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26 Feb. 1945

[Admiral Iwabuchi told his men, after three days of US bombardment:] “If we run out of bullets we will use grenades; if we run out of grenades, we will cut down the enemy with swords; if we break our swords, we will kill them by sinking our teeth deep in their throats.”

[Later, Admiral Iwabuchi called survivors of the Manila Naval Defense Force to his headquarters at the Agriculture Building– he apologized for placing them in the dismal situation they were in. He said] “If anyone has the courage to escape, please do so. If not, please take your lives here.” [He then went to his own room and committed suicide. ]