Lot 192

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Description:

JAPANESE SOLDIER'S DIARY - INVASION OF KISKA AND ATTU
Fine grouping of documents concerning the service of Staff Sgt. Albert L. Ruiz, an American soldier and expert marksman who served at Fort Richardson (near Anchorage) and on Attu Island in the Aleutians during the desperate Japanses struggle to seize strategic islands there from June 3, 1942 to July 27, 1943. The highlight of the grouping is a contemporary official copy of the translation of a diary found on a dead Japanese soldier, the transcript likely prepared on Attu, 4pp. 4to. (carbon), June 1, 1943, only two days after the horrific struggle for the island had ended with 2,351 dead Japanese and only 28 taken alive. The diary was written by Dr. Paul Nobuo Tatsuguchi, an army surgeon and devout Seventh Day Adventist trained in the U.S. The transcript reads in small part: "[May 12] Carrier-based plane flew over - Fired at it...Evacuated to the summit [May 13] U. S. forces landed at Shiba Dai & Massacre Bay. The enemy has advanced to the bottom of Misuna Yoma...At night we captured 10 rifles. There is tremendous mountain gunfire...[May 14] In the evening, the U.S. Forces used gas...Our desperate defense is holding up well...[May 16] burnt documents and prepared to destroy the patients...there was an air raid so took shelter in the former field hospital cave...[May 18] About 60 wounded came into the hospital...Everybody made combat preparations and waited. Had 2 grenades ready...[May 21] Was strafed when amputating a patient's arm...Nervousness of our Commander is severe and he said his last words to his officers and men. He will die tomorrow. Gave all of his articles away...[May 26] Strafing planes hit the next room. Two hits from a 50 cal. machine gun...No hope for reinforcements . . . Will die for Imperial Edict...[May 27] 303rd Battalion has been defeated. Veneg Awa is still holding the Umanose. Continuous cases of suicide. Half of Sector Headquarters has been blown away. Heard they gave 400 shots of morphine to kill wounded...[May 29] The last assault is to be carried out. All patients were made to commit suicide... Only thirty three of living and I am to die: I have no regrets. Bonzai to the Emperor...At 1800 took care of all the patients with grenade...Well goodbye, Mattue, brother Hokkey Sukechan, Masachm, Mitichan, goodbye. The number is this last attack is little over 1000..."The diary caused a sensation when reprinted in the U.S., and copies were ordered destroyed due to the (false) statement concerning poison gas. Also present is a 4pp. 4to. (original and carbon present) report, [Attu], June 10, 1943 reporting on "Supply Activities and Recommendations" from May 11-June 2. It details the hand-carrying of munitions to front-line troops, pressing supply troops into combat units, Japanese attacks on ammo and supply dumps, etc. Also included is a lengthy itemized list of supplies needed by the quartermaster for an arctic outpost, along with strategic advice, notice of Ruiz's promotion, riflery and arms qualification notices, separation documents, letter of recommendation, and a very amusing (and obviously bogus) report on how soldiers should behave upon reintegration into civilian life. Overall near fine.

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May 8, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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