|
KUROKI, Osamu Miyazaki-Ken, Koyu-Gun, Kawanami—Mura, Osaka Former Rank — 1st Lt. Section: Guerilla Unit, Western Army Hqs. Charges: Executing an American Flyer on or about 10 August 1945 at Aburayama, Fukuoka-Ken. Evidence: Takashi ORTSUKI, former Prob. Officer, IJA, testimony PP-19: “The next executioner, which I believe to be 1st Lt. KUROKI, stepped up to the prisoner” .... and with both hands KUROKI raised the sword over his right shoulder. With a single downward stroke I believe he completely severed the prisoner's head. Tatsuo ITEZONO, testimony PP-123, when questioned about 10 August 1945 execution states: "1st Lt. KUROKI went to the side of the grave and washed his sword. While he was doing this a guard brought a blindfolded prisoner, dressed only in shorts, forward and made him sit by the side of the pit on his haunches. The guard then left and KUROKI was alone with the prisoner. Kuroki stepped toward the prisoner and with both hands raised the sword over his head. He hit the flyer in the neck with the sword but I don*t believe he was able to kill the prisoner. As the dazed flyer teetered on the edge of the grave, KUROKI again lifted his sword and hit the flyer. The second stroke half severed the head and the prisoner fell into the pit. Takashi OHTSUKI, former Prob. Officer, IJA, testimony PP-35, when questioned about the executioners of the American Prisoners on about 10 August 1945 execution named "1st Lt. KUROKI, Guerilla Unit...." |