Tomoyuki Takada, Japanese Counteroffensive Commander Dies at 93

Takada, Commander of the Japanese Counteroffensive on Iwo Jima, Dies at 93

Takada's forces fought fiercely against Marines who eventually took the island

Tomoyuki Takada, a retired Japanese general who commanded the Japanese counteroffensive on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II, has died at the age of 93. Takada was born in 1922 in Hiroshima, Japan. He graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1943 and was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, which was stationed on Iwo Jima. In February 1945, the United States Marine Corps invaded Iwo Jima. Takada's division was responsible for defending the island's southern sector. The Marines quickly gained a foothold on the island, but Takada's forces fought fiercely, inflicting heavy casualties on the Americans. After several weeks of fighting, the Marines were finally able to defeat Takada's forces and capture the island. However, the battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific War, with over 20,000 American and Japanese soldiers killed. Takada was captured by the Americans after the battle and was held as a prisoner of war for several years. He was eventually released and returned to Japan. After the war, Takada worked as a businessman and became an outspoken advocate for peace. He also wrote several books about his experiences during the war. Takada's death was announced by his family on May 10, 2016. He is survived by his wife and two children.