Russell Webber Killed Japanese Soldier Who Carried Flag To Be Seen In Window

(Editors Note: I have scoured the Time/Life archives and have been unable to find the photo of my grandfather, Russell Webber, mentioned in this article, so I am including a similar photo of a Japanese flag found in Life Magazine in 1943 – George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society)

A Japanese flag sent home from Guadalcanal by Marine Pfc. Russell Webber Of Norwood is on display this week in the window of Red Cross headquarters at 8 Guild Street. Its rising sun dimmed by dirt and badly torn, the flag is a grim reminder of the heavy fighting of the Pacific war. All around the rising sun, in the middle of the flag are faded Japanese characters.

This flag was found on a Japanese soldier killed on Guadalcanal and brought back by LIFE Correspondent John Mersey. Presumably, jagged rents in the circle were caused by U.S. Marine bullets or bayonets. Red smears are apparently bloodstains. The flag belonged to Kazuo Ishikawa. Before he left Japan for the war his wife gave it to him and wrote across the top: “Greetings on the occasion of your trip—to Kazuo Ishikawa. Presented by Kikumatsu Ishikawa.” His friends then wrote messages. Their remarks are grim, determined, and inspirational. For the most part, they are couched in lofty, high-flown phrases, such as “To die for the country—this is the way of loyalty—the way to repay this nation,” “Son of Divine Country, who departs now, victory depends on your action,” or “Victory for Holy War.” Often, though, they are briefer, more explicit, such as “To hell with the enemy” or “Stick to it.” (Time/Life)

Webber killed the Japanese soldier who carried the flag on Guadalcanal. Shown in the window is a photograph of Webber with one of his Marine buddies and also a picture from Life magazine in which Webber appears.

The window cards remind the public that the lives of the men who are doing the heavy fighting may be insured by a gift of a pint of blood Appointments for blood donations may be made at the Red Cross headquarters here.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)

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