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Who Was the Soldier Who Didn't Know the War Ended?

Published in World War II Holdouts 3 mins read

The most widely known soldier who remained unaware of the end of World War II for decades was Hiroo Onoda. He was a Japanese Imperial Army intelligence officer who famously continued to fight on Lubang Island in the Philippines for nearly 30 years after Japan's surrender in August 1945.

Hiroo Onoda: The Man Who Never Surrendered

Onoda was deployed to Lubang Island in December 1944 with orders to conduct guerrilla warfare, collect intelligence, and not to surrender. Despite numerous attempts by search parties to inform him of the war's end—including leaflets, letters, and even broadcasts—he dismissed them as enemy propaganda or traps. His commitment to his mission was so absolute that he, along with a few remaining comrades, continued to live off the land and engage in skirmishes with local inhabitants, believing the war was still ongoing.

It's plausible that when eventually confronted with the reality of the war's end, Onoda may have found it easier to convince himself that he genuinely hadn't known, rather than to confront the potential shame or foolishness associated with his prolonged, isolated resistance driven by what could be interpreted as a stubborn sense of pride.

Decades in Hiding

Onoda's remarkable story highlights an extreme case of dedication to duty and an incredible will to survive. For almost three decades, he avoided capture and maintained his military posture, meticulously preserving his rifle and uniform. His small group of holdouts gradually dwindled due to encounters with local forces or internal conflicts, leaving him as the last remaining soldier by 1972.

The End of His War

Onoda's long ordeal finally ended in March 1974 when he was officially relieved of his duties by his former commanding officer, Major Yoshimi Taniguchi, who flew to Lubang Island specifically to issue the formal order. This extraordinary event was orchestrated by Norio Suzuki, a Japanese explorer who had sought Onoda out. Upon his return to Japan, Onoda became a national sensation, embodying a spirit of unyielding loyalty and resilience.

Not the Only One

While Hiroo Onoda is the most famous example, he was not the only Japanese soldier who found it difficult to believe that World War II had ended. Several other "holdouts" were discovered in various Pacific islands years after the war concluded, though none remained active for as long as Onoda. These cases collectively illustrate the profound psychological impact of prolonged combat and isolation, coupled with strong adherence to military codes of honor.

Key Facts About Hiroo Onoda

Detail Description
Rank Second Lieutenant
Unit Imperial Japanese Army (Intelligence Officer)
Location Lubang Island, Philippines
Period of Hiding December 1944 – March 1974 (Nearly 30 years after the war officially ended in August 1945)
Discovery Found by Japanese explorer Norio Suzuki in 1974
Return to Japan Marched out of the jungle in his uniform, surrendering his rifle, swords, and ammunition to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, then returned to Japan a national hero.
Source His story has been widely covered, including by the BBC.