Thread: Japanese Razor Returns Home From Iwo Jima!

Hi Guys!

I’m really excited to post this!!

Some time ago I posted about how my old Boy Scout Scoutmaster (Owen) had loaned me a Japanese made Frameback straight and the sharpening hone that he’d found in a pillbox during the battle for Iwo Jima!

Pictures were taken and Jim over in Japan kindly provided translation for the markings on the blade and the hand written writing inside the coffin case.

Owen is 90 years old! He told me that he wanted to try to return the razor and hone to the deceased soldier’s family (there are no living Japanese survivors from the battle for Iwo Jima), he asked that if he couldn’t do it in his lifetime he wanted me to continue the quest!

Earlier this year, there was a group of high school student from Yamate High School in my hometown and Owen invited the adults to his home to see the razor and hone. They took tons of pictures and thanked him!

Owen emailed me a couple of days ago and said that the adults had shown the pictures to the Vice Principle of the high school and that the vice principle had contacted the Japanese Government and that they had tracked down and found the fallen soldier’s family!!

Now get this!! Owen has two plans! One is to present a member of the soldier’s family the items in Japan or during a visit to Iwo Jima!!

Here’s some pictures of the razor!




If anyone is interested in hearing Owens testimony for the War Museum in Napa Idaho and in conjuction with the Library of Congress here's the link:

Owen Darst Agenbroad: Digital Collection: Veterans History Project (Library of Congress)


When you get there, click on: The Full Interview!
If it doesn't open in the small box, click on the 'theater/wide/whatever and it should open and work!

I hope all enjoy this!
Roy

Really cool story. The razor looks to be in good shape considering what it has been through.

Thanks for posting this Roy, just an awesome story

Please keep us updated

Great story, I will be interested to see where this eventually ends.

This is a very interesting story. How lucky you are to be part of it.

A thoughtful act and touching story. Thanks for sharing that.

Bob

That's awesome Roy. I'm sure the family will be very moved .
Would be great to hear any followup if you can provide it.

Thank you for posting this. You have made my day much brighter knowing that this very kind act can follow that horrific battle so many years ago. I am sure the Japanese soldiers family will appreciate the honor.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

That's awesome Roy. I'm sure the family will be very moved .
Would be great to hear any followup if you can provide it.

Oz! I thank you for letting me know what the family shrine 'may' be called at least in the Shinto version: Kamidana

I have contacted the lady who I cleaned up and honed her great great grandfather's straight razor (she works for our local newspaper) and there will very likely be an article about what Owen is attempting to do!!

While Owen seeks no glory, he is willing to share his story! He is a humble man and I'm very grateful for all he did and took the time to teach me when I was a Boy Scout! Humility may be the one that stands out!

I'll keep all posted as things develop! However! These threads die soon and this will soon be lost! At least remember in your heart the gracious act that a man that helped shape my life did for a family who's member was fighting for his homeland.

That is a really great story Roy. Extremely interested and interested in hearing the end result to it as well. Beautiful razor!


Mick