirements of the unit that built them. Some bunkers consisted of the enlargement of natural caves, while others were hewn from the soft volcanic rock by hand. Still, others were lined with reinforced concrete. No timber shoring or reinforcing was observed, as the arched construction in solid rock made it unnecessary. Most caves had more than one entrance, and were effectively closed only after several openings had been blasted. In some instances the enemy was able to dig out one entrance while others were being closed.
The interiors of many caves have never been fully investigated, as the presence of belligerent enemy within necessitated their being closed with explosives to avoid casualties. This report describes those caves which were either cleared of the enemy during mopping-up operations by the 147th Infantry or which were closed by blasting and reopened at a later date. Many additional caves were closed after great difficulty, and lie buried under tons of rock and rubble. Airfield and other construction projects have eliminated traces of numerous caves.
Material for this report was gathered from descriptions and diagrams furnished by Battalion S-2s, A&P platoon leaders, demolition teams and patrol leaders.
d. Nampfou [sic] Cave (South Area Air Base Cave) TA 201-R
In Target Area 201-R… Company D, 147th Infantry completed closing an extensive cave on 17 May 1945 after clearing all enemy therefrom. The complexity of the cave involved is indicated by the attached sketch and the description following:
At the beginning of the operation against the cave, 7 May 1945, the numerous entrances were completely closed with one exception. This one opening had been closed previously by patrols but later reopened sufficiently by the enemy to permit an individual to pass through it.
On 7 May 1945, prisoners of war who had recently been captured claimed that they had come from this cave and stated that there were eighty to one hundred persons still living within. In addition one of them drew a diagram of the cave as shown on inset of sketch attached. During interrogations of these prisoners of war, the following information was ascertained:
Name of Cave: Nampfou [sic]. In English the Prisoners-of-War termed it, the "South Area Air Base Cave."
Number of Personnel Housed: Four hundred in the month of March 1945
Units: Naval Aviation, Marines, and Construction Groups.
Identification of Prisoners:
One 2nd Lt in charge – "Zero Pilot"
One 2nd Lt – Communications Officer.
Four 2nd Lts.
One Warrant Officer
Enlisted Naval Personnel
Commanding Officer: Colonel Inoue of the Japanese Marines.
When the cave was cleared of enemies, it was found to be very complex, more so than the POW sketch indicated. The size of the passages varied from four to five feet to thirteen by six and a half feet. They were probably dug out completely by hand since there were no signs of natural caves. The passages had numerous curves and angular turns. Those connecting tunnels were in the form of wide steps.
The sketch lists the various equipment found upon examination of the cave. It should be noted there was
a considerable amount of equipment in the burned parts which were entirely destroyed. Twelve Japanese rifles five pistols, two US caliber .30 carbines, and one US Bar, three model 92 Lewis Type machine guns (7.7mm), one model 96 light machine gun (6.5mm), in addition several sabers, and numerous Japanese personal items were found in an excellent condition at the northern part of the cave.
In working this cave, its nature cause several difficulties. It was decided that there were no available means of destroying the cave or killing the Japanese within, from the outside. Therefore attempts were made to remove the enemy personnel by:
Smoking them out, but the extensiveness of the cave and the fact that the Japanese could block the passages by use of blankets and canvas prevented the smoke from infiltrating through the cave.
To talk them out, but they could not be persuaded. The officer in command, when later captured, stated that he had believed the talks were propaganda.
Shooting them out, but the enemy had guards posted at the entrances, who were capable and did fire on anyone entering.
Consequently, it was decided to force the Japanese out by starting a fire within the cave. Seven hundred gallons of salt water were pumped into entrance #3 followed by one hundred ten gallons of gasoline and fifty-five gallons of oil. The fire started set off a large amount of ammunitions and other equipment nearly located in sketch. As a result if the smoke and heat, twenty-nine Japanese were killed or committed suicide, fifty-four were eventually taken into custody after some difficulty. Two of these afterwards committed suicide."
Appendix III: Mopping Up
The US Army's 147th Infantry Regiment conducted ambushes in hopes of catching Japanese who were stealing supplies and causing problems in the rear areas. As example is presented from a US soldier's handwritten letter, presented in here exactly as it was written by the veteran, an infantry 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Battalion.178
"Combat Patrol Iwo Jima. A typical combat patrol consisted of a reinforced squad or a whole rifle platoon.
In addition, we would have an aidman [sic] and a radioman using a SCR300 portable transceiver.
The squad would be armed with the M-1 rifles, automatic rifle (BAR) and a flamethrower, as needed.
We would also carry hand grenades, concussion grenade, phosphorous grenades, and illuminating grenades.
If we were lucky, we would have a Nisei-American interpreter; at times we would use the Japanese prisoners of war.
The mission and area of responsibility would be given late the day of the action. There would be a briefing of the patrol; ammunition would be issued and rations and water would be supplied.
No later than 700 hours the patrol would leave the command post area. Extreme care had to be taken all during the route for land mines and booby traps. The squad or platoon would advance in a very diverse way. This added to security, but more importantly, we would look for signs of enemy footprints and any potential cave openings.
Movement was slow primarily because of the rocky terrain. All rocks and rocky formations had sharp edges. All around security was paramount.
By dispersal, it was difficult for the Japanese to hit a patrol member. Once alerted we would go into an attack mode. Fire would be brought on the suspected area. If we would discover the cave we would, first, attempt to have the Japanese to surrender with the assistance of the interpreter. We would give them a time limit of approximately 15 minutes. If it didn't work we would attack it first with the use of a combination of first the concussion grenade and then a fragmentation grenade. If we would receive fire from the cave, then a flamethrower would be used.
The most dangerous part of operation was the physical entering of the cave in order to search for ante rooms or additional openings of the cave….On return from the patrol, the patrol leader would make out his report for battalion S-2 and S-3. Usually the patrol was back by 1630 hours."
Appendix IV: Surrender Leaflet
Original 1945 translation of a Japanese language surrender leaflet printed for the stragglers on Iwo Jima. Title - "To Personnel Remaining in the Battle of Iwo Jima[sic]" Body- "Yesterday, all day and all night, American B-29 Flying Fortresses dropped over 1,800 tons of incendiary bombs on Tōkyō's heavy industry installations. Judging by this, one can see that this war, unlike the Russo-Japanese War and the Sino-Japanese War, is not one that can be kept going on Yamato Damashi (Japanese samurai-style fighting spirit) alone. You men are continuing to fight a losing battle of spirit against machine. Instead of clinging to that first lesson of battle, ‘One cannot live and bear the humility of being taken prisoner,' your supreme duty is to live and build a new and better Japan. 154 men have realized this and surrendered, and are living at present under the humane treatment of international law. 93 of your wounded comrades have been moved and are being treated in that white hospital ship you see in the waters off the east coast. Therefore, think before you die like a dog. When you hear someone call to you in Japanese, it is safe. Come out, please."
(Special thanks to Tom McLeod)
Appendix V: Japanese Military Ranks
WWII Japanese Navy and Army Ranks
Seaman Second Class
(Sea 2/c) Private
(Pvt)
Seaman First Class
(Sea 1/c) Private First Class
(PFC)
Senior Seaman
(Sr Sea) Senior Private
(SrPvt)
Leading Seaman
(Ld Sea) Lance Corporal
(LCrp)
Petty Officer Second Class
(PO2/c) Corporal
(Corp)
Petty Officer First Class
(PO1/c) Sergeant
(Sgt)
Chief Petty Officer
(CPO) Sergeant Major
(SgtMaj)
Warrant Officer
(WO) Warrant Officer
(WO)
Ensign
(Ens) Second Lieutenant
(2nd Lt)
Lieutenant Junior Grade,
(Lt( jg)) First Lieutenant
(1st Lt)
Lieutenant
(Lt) Captain
(Capt)
Lieutenant Commander
(LtCdr) Major
(Maj)
Commander
(Cdr) Lieutenant Colonel
(LtCol)
Captain
(Capt) Colonel
(Col)
Rear Admiral
(RAdm) Major General
(MajGen)
Vice Admiral
(VAdm) Lieutenant General
(LtGen)
Admiral
(Adm) General
(Gen)
About the Author
In the summer of 1981, Dan King first visited Japan as an exchange student with Youth For Understanding (YFU). Following this life-changing experience, he decided to earn a bachelor's degree in Japanese at California State University Los Angeles. He then moved to Japan where he briefly taught English at the YMCA, and then worked for Toyota Motor Corporation, Inc. King was awarded the Japanese Ministry of Education's (Monbushō) top-level written/spoken language certification for non-native speakers.
After moving back to the USA, King put his historical knowledge and language skills to use on several movies and documentaries. His first film job was as the Japanese technical/historical consultant on director John Woo's WWII Saipan-based war film Windtalkers. His next major film was director Ed Zwick's The Last Samurai, where he spent six months in New Zealand working with Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.
King conducted historical research for Clint Eastwood's film Flags of Our Fathers. He then worked with actors Pat Morita as an on-set consultant for the movie Only the Brave, the true story of Japanese-American heroism in WWII. The author traveled to Wake Island to appear in the Emmy-nominated two-hour documentary Wake Island, Alamo of the Pac
ific. King was the Japanese-language consultant and a Voice-Over artist for the HBO series, The Pacific. He appears in the documentary, Peleliu: The Forgotten Battle, War Stories by Oliver North. King worked as a Japanese technical / historical / language consultant for a series of popular WWII-based video games by EA Games, including Pacific Assault and Rising Sun. He appeared on-camera with former Marine and television personality R. Lee Ermey in three episodes of the television series Mail Call. King later appeared on-camera in the series Shootout on the History Channel. He most recently worked with the US National Parks Service as a historical and language consultant for the Pacific War Museum on Guam. He is also a volunteer translator for the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
In 2003, King wrote his first book, Japanese Military Sake Cups 1894–1945, (Schiffer Publishing). He released his second book, The Last Zero Fighter (Pacific Press), in July, 2012.
For the past twenty-five years, Dan King has studied the Pacific War using a three-pronged approach: studying, traveling, and interviewing. As of July 2014, King has interviewed ninety-seven WWII Japanese Army and Navy veterans.
In addition to studying and interviewing, King has visited dozens of battle sites and war museums overseas: Anguar Island (Palau), Australian Army Memorial (Canberra, Australia), Bataan Peninsula, Bridge over the River Kwai (Thailand), Changi War Museum (Singapore), Chichi Jima, Corregidor, Etajima Naval Academy Museum (Hiroshima), Guadalcanal, Guam, Hickam Air Force Base (Oahu), Haha Jima, Ie Shima, Imperial War Museum (London), Iwo Jima, Kanachanaburi POW Museum (Thailand), Kanoya Air Base (Kyūshū, Japan), Kaneohe Marine Corps Base (Oahu), Kaohsiung (former Tainan Kokūtai Air Base in Taiwan), Korean War Museum (Seoul, South Korea), Midway Atoll, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air and Space Museum (Nagoya, Japan), Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Peace Museum, Nanking Massacre Memorial Hall (Nanjing, China), National Army Museum (Waiouru, New Zealand), Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum, French Army Museum Musée de l'Armée (Paris, France), Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Peleliu, Rabaul (Papua New Guinea), Republic of China Armed Forces Museum (Taipei, Taiwan), Saipan, Tinian A-bomb airfields, Truk Lagoon, Wake Island, Yap Island, Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum (Tsuchiura, Japan) and Yūshūkan Yasukuni War Museum (Tōkyō).