Kunio Nakagawa | |
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Kunio Nakagawa |
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Born | 23 January 1898 Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan |
Died | 24 November 1944 Peleliu island, Palau |
(aged 46)
Allegiance | Empire of Japan |
Service/branch | Imperial Japanese Army |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Colonel Kunio Nakagawa (中川 州男 Nakagawa Kunio , 23 January 1898 – 24 November 1944) was the commander of Japanese forces which defended the island of Peleliu in the Battle of Peleliu which took place from 15 September to 27 November 1944. He inflicted heavy losses on attacking U.S. Marines and held Peleliu island for almost three months. On the evening of 24 November, after the battle was lost, he committed ritual suicide in the tradition of Japanese Samurai warriors; Seppuku. He was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant General for his valor displayed on Peleliu.