Masaharu Homma tribunal records


Descriptive Summary
Title: Masaharu Homma tribunal records
Creator: United States. Armed Forces
Inclusive Dates: 1946 February 5
Language(s): English
Extent: 0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Collection Number: ms3851
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

In the aftermath of World War II, the Manila war crimes tribunals took place independently from the international trials occuring in Tokyo under the auspices of the Allied Powers. The Manila tribunals were unique in that the U. S. Army had complete control of the proceedings. A military commission consisting of five generals--handpicked by General Douglas MacArthur--would serve as both judge and jury, seated at the head of the courtroom. This commission was headed by Major General Leo Donovan.

General Masaharu Homma of the Imperial Japanese Army had played a major role in the invasion of the Phillipines, leading the Battle of Bataan and commanding the troops responsible for carrying out the Bataan Death March in 1942. Homma was tried as a Class C war criminal, indicted on 48 counts of violating the international rules of war. He initially plead not guilty to all of them, declaring that he neither knew of nor condoned the stated war crimes. Major John H. Skeen, Jr. served as Homma's chief defense counsel amd Lt. Col. Frank Meek led the prosecution. The trial lasted about five weeks, from January 3 - February 11, 1946. The commission found Homma guilty and he was executed by a firing squad on April 3, 1946.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a selection of transcripts from the Manila war crimes tribunals, paginated 3029-3087, documenting the questioning and testimony of the accused, General Masaharu Homma. While his trial lasted about five weeks, this portion of transcripted material appears to cover the proceedings of February 5, 1946. Also included is a large fold-out map of the Phillipines with charts and notes showing deployment of troops and combat strategies.