Sakae Ōba
Sakae Ōba | |
|---|---|
Oba, c. 1937 | |
| Native name | 大場 栄 |
| Nickname(s) | The Fox |
| Born | 21 March 1914 Gamagori, Aichi |
| Died | 8 June 1992 (aged 78) Gamagori, Aichi |
| Allegiance | Empire of Japan |
| Branch | Imperial Japanese Army |
| Years of service | 1934–1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 18th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Shanghai Battle of Saipan |
| Awards | Order of the Golden Kite Fifth Class Order of the Rising Sun, Fifth Class |
| Relations | Mineko Oba, wife |
| Other work | Maruei Department Store Company, Board of Directors Gamagori, Aichi: City Council |
Sakae Ōba (大場 栄, Ōba Sakae) (21 March 1914 – 8 June 1992) was an officer of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. He served in both China and in the Pacific campaign. After Japanese forces were defeated in the Battle of Saipan, he led a group of soldiers and civilians deep into the jungle to evade capture by Allied forces. Under Ōba's leadership, the group survived for over a year after the battle and finally surrendered in December 1945, three months after the war had ended. Following his return to Japan, he became a successful businessman and served on the city council of Gamagōri.