In the annals of forgotten history, few figures exemplify the complex and tragic reality of Korean soldiers in the Imperial Japanese Army quite like Park Gwan-bin (朴官彬), who is featured in the following propaganda news articles from January 1945 that are translated and transcribed below.
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| Park Gwan-bin |
Park, hailing from a rural village in Wiwon County in northern Korea, volunteered for the Imperial Army and met his death in Burma in December 1944 during the Burma campaign, charging into an enemy position while clutching an anti-tank explosive. His suicide attack destroyed a fortified machine-gun nest, paving the way for his comrades’ advance. The Imperial Japanese press at the time lavishly honored him, painting him as a model of unwavering loyalty and sacrifice as a land-based kamikaze attacker. His heroism was not only a personal achievement but a shared glory, extending to his family, his village, and even his entire county. As the articles show, his nine family members—including his parents, wife, daughter, younger brother, and uncle—were publicly associated with his 'martyrdom', an honor that might have carried tangible social and economic benefits.
The party leader of the Korean Federation of National Power (国民総力朝鮮連盟, 국민총력조선연맹), the monolithic party that ruled Korea under Japanese occupation, also celebrated Park’s sacrifice, tying it to Korea’s collective wartime contribution. The party leader also eulogized Lim Jang-su (림장수, 林長守), a Korean kamikaze pilot who destroyed a U.S. Navy vessel in the Philippines in a December 7, 1944 attack, as well as Matsui Hideo, originally named In Jae-ung (인재웅, 印在雄), another Korean kamikaze pilot who also died in the Philippines in a November 29, 1944 attack. In Jae-ung was quite possibly the first Korean kamikaze pilot ever to die in combat. A translation of a brief biographical article about In Jae-ung from the NHK Japanese news service is provided at the end of this post.
Park’s sacrifice was not only a source of honor for his family but also for various stakeholders who basked in his reflected glory. The county governor openly expressed his pride in having such a hero emerge from his jurisdiction, while the director of the training center in Pyongyang, where Park was trained, also took great pride in producing a soldier of such loyalty and valor. Even Park’s squad leader, his student company commander, and the captain who oversaw his training days were drawn into the celebration of his heroism, their reputations enhanced by their association with him. These layers of commemoration indicate that battlefield martyrdom was not merely an individual act but a means to elevate an entire network of people—from local officials to military instructors—who could claim a connection to the fallen hero.
Aside from the two celebrated kamikaze pilots, this article also briefly mentions other Korean “martyrs” in passing, like Lee In-seok, who is known to be the first Korean Imperial Army soldier to be killed in battle during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Unfortunately, other Korean soldiers referenced in the article remain frustratingly obscure, with little to no available information. This is an area where historians could pick up where existing research has failed.
Had Imperial Japan won the war, figures like Park Gwan-bin and Lim Jang-su would likely be Korean national icons today, with monuments erected in their honor, buildings named after them, schoolchildren learning their stories, and their spirits venerated in national ceremonies facing Yasukuni Shrine. They would have been ubiquitous in state propaganda, enshrined as the ultimate symbols of Korean loyalty to the Empire. But in our timeline, they are nearly forgotten, their stories buried in the shadows of history, and uncovering even fragments of their lives is an immense challenge.
One translation decision that I made in this post was to list his name as Park Gwan-bin, even though the original newspaper articles only referred to him by his Japanized name, Bokumura (朴村). While I do not have explicit evidence that his original Korean name was Park, the fact that his Japanized surname incorporates the Hanja (Chinese character) for Park (朴) makes it a strong assumption.
Given that different newspaper reports from January 29 and January 30, 1945, list different ages and identities for Park’s family members, discrepancies likely arose due to language barriers—his rural Korean relatives may have struggled to communicate in Japanese or spoken an obscure Korean dialect unfamiliar to reporters.
Another discrepancy that I found is that one article describes that Park grew up in poverty, while another article mentions that his family is well-off. Perhaps his farming family grew wealthy only after he grew older. Alternatively, it may be that the term 'well-off' was relative to the wealth of other farming families in the area, and that, compared to other families in Korea as a whole, their family would still have been considered poor.
[Translation]
Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 29, 1945
Flesh and Steel—A Path Cleared by Assault
Behold, the Brilliant Military Deeds of Private First Class Park!
As the shining heroic feats of Lieutenants Matsui Hideo (松井秀雄) (Korean name In Jae-ung, 인재웅, 印在雄) and Lim Jang-su illuminate the Korean peninsula like divine eagles, so too has Private First Class Park Gwan-bin (박관빈, 朴官彬, Japanese surname Bokumura 朴村), a volunteer from the Korean peninsula, fought bravely on the Burmese front. His valiant struggle has led to the ultimate sacrifice, his noble body falling amid the grass, dyed with blood. His luminous individual citation has now been publicly announced.
The esteemed Private First Class Park hails from 84 Gobo-dong (고보동, 古堡洞), Bongsan-myeon (봉산면, 鳳山面), Wiwon County (위원군, 渭原郡), North Pyongan Province. He was among the first class of volunteers trained at the Pyongyang First Volunteer Training School. Assigned to the Itai squad, he displayed remarkable martial prowess on the pestilence-ridden, scorching front lines. In particular, during combat on the banks of the Irrawaddy River last December, he fearlessly led his squad to the forefront, pressing against the enemy position despite sustaining severe injuries. Undeterred, he clutched an anti-tank explosive to his chest and charged into the enemy fortifications spitting fire. In an instant, he obliterated the enemy's fortified machine-gun nest and, in the ensuing chaos, personally stabbed several enemy soldiers to death. His sacrifice paved the way for the advance of our forces, making him a spearhead for the protection of the Imperial nation, perishing with honor on the Burmese front.
This marks the first individual commendation awarded to a Korean volunteer. The boundless spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice displayed by Private First Class Park, whose valor could stir even the spirits of the fallen, serves as a model not only for his fellow Korean volunteers but also for the elite ranks of the Imperial Army. Just as the names of Privates First Class Lee In-seok and Lee Hyang-su (이향수, 李享洙) who stained the battlefields of Shanxi with their pure blood, shine brightly, and as Sergeant Kaneshiro Yoshiki (金城義輝) received the distinguished honor of a double-rank promotion for extraordinary military achievements, Park’s valor now shines as a bright light in the annals of the Greater East Asia War.
The 26 million people of the Korean peninsula, already filled with burning gratitude and admiration for the divine eagles and soldiers of the sky, must now deepen their resolve and elevate their will to fight. The noble soul of Private First Class Park must serve as an inspiration for all.
A Land-Based Special Attack Unit
A Manifestation of the Spirit of Sacrifice
Testimony from Chief Reporter Nagaya
The Korean peninsula, which has already brought forth the divine eagles, the Special Attack Unit members Lieutenants Matsui and Lim, whose unwavering loyalty and valor will be remembered for eternity, has once again demonstrated its martial spirit. Earlier this year, on the central China front, Privates Second Class Ōyama and Morishige fearlessly engaged in fierce combat, cutting down more than ten enemy soldiers with unrelenting force. Their remarkable bravery earned high praise from General Okamura, commander of the China Expeditionary Army. Now, the Burmese front has seen the emergence of another legend: Private First Class Park Gwan-bin, the first from the Korean peninsula to receive an individual commendation.
Private First Class Park, under the most adverse conditions, bravely pressed forward with an anti-tank explosive in his arms, destroying a heavily fortified enemy machine-gun emplacement and significantly aiding our military operations. His actions exemplify the highest spirit of sacrifice. When he realized his grave injuries would prevent him from rising again, he calmly shouted "Banzai to His Majesty the Emperor!" before embracing death with composure. This act of ultimate loyalty is the very embodiment of the warrior spirit and can be rightfully deemed the equivalent of a land-based Special Attack Unit.
At a time when the Greater East Asia War sees fierce battles against the Americans unfolding on the Philippine front and the vast expanse of China, these Korean soldiers have shattered the enemy’s ranks, demonstrating superhuman feats of courage in both air and land operations to destroy the British and the Americans. Their deeds will surely solidify the 26 million Koreans' unwavering resolve for ultimate victory.
Even now, numerous Korean soldiers fight alongside those from the homeland across land, sea, and air. Without a doubt, further exemplary military exploits will emerge. With the second round of conscription examinations currently underway across all of Korea, these young men, inspired by the shining military exploits of their predecessors, must surely feel the flames of loyalty and devotion burning deep within their hearts. Young Korean men must engrave upon their hearts that military service is the highest honor for a man and the most exalted duty of a subject of Japan. They must strive to achieve glorious military feats so as not to bring shame upon their predecessors. At the same time, they must take to heart the spirit of the young warriors who have demonstrated their resolve to the 26 million people of the peninsula. With unshakable determination, they must unite all their strength to carry out the war to its conclusion and annihilate the British and the Americans.
Graduate of the Pyongyang Second Volunteer Training School
Having fully demonstrated the essence of the Imperial Army, Private First Class Park Gwan-bin fell heroically on the Burmese front, earning an individual commendation. Born in 84 Gobo-dong-84, Bongsan-myeon, Wiwon County, North Pyongan Province, he graduated from Bongsan Elementary School. Initially engaged in farming at home, he was unable to suppress his fervent desire to become a volunteer soldier, so in 1942, he enrolled in the Pyongyang Second Army Volunteer Training School. After completing his training, he served as an assistant instructor at the same school. When he passed the rigorous second screening, he proudly stepped into the ranks of the military.
At home, his family consists of five other members including his father, Il-chan (일찬, 一賛) (39 years old), his mother, Jik-ok (직옥, 直玉) (42 years old), his younger brother, Seong-bin (성빈, 星彬) (13 years old), his younger sister, Seon-bin (선빈, 善彬) (4 years old), and his uncle, Park Byeong-chan (병찬, 炳賛). The family is well-off, owning extensive farmland.
A Flower Always Adorned His Instructor's Desk
A Story from His Training School Days
[Pyongyang Telephone Report] Though Private First Class Park was a fearless warrior who struck terror into the hearts of the enemy, he also had a gentle side, as recently recounted in a cherished tale from his days at his training school in Pyongyang.
One day, while in training, he happened to notice that his instructor's desk held an empty vase. Finding the sight lonely, he thought, "Even in a training school, it would not be inappropriate for a vase to hold flowers." From the following morning, beautiful flowers mysteriously began appearing in the vase each day. After two or three days, the instructor, curious about the benefactor, discovered that the kind-hearted Park had been placing them there.
Beyond this anecdote, Private First Class Park worked tirelessly to improve the capabilities of Squad 38, of which he was a part, supporting the squad leader to make it a model unit within the school.
Follow This Loyal and Heroic Example!
Statement from the Chief of the Korean Federation of National Power
"At this moment, having learned that Private First Class Park has distinguished himself on the Burma front with remarkable military achievements, serving as a noble foundation for our Empire’s inevitable victory and living on in eternal righteousness, I am overwhelmed with emotion. He has been awarded a commendation from the army commander and, furthermore, has had the great honor of being reported to His Majesty.
Inspired by the eternal brilliance of the loyalty, courage, and valor of Second Lieutenants Matsui and Lim, as well as Sergeant Kanehara, we are now further moved by the unprecedented honor bestowed upon a Korean for the first time. This news is an immense source of pride for the Korean Peninsula, and we must widely extol his military achievements. At the same time, we must also remain steadfast in our sincerity, burn with an unshakable conviction in the defense of the Empire, and strive to align ourselves with the Imperial Will.
Now, as the realities of the war situation grow ever more severe, there is no room for cheap optimism. This autumn, when the entire hundred million must truly rise up and devote themselves fully to supplying the front lines, we must take to heart the spirit of Private First Class Park, who seized the enemy position in a life-or-death charge. We must renew our resolve to follow his path of loyal and heroic sacrifice."
The Deep Emotion at the Volunteer Soldier Training Center
[Pyongyang – Telephone Report] The deep emotion surrounding the heroic Private First Class Park has also spread to the Second Volunteer Soldier Training Center, where he trained. Former director Colonel Kamizumi Ryōkichi, student company commander Captain Wakamatsu Yoshinosuke, and squad leader Corporal Shiratani Masato each shared their heartfelt thoughts:
"It is truly an honor for our training center to have produced such a devoted Imperial soldier as Private First Class Park. We are simply overwhelmed with emotion. Private First Class Park was raised in a relatively wealthy household, and his parents were highly understanding people. A home that fosters such understanding naturally produces outstanding Imperial soldiers. We hope that all families will take this moment to deepen their understanding of the Imperial Army. Park was a gentle, serious man with exemplary conduct and a strong sense of responsibility. He was not only the pride of his family but also of our training center, and we cannot contain our joy."
Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 30, 1945
The Character of Private First Class Park
A Man of Strong Willpower
Top of His Class in School
[Sinuiju Telephone Report] On the 28th, just as our spirits were still stirred by the heroic kamikaze attack of Second Lieutenant Lim Jang-su, we received news of another honor—the first-ever individual commendation for a Korean soldier, awarded to Private First Class Park Gwan-bin. All the people of the province, and indeed the entire Korean peninsula, reflected upon his brilliant military exploits and honor and resolved, with unwavering sincerity, to offer their own lives in service of the Emperor by destroying the enemy. The following is an account of Private First Class Park’s character:
Park was born in a poor farming household in Gobo-dong, Bongsan-myeon, Wiwon County, about 4.5 ri (approximately 18 kilometers) from Wiwon town. His strict father, Mr. Park Il-chan, was known as the most diligent farmer in the region. Growing up in this simple and honest environment, young Gwan-bin naturally became a quiet, gentle, and sincere individual.
By the time he graduated in March 1940 from Dongjang Public Elementary School (sixth graduating class), he had developed a strong physique and had gained a reputation as a determined young man who never gave up once he set his mind on something. He was expected to become a pillar of the village’s youth community.
Despite his family’s poverty, he studied diligently. He consistently ranked at the top of his class, astonishing those around him.
It was during this time that he resolved to enlist as a special volunteer soldier in the Imperial Army. Despite opposition from the villagers, he persisted and was finally accepted into the Pyongyang Special Volunteer Soldier Training Center in the summer of 1942. With a heart filled with excitement, he donned his training uniform and devoted himself entirely to the path of a true Imperial soldier.
He completed his training in December of that year. Afterward, he served as an assistant instructor at the Bongsan Youth Special Training Center, where he trained recruits with an unyielding spirit. He was a man of action, leading by example rather than mere words.
His courageous final act—charging into the enemy lines with explosives in hand—was the ultimate expression of his resolute will.
In a later month, he formally entered military service and gave his life in glory on the Burma front.
His surviving family members include his father Il-chan (41 years old), his mother Jik-ok (46 years old), his wife Ok-kin (24 years old), his four-year-old daughter, his younger brother’s wife, two younger sisters, and cousins—a total of nine relatives.
A Great Honor for the County
Statement from the Governor of Wiwon County
[Sinuiju – Telephone Report] Mr. Harada Keisei, the governor of Wiwon County, who had traveled to attend the Provincial Governors’ Conference on the 30th, expressed his profound emotion upon learning of the first individual commendation awarded to a Korean soldier:
"The unprecedented honor of this individual commendation is not only a supreme distinction for Private First Class Park himself but also an incomparable honor for all 40,000 residents of our county.
Previously, we had the honor of producing the late Second Lieutenant Lim, and now we have given rise to yet another heroic soldier, Private First Class Park. There is no greater pride and joy than this.
Thinking of the fact that such divine soldiers have emerged from my jurisdiction, I cannot remain still. The only way to truly repay the heroic deeds of these soldiers is to dedicate ourselves to increased wartime production.
Now is the time for all 40,000 county residents to follow in the footsteps of Private First Class Park!"
[Transcription]
京城日報 1945年1月29日
肉弾・拓く突撃路
ああ武勲燦たり朴村上等兵
半島の神鷲松井、林両少尉の偉烈燦と輝くときビルマ戦線に勇戦奮闘、壮烈草染む屍の栄光に殉じた半島出身志願兵朴村官彬上等兵に対する輝く個人感状が発表された。
誉れの朴村上等兵は平北渭原郡凰山面古堡洞八四の出身、平壌第一志願兵訓練所一期生だ。板井分隊に属して灼熱瘴癘の戦線に武功をうち樹て、とくに昨年十二月イラワジ河岸の戦闘には分隊の最先頭に立って敵陣に肉薄重傷を受けるも届せず、破甲爆雷をしっかと胸に抱き敢然として火を吐く敵陣に突入、一瞬にして敵掩蓋重機陣地を爆砕すると、共に周章狼狽の敵数名を刺殺。友軍進撃の途を拓いて壮烈ビルマ戦線に皇国護持の尖兵と散ったのである。
半島出身志願兵に対する栄の個人感状はこれが最初であり、朴村上等兵のその鬼神を哭かしむる尽忠殉国の赤誠は半島出身志願兵は勿論、皇軍精鋭の亀鑑ともいうべく、さきに山西の戦野を純血に染めた李仁錫、李享洙両上等兵をはじめ、武功抜群二階級特進の栄誉に浴した金城義輝兵長らの勲と共に大東亜戦史に燦たる光芒を放ったものである。
二千六百万はさきに神鷲、空の神兵に捧げた燃え沸ぎる感謝と感激をさらに一段と深めて戦う士気を昂揚。この朴村上等兵の芳魂に続かなければならない。
恰も陸の特攻隊
これぞ犠牲精神の発露
長屋報道部長語る
忠烈万古に薫る特攻隊員松井、林両少尉の神鷲を出し、その声価を中外に輝かした半島は今年はじめ中支戦線において敵兵十数名を刺殺し獅子奮迅の活躍をして岡村支那派遣軍司令官からいたく激賞された大山、森重二等兵をはじめ今またビルマ戦線に於いて半島出身初の個人感状の栄に輝く朴村官彬上等兵を出したことは唯々感激のほかなき次第である。特に朴村上等兵は最も困難なる状況のもと敢然身に破甲爆雷を抱き肉薄中掩蓋重機陣地を粉砕。味方の作戦を容易ならしめた行為は真に尊き犠牲精神の発露であると共に重傷の末再び起つ能わざるを知るや、天皇陛下万歳を唱え従容死につく。これ一死以て国に報ゆる尽忠精神のあらわれにして真に軍人精神の亀鑑であり陸の特攻隊というべきである。
今や大東亜戦争は比島戦線をはじめ支那大陸、熾烈な日米決戦が展開されているとき、これら半島出身兵が空に陸に体当たりを以て米英撃滅に鬼神を哭かしむる武勲を樹てたことは半島二千六百万をして勝ち抜く決意を一層新たにしたことであろう。
現在尚多くの半島出身兵が陸、海、空に内地出身兵と共に活躍中であるが、必ずや赫々たる武勲が続々と現れることを確信している。いま全鮮に亘り第二回目の徴兵検査が実施されているが、これらの若き壮丁は武勲輝く先輩の忠烈に対し胸奥深く尽忠の焰を燃えたぎらせていることであろう。
兵役は男子最高の名誉であり、日本臣民として崇高な義務であることを銘肝し先輩の名を恥かしめないよう立派な手柄を樹てることを切望すると同時に半島二千六百万に対し身を以て示した若き勇士の心を心として米英撃滅に向って飽くまで戦争遂行に総力を結集することを望んで止まない。
平壌第二志願訓練所の出身
皇軍の真髄を発揮しビルマ戦線で壮烈な戦死を遂げ個人感状授与に輝く朴村官彬上等兵は平北道渭原郡凰山面古堡洞八四に生れ凰山国民学校を卒業。一時家庭にあって農事にいそしんでいたが志願兵への熱望おさえがたく昭和十七年平壌の第二陸軍志願者訓練所に入所訓練終了後、同訓練所の助手として勤務しているうち第二次銓衡に見事合格、勇躍晴れの軍門を潜ったのである。
家庭には父一賛氏（39）、母直玉さん（42）、弟星彬君（13）、妹善彬さん（４つ）に叔父の炳賛氏の五人がおり、大農家である。
教官の机上、常に花あり
床しい訓練所時代の挿話
【平壌電話】敵陣に向っては鬼をもひしぐ勇猛果敢な朴村上等兵の優しい一面を物語る『朴村生徒の花』の逸話が、いま新たに平壌の予備訓練所で語られている。
訓練所入所中の或日、朴村生徒はふと教官の机上をみた。そこには花瓶あれど花なし、淋しさであった。訓練所とはいえ花瓶に花の風情はあっても差支えなかろう、と考えた。
恰度その翌日から毎朝その花瓶に美しい花が挿されるようになった。二日、三日は教官も黙していたが、毎日続く『花』に一体誰が挿してくれるのか、と不審に思い花の主をさがしたところ、朴村生徒の優しい心尽くしであることが判った。このほか朴村上等兵は当時編入していた三十八班の素質の向上を考え班長と共に尽力し同訓練所でも模範的な班に仕上げた功績も残している。
この忠烈に続け！
韓聯盟総長談
只今ビルマ戦線において赫々たる武勲を樹てて皇国必勝の尊い礎として悠久の大義に生きた朴村上等兵に対し、軍司令官より感状を授与せられ更に畏くも上聞に達せられたる光栄に浴したことを知り心からなる感激に咽んでいる次第であります。
裏に松井、林両少尉並に金原軍曹の萬世に輝く忠勇義烈に感動した我等は今又半島人としてこの最初の無上の光栄に浴したる報道に接したことは半島にとって絶大なる誇りとしてその武功を大いに宣揚すべきであると共に我等又至誠一貫、皇国護持の大信念に燃え、大御心に副い奉らねばなりません。
今や戦局の現実は愈々深刻となり安価なる楽観を許さず一億真に奮起、戦線への補給に最善をつくさなければならぬこの秋、我等は決死敵陣を占領した朴村上等兵の心を心として忠烈に続く決意を新にしなければなりません。
志願兵訓練所の感激
【平壌電話】神兵朴村官彬上等兵を出した当時の第二志願兵訓練所所長上住良吉大佐、生徒隊長若松吉之助大尉、区隊長白谷正人伍長は訓練所の名誉でもあるとそれぞれ次の如く感激談を語った。
わが訓練所から朴村上等兵の如き尽忠に燃える皇兵を出したことは実に有難い。只々感激している次第である。朴村上等兵は相当裕福な家庭に育ち両親が非常に理解ある人でした。理解ある家庭を持つことがかかる立派な皇兵を生み出すものと思う。
一般の家庭もこの際皇軍に対する理解を深めて貰いたい。朴村上等兵は日頃柔順で真面目、品行方正で責任感の強い男でした。本人はもとより一家一門の誉れであるが、わが訓練所としても喜びに堪えない。
朴村上等兵：人となりの記
強い実行力
学校は首席で押通す
【新義州電話】神風特攻隊林長守少尉の壮烈なる体当たりに我ら神風魂に決戦の新なる決意と感激まだ醒めやらぬ二十八日、又も朴村官彬上等兵（渭原郡凰山面古堡洞出身）に対する半島初の個人感状授与と殊勲上聞の栄誉をきく全道民はもちろん半島民衆はその輝かしい武勲と栄誉を偲ぶと共にただただ滅敵の一死奉公の誠を固く誓った。以下は朴村上等兵の人となりの記である。
この朴村上等兵は渭原邑内から約四里半も離れた凰山面古堡洞の貧しい農家に生れた。厳父一賛氏はこの地方切っての精農家で純朴な生活環境は少年官彬をそのまま無口で温厚篤実なものへと育み上げて行った。
昭和十五年三月東場公立国民学校（第六期生）を修了する頃には頑丈な体格と何かやり出せば最後までやり通す頼もしい青年となって部落の中堅青年として嘱望されていた。貧しい家庭の中にあってよく勉強し、学校ではいつも首席を占めては人々の舌を巻いたのもこの少年であった。
陸軍特別志願兵へと志願したのもこの頃で、村の人々の反対を押し切って到頭昭和十七年の夏、平壌特別志願兵訓練所に入所訓練服に胸躍らせつつ只管神兵への道にいそしんだ。
同所を同年十二月に修了。その後凰山青年特別錬成所に指導員の助手として元気で訓練生と共に血の出るような訓練生活を重ねた。常に口でいうよりも自分が身をもって実戦して行った爆雷を抱いて敵陣に突撃した壮烈な魂もこの身を以て挺身した実行力にあった。
〇〇月に晴れて入営ビルマ戦線に護国の華を散ったものである。なお遺族には父一賛氏（41）、母直玉さん（46）、妻玉キンさん（24）、長女（４つ）、弟の妻、妹二人に従兄弟など九名がいる。
郡の名誉
渭原郡守談
【新義州電話】三十日開かれる府尹郡守会議に出席のため上道した渭原郡守原田桂成氏は朴村上等兵の半島人初の個人感状授与の知らせを知って左の如く感激談をなした。
半島初の個人感状授与の破格の名誉は本人のみならず四万郡民のこの上もない名誉である。さきに故林少尉を出し又も朴村上等兵を出したことはこの上もない誇りであり喜びだ。これは自分の管内に神兵を出したと思うとじっとしていられない感じた。
この感激を増産につぎ込むことこそ神兵の武勲に応える唯一の道である。今こそ四万郡民は朴村上等兵に続くべきだ。
Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브
Matsui Hideo (松井秀雄) (Korean Name: In Jae-ung)
- Age at Death: 20 years and 6 months
- Place of Death: Leyte Bay, Philippines
- Date of Death: November 29, 1944
- Place of Origin: Korean Peninsula
- Military Rank: Army Corporal
- Training: 13th Class of Youth Aviation Cadets
- Unit: Army Special Attack Unit, Member of the Yasukuni Unit
- Aircraft: Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa"
- Cause of Death: Killed in Action
Early Life
Matsui Hideo, originally named In Jae-ung (인재웅, 印在雄), was born on May 3, 1924, as the second son of a businessman. He had two younger sisters. At the age of 12, he moved to Kaesong with his mother and sisters. He attended Kaesong Public Commercial School before volunteering as a youth aviation cadet in the Imperial Japanese Army, where he became a pilot of the "Hayabusa" fighter aircraft.
Military Service and Death
On November 29, 1944, as a member of the Army Special Attack Unit (Kamikaze) known as the Yasukuni Unit, he launched his final sortie in a Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa" and perished in Leyte Bay, Philippines.
His death was widely publicized in a local Korean newspaper, which printed a headline in Hangul reading, "A Yasukuni Divine Eagle from the Peninsula." His story was used to bolster wartime morale among the Korean population. Following his death, at least 16 other young Korean men are known to have perished in similar special attack missions.
Postwar Controversy
A longstanding rumor suggested that In Jae-ung had survived as a prisoner of war and later returned to the Korean Peninsula after the war. However, his surviving sisters have denied these claims. Furthermore, no records of him have been found in U.S. military prisoner records.
Source: Translated from NHK Archives 特攻＞特攻隊員4000人の記憶＞陸軍靖国隊 印 在雄さん｜戦争｜NHKアーカイブス
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