“I was carrying out my duty, as the Japanese high commander of the Japanese Army in the Philippine Islands, to control my army with the best of my ability during wartime. Until now, I believe that I have tried my best for my army. As I said in the Manila Supreme Court that I have done everything with all my capacity, so I wouldn't be ashamed in front of the Gods for what I have done when I have died. But if you say to me "you do not have any ability to command the Japanese Army," I should say nothing in response, because it is my own nature. Now, our war criminal trial is going on in the Manila Supreme Court, so I wish to be justified under your kindness and righteousness. I know that all your American military affairs always have had tolerant and rightful judgment. When I had been investigated in the Manila court, I have had good treatment, a kind attitude from your good-natured officers who protected me all the time. I will never forget what they have done for me even if I die. I don't blame my executioners. I'll pray that the Gods bless them. Please send my thankful word to Col. Clarke and Lt. Col. Feldhaus, Lt. Col. Hendrix, Maj. Guy, Capt. Sandburg, Capt. Reel, at Manila court, and Col. Arnard. I thank you. I pray for the Emperor's long life and prosperity forever.”

Last words. Quoted in "Yamashita Hanged Near Los Banos" - "New York Times" article - February 23, 1946.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "I was carrying out my duty, as the Japanese high commander of the Japanese Army in the Philippine Islands, to control m…" by Tomoyuki Yamashita?
Tomoyuki Yamashita photo
Tomoyuki Yamashita 5
general in the Imperial Japanese Army 1885–1946

Related quotes

Anton Chekhov photo

“I have in my head a whole army of people pleading to be let out and awaiting my commands.”

Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) Russian dramatist, author and physician

Letter to A.S. Suvorin (October 27, 1888)
Letters

Adlai Stevenson photo

“I have said what I meant and meant what I said. I have not done as well as I should like to have done, but I have done my best, frankly and forthrightly; no man can do more, and you are entitled to no less.”

Adlai Stevenson (1900–1965) mid-20th-century Governor of Illinois and Ambassador to the UN

Speech, (3 November 1952) as quoted in "The Graceful Loser" in TIME (23 July 1965) http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,841890,00.html

Sam Manekshaw photo

“You know I have no political ambitions. My job is to command my army and see that it is kept as a first rate instrument. Your job is to look after the country.”

Sam Manekshaw (1914–2008) First Field marshal of the Indian Army

This was a reply he gave when Indira Gandhi called him to her chamber and confronted him with the question Are you trying to take over from me? [Jayakar, Pupul Jayakar, Indira Gandhi: A Biography, http://books.google.com/books?id=gm5JGkb2rhkC&pg=PA512, 27 November 1997, Penguin Books India, 978-0-14-011462-1, 215]

Erich von Manstein photo
V. V. Giri photo

“I am conscious of my shortcomings, but I have always tried as an honest worker to a do a job to the best of my ability and judgment.”

V. V. Giri (1894–1980) Indian politician and 4th president of India

In:P.83
Presidents of India, 1950-2003

Garth Nix photo
Steven Erikson photo
Ani DiFranco photo

“I always wanted to be commander-in-chief of my one-woman army,
But I can envision the mediocrity of my finest hour.”

Ani DiFranco (1970) musician and activist

Not So Soft
Song lyrics

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough photo

“I have not time to say more but to beg you will give my duty to the Queen, and let her know Her army has had a Glorious Victory.”

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722) English soldier and statesman

Marlborough's message to Sarah Churchill scribbled on the back of a tavern reckoning while on horseback during the Battle of Blenheim (13 August 1704), quoted in Correlli Barnett, Marlborough (Wordsworth, 1999), p. 121.

L. S. Lowry photo

“All my life I have felt most strongly against social distinction of any kind. I have at all time tried to paint to the best of my ability and would only hope that any remembrance of me when I'm am gone will be base on my work.”

L. S. Lowry (1887–1976) British visual artist

Letter of 1967 and 1970 to Prime Ministers Wilson and Heath declining knighthood.L. S. Lowry - A Biography by Shelley Rhode Lowry Press 1999 ISBN 9781902970011.
Other

Related topics