31. Sakae Oba’s Surrender
The Japanese general tramped alone through Saipan’s jungle, whistling military tunes, until he drew out some of Oba’s men, who took him to their commander. After presenting Oba with official documents from Imperial General Headquarters ordering him to surrender, the holdout ended. On December 1st, 1945, Sakae Oba marched his charges out of their hideouts, and in a dignified ceremony, surrendered his sword and his command. Upon returning to Japan, Sakae Oba led a productive life, working in the private sector, before turning to politics. He died in 1992, aged 78.