General Tomoyuki Yamashita
Yamashita was the second son of a local doctor in Osugi, a village in what is now part of Ōtoyo, Kōchi prefecture, Shikoku.
COL Clarke asserted:
The Accused is not charged with having done something or having failed to do something, but solely with having been something….American jurisprudence recognizes no such principle so far as its own military personnel are concerned….No one would even suggest that the Commanding General of an American occupational force becomes a criminal every time an American soldier violates the law….one man is not held to answer for the crime of another.
When general Yamashita was hanged, after climbing the thirteen steps leading to the gallows, he was asked if he had a final statement. To this Yamashita replied through a translator:
As I said in the Manila Supreme Court that I have done with my all capacity, so I don’t have shame in front of the gods for what I have done when I have died. But if you say to me ‘you do not have any ability to command the Japanese Army’ I should say nothing for it, because it is my own nature. Now, our war criminal trial going under your kindness and right. I know that all your American and American military affairs always has tolerant and rightful judgment. When I have been investigated in Manila court I have had a good treatment, kindful attitude from your good natured officers who protected me all the time. I will never forget for what they have done for me even if I had died. I don’t blame my executioner. I’ll pray the gods bless them. Please send my thankful word to Col. Clarke and Lt. Col. Feldhaus, Lt. Col. Hendrix, Maj. Guy, Capt. Sandburg, Capt. Reel, at Manila court, and Col. Arnard. I thank you.
This man is a real warrior. My father said,
With these words my father honoured and respected General Yamahshita’s principal. He always referred to him daily. My father stated “Think like Japanese and work like a Japanese”. That’s the reason I joined AMDA as Dr Sugunami is a Japanese doctor doing a great job for humanity and friend that never turns back on his friends, a real Japanese samurai.
AMDA is founded by Japanese people who inspire me. It’s like being with General Yamashita, an honest and trustworthy General.
