This heroic tale—or melancholy history, as one may view it—began on Christmas Day 1944, when 23-year-old Lt. Onoda, fresh from intelligence school, was posted to a garrison of some 100 men on the small Philippine island of Lubang.
In February of 1945 the Americans attacked, killing 60 of the Japanese force. Quickly another 32 surrendered. The remainder, under Onoda, determined to fight on.
Hiding in the dense jungle, his tiny band apparently killed some 30 Filipinos over the years, while the intelligence officer recorded the movement of American ships and planes—but was unable to communicate his observations without a working radio transmitter. By 1972, the others having surrendered or been shot, Onoda fought on alone, eluding Philippine patrols by miracles of stealth. At home he was mourned as dead until word of his exploits last year convinced authorities that he still lived.
In late February this year, a 24-year-old adventurer, Norio Suzuki, found and photographed the aging but remarkably fit lieutenant. Disbelieving Japan's defeat, he refused to surrender unless his old commander, Major Yoshimi Taniguchi, was brought to the Philippines and ordered it. The retired major returned and gave the order. The proud fighter bowed ceremonially. His war was over.
Amid the honors and jubilation of his return home, Onoda remained modest and soldierly. Pressed on every side to explain his motivation, he replied that he was a soldier. "I had only to follow orders. Without an order, I could not give myself up." However, Onoda's younger brother offered an insight into the Bushido code that had nourished Hiroo. "The last time he left home in 1944, my mother told him not to surrender to the enemy—no matter what. She gave him a dagger, saying he should commit hara-kiri in preference to surrender." Onoda brought that dagger home.
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
