Minoru Ota

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Rear Admiral Minoru Ota (大田 実 Ōta Minoru, 1891 - 1945) commanded the Naval Base Force that defended the Oroku Peninsula on Okinawa. On 11 June 1945, the U.S. 6th Marine Division encircled the Naval Base Force and Ota sent his farewell telegram to the 32nd Army Headquarters at 1600 hours, 12 June. On 13 June, Ota committed suicide.

[edit] The Last Telegram

The condition of the residents in Okinawa shall be reported by the mayor of the prefecture, yet the prefecture has no method of communication, nor the 32nd military headquarter. Although it was not requested by the mayor of the prefcture, it is not bearable to pretermit the situation, I would like to send an urgent report.

Since the beginning of the enemy's attack to Okinawa main island, both the army and navy have concentrated on protecting themselves, and have not paid enough to the residents of the prefecture. However, as far as I have observed, all the adult men have devoted themselves to the protection, and the remaining aged and women, with all the houses and assets burnt, moved to small shelters so that they would not drag the army and navy.

The young women have devoted themselves, not only as nurse and cook, but also attempted to carry the ammuniation and military operations.

They think that the aged and children would be killed, the women would be taken to their territory and humiliated, deciding to part, leaving the women at the gate of the army.

The nurses have still cared the heavily injured whom army medic have left. The way they work is sober, and shall not be driven by a temporary motivation.

When the operation plan changed, some of them were allocated to residential district at a distant, and under the continuous bombing, as they don't have transportation, silently walked in rain in the night.

In summary, since the army and navy operated in Okinawa, they worked and served continuously, were forced to save the supplies, with holding the honour of Japanese, without a reward, the battle comes to the final situation. The Okinawa island has changed, with every tree and grass being burnt. The food will be just for June. The residents of Okinawa have fought this way.

I wish a special attention will be paid to the residents of Okinawa.

Major General Ota Minoru The Admiral of Okinawa

[edit] Reference

Source: Huber, Thomas M. Japan's Battle of Okinawa, April-June 1945. Leavenworth Papers N° 18. ISSN 0195-3451. 1990.