01/01/2020
Captain Gordon Warner stormed the Japanese-held beach of Bougainville island...with a flag...
As his craft hit the sand, Capt Warner rushed ahead and planted an American flag for all to see. He had an unconventional tactic in mind. The Japanese didn't expect this American to speak their own language fluently. Warner began taunting them in Japanese, daring them to come get his flag. The enemy eventually became so fed up with him that they opened fire, revealing their carefully concealed bunkers. Warner organized a group of Marines and led them on a successful charge through the positions, personally killing several enemy as they advanced.
A few days later, Warner's taunts helped reveal more Japanese positions during another fierce battle on the island. On foot, Warner guided a tank toward the bunkers while he returned fire and tossed grenades. They destroyed several positions and worked towards the last one. At close range, Warner was hit in the leg, shattering his femur. The tank proceeded and ran right over top the machine gun.
Warner survived the wound and the war. His leg was damaged beyond repair and had to be amputated. For his incredible boldness and heroism, Warner was awarded the Navy Cross. He went on to earn his PhD and made his home on Okinawa, serving as a historian and professor. He pursued his love of kendo, despite having only one leg, and become a recognized authority on the martial art by Americans and Japanese alike. He died in 2010 at the age of 97.
