World War II Database

1.  C. Peter Chen says:
2 Jan 2008 11:25:26 AM

Special thanks to West Point Museum Curator of Arms and Armor Les Jensen for providing the display label text, which says:

dir>General Yamashita's Sword

On 2 September 1945 General Tomoyuki Yamashita who commanded the Japanese troops in the Philippines surrendered his forces and this sword. General Yamashita was popularly known in Japan as the "Tiger of Malaya" because of his successes against British forces in Malaya.

The sword blade was made by Fujiwara Kanenaga between 1640 and 1680, and, as is customary with most Japanese swords, was remounted in the 20th Century.

Presented by MG Edward H. Leavey (USMA Aug. 1917) on behalf of GEN Douglas MacArthur (USMA 1903)
2137/dir>

2. Anonymous says:
16 Jun 2008 11:13:18 AM

As I read this, it reminded me of my dad. My dad met Gen.Yamashita. He was the witnessed and he is in the book of The case of General Yamashita

3. Anonymous says:
30 Dec 2008 11:24:36 PM

my last name is yamashita. wonder if we're related?

4. bong.abuan@yahoo.com says:
17 Feb 2009 08:17:25 AM

i'm a filipino treasure hunter.will somebody help me with japanese treasure codes.i believe many WW2 GI's have knowledge about this military codes.
thanks so much.above is my email add.

5. Anonymous says:
27 Apr 2009 04:58:32 PM

Can you lay the sword on its back instead of on the HA.. You could damage the sword leaving the pressure on the edge like that.

6. Mark S says:
8 May 2009 10:59:02 PM

yes, flip the sword please. Resting it on its edge like that is not healthy

7.  C. Peter Chen says:
9 May 2009 07:41:36 AM

Thanks for the information on the display of the sword, guys. I got in touch with the curator's office at West Point. They checked out the sword a couple of days ago, found that the sword is undamaged, but will research into better mounting methods.

8. Rev. Paul F. Woods says:
22 Jul 2009 07:23:20 AM

When you compare this sword with the photograph as he surrendered you will find that the scabbard does not match that which is in the picture. On the other hand, I know the location of the real sword of General Yamashita.

9.  C. Peter Chen says:
22 Jul 2009 02:49:17 PM

Rev. Paul F. Woods, so where is the real sword?

10. Sonja Cullum says:
31 Mar 2010 02:13:14 AM

to Mr C.Peter Chen
I have relation too as the first contact
(anonym). Could you contact me. My mother tongue is German. Thanks.

11. Anonymous says:
2 Nov 2010 01:34:27 AM

Nippon-to should be displayed supported on the back edge ideally the blade should be removed from its WW2 mountings which should be mounted on a sunagi wooden copy of the blade. Shirasaya should be made to protect the blade.
Corrosion from the original tsuka or shin gunto handle can damage this part if continually stored this way.

12. Barlow, K.A. Jr. says:
23 Nov 2010 01:23:22 AM

With all do respect. Grandfather, Ernest Andrew Barlow class of '25, captured Yamashita and the family currently has the sword of surrender during the capture. Barlow defended Yamashita during his trial. We have the photos and archived reports. Would be interested in donating to USMA.

13. E.S. says:
15 Apr 2014 09:49:13 AM

@ Barlow, K..A. Jr. - I realize your comment is almost 4 years ago, but I am doing research on Yamashita-san and would appreciate acquiring the info you have related to his sword.

14. Anonymous says:
5 Sep 2014 08:49:20 PM

so funny.. the tiger of malaya was not dead, he was enjoying his life here in the philippines.

15. Anonymous says:
10 Nov 2018 06:29:20 PM

Thus yamashita and mc arthur really classmates in military academy???

Does anybody knows it..???

Just heard from someone...