|
S/D (26 Sep 48 by Sartiano) Civ. clerk of mil. court martials at WAH from Apr 45. then a 1st Lt. from 1 June to 30 November as to LS personnel and supply, in charge of detention barracks under WAKO from 2 July, handled secret papers under WAKO. 1st grade in kendo. Recalls a KT messenger brought records of 4 Flyers to WAKO for prosecution. MURATA investigated the Flyers for violation of military law. WAKO told SHIMASAKI that the Flyers held in LS detention barracks were under Staff and responsible for food and welfare rested with the Adjutant Section (JIN). About 1230 (Morning) of 20 June, WAKO told him "Plane crew members will be disposed of." by the Staff Section; that they would be decapitated. SHIMASAKI thought either the C/S (INADA) or SATO ordered it; INADA because he controlled the staff Officers. SHIMASAKI then saw WAKO take out the Flyers, whereupon SHIMASAKI told him to let the staff section do it. he replying that it was none of Shimasaki's business. SHIMASAKI noticed ITO at the execution of the 8 Flyers toward the end of the execution; believes SATO was there. WAKO, MURATA, OHNISHI and several others stood at one end of the pit; WAKO ordered the guards to bring the Flyers one by one, decapitated the first two flyers. IKEDA decapitated the third Flyer, PO OHNISHI the 4th. 1st Lt. TOJI then ran up, said, "Let me to it," his mother having been kklled in the raid, decapitated the fifth, then raised his sword, yelled wCome on,M and decapitated the 6th, 7th and 8th. Jap army official means of execution is by firing squad; there were no orders that SHIMASAKI saw as to the 20 June execution. SHIMASAKA was absent on 15 August, but the execution of that date was common knowledge at headquarters. About 18-19 August WAKO ordered the LS personnel to assemble about 1900. Among those attending were MURATA, PO OHNISHI, SAITOO SOTA, SHIMOMITSU, SANUI, et al, plus 2nd Lt. Chikanori ZUSHI of Ordnance. They drank sake, and WAKO mentioned that he would take responsibility. SHIMASAKI believes it was ZUSHI of Ordnance* They drank sake, and WAKO mentioned that he would take responsibility. SHIMAXAKI believes it was ZUSHI who said it was theresponsibility of all. SHIMASAKI believes purpose of meeting was to agree to conceal the facts. In late August WAKO called SHIMASAKI in, and while there called 2nd Lt. OHNO who glared at him, at which WAKO asked him if he didn't have any guts, struck him twice then told him if OHNO killed him, he would be sentenced to death for killing a superior officer, asked him whether he had enough faith in himself so as not to confess. WAKO at that time had a touch of insanity. SHIMASAKI heard that OHNO killed a Flyer, was constantly brooding about it. |