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Unidentified Japanese Naval Person

Unidentified Japanese Naval Person

An individual who penned a diary which was retrieved by American forces during the Battle of Manila in 1945.

3 Feb. ’45

After dark rifle fire is heard. It can be estimated that the strength of the enemy’s motorized unit is approximately three battalions. All personnel will

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4 Feb. ’45

The rifle fire is getting closer and closer. Howitzer shells fall near; there is great danger. Took cover. The reports are bad. Combat rations distributed.

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5 Feb. ’45

Consolidated, North American and Lockheed planes attack incessantly. Our ground artillery fire becomes intense. Flames are leaping up from within Manila and it is like

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6 Feb. ’45

In the morning an observation plane made its appearance but due to fire from our Machine Gun Unit, it crashed. During the afternoon, a North

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7 Feb. ’45

The howitzer fire of our forces and that of the enemy becomes intense we hear that there are many wounded and killed.

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8 Feb. ’45

All men are ready to take up arms. Artillery smoke and shells rain fiercely. Black smoke curls up. The water main is unusable; a well

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9 Feb. ’45

“No water”, we cannot use the water from the water main. Quenched my thirst with muddy water. The enemy motorized unit approaches –We will withdraw to

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10 Feb. ’45

According to Headquarters we will carry out at least a desperate stand. Part of the enemy tank unit was driven back. Several dozen enemy planes

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11 Feb. ’45

Empire Day. Since today in Empire Day we can count on a general attack carried out by our troops. Several dozen enemy planes attacked. Fierce

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12 Feb. ’45

It is said that the main strength of our Army Forces is to the rear of the enemy and is preparing for a general attack.

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13 Feb. ’45

The enemy approaches closer and closer; concurrently, we cannot cope with the enemy’s concentrated fire. Positions and houses are either destroyed or burnt. It is

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14 Feb. ’45

According to reports our troops to the rear are said to be preparing for a general attack. It seems that we may have support from

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15 Feb. ’45

Friendly planes cannot be used. Tanks approach, it becomes a fierce fight. We have many disadvantages. Five men from this Machine Gun Unit went to

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16 Feb. ’45

One Martin shot down. One heavy tank is seen … the enemy comes fighting vigorously and bravely using superior weapons. The automatic rifle is one

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17 Feb. ’45

Martin type enemy planes again appeared. Due to our machinegun fire they hurriedly flew away.The 1st tank unit departed. There may be support from our

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