I'm researching a surrendered Army Shin Gunto sword and need some help.
The sword belonged to the Chief of Staff of the Japanese Army's 108th Infantry Division. It was surrendered to the Assistant G-3 of the US 81st Infantry Division (Lt. Col. Joseph Schultz) when the 108th was demobilized in Hachinohe, Japan in 1945. I've learned these two officers were Chiefs of Staff of that division, Col. Akira Kobori and Col. Nakataka Sakai. Unfortunately, I'm unable to determine if either of them was in that position at the end of the war.
My resources are limited and searching the net has had limited results. Could anyone help me identify the name of the officer who was Chief of Staff of the 108th Infantry Division in 1945? I know this is a great deal to ask. Thank you very much for any help you can provide.
The sword belonged to the Chief of Staff of the Japanese Army's 108th Infantry Division. It was surrendered to the Assistant G-3 of the US 81st Infantry Division (Lt. Col. Joseph Schultz) when the 108th was demobilized in Hachinohe, Japan in 1945. I've learned these two officers were Chiefs of Staff of that division, Col. Akira Kobori and Col. Nakataka Sakai. Unfortunately, I'm unable to determine if either of them was in that position at the end of the war.
My resources are limited and searching the net has had limited results. Could anyone help me identify the name of the officer who was Chief of Staff of the 108th Infantry Division in 1945? I know this is a great deal to ask. Thank you very much for any help you can provide.