The Debate Over Banzai Charges on Iwo Jima: Did Japanese Soldiers Disobey General Kuribayashi?
The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought between the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army, was a costly engagement marked by intense combat and significant loss of life. One of the most controversial aspects of this battle was the prohibition of Banzai charges by General Kuribayashi and their subsequent occurrence. This article delves into the dynamics of this prohibition and whether any Japanese soldiers disobeyed Kuribayashi's orders.
Background and Context
During his time in the DC area, Kuribayashi was exposed to a more liberal culture compared to Japan. This exposure likely influenced his decision to issue a firm prohibition against Banzai charges, which are characterized by large-scale, suicidal human wave attacks. As the commander of Iwo Jima, Kuribayashi made it clear that such charges were ineffective and should be forbidden.
Forbidden Banzai Charges
The 9th Marine Division took control of Hill 362, a strategically significant vantage point. Despite Kuribayashi's prohibition, Captain Inouye, the local commander, disregarded this order and launched a Banzai charge involving approximately 1,000 Japanese soldiers against the Marines holding Hill 362. This impromptu counterattack led to a significant number of Japanese casualties, with about 800 bodies found the following day.
Further Actions and Responses
Kuribayashi was likely involved in a subsequent nighttime attack against American Marines. Although this attack achieved surprise, it was also repelled. There is debate among scholars about whether Kuribayashi himself led this charge or if it was a subordinate acting in accordance with these Banzai charges.
Contrary Actions and Theories
Despite Kuribayashi's prohibition, there were instances where Banzai charges did occur. Reports suggest that a small-scale attack by a dozen men took place on the first day of the battle. Additionally, there were rumors of a final Banzai charge near the end of the campaign, possibly led by Kuribayashi himself.
The Scale of the Charges
It is important to note that these incidents were far smaller in scale compared to the 4,300-man charge seen on Saipan. The charges on Iwo Jima were either small-scale or highly localized. Many Marine officers expected a massive Banzai charge on the night of the landing, which Kuribayashi refused to sanction. Subsequently, small-scale attacks occurred throughout the battle, but these were relatively minor and not the large-scale charges seen on other battlefields.
Conclusion
The prohibition of Banzai charges by General Kuribayashi was a deliberate strategy aimed at preserving Japanese forces and thwarting futile, suicidal attacks. However, the fact that some Japanese soldiers disobeyed these orders highlights the desperate conditions faced by both sides in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The debate over whether Kuribayashi's orders were universally obeyed remains a topic of historical interest and scholarly discussion.