On this day in 1972, Sergeant Shoichi Yokoi of the Japanese Imperial Army was discovered hiding in the jungles of Guam by two local fisherman, nearly 28 years after the end of World War II. Though Yokoi had known about the end of the war since 1952, he believed as many soldiers of the IJA, that death was preferable to the dishonor of being captured alive.
“It is with much embarrassment that I return,” said Yokoi upon his arrival in Japan. The quote became a popular saying in Japan, encapsulating his dedication, loyalty, and humility.
