1. Early Life and Education
Shiro Makino's early life and educational path prepared him for a distinguished career in the Imperial Japanese Army.
1.1. Birth and Early Life
Shiro Makino was born on April 18, 1893, in Higashiichiki-choHigashiichiki-choJapanese, located in the Hioki District of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
1.2. Military Education
Makino embarked on a comprehensive military education, beginning with his graduation from the Kumamoto Army Cadet School in July 1910, as part of its 11th class. He continued his studies at the Tokyo Army Central Cadet School, graduating in May 1912. In May 1914, he completed his training at the Army Academy, belonging to its 26th class. His advanced military education culminated with his graduation from the Army War College in November 1922, as part of its 34th class.
2. Military Career
Makino's military career spanned several decades, encompassing various roles from early service and promotions to staff, instructional, and command positions, culminating in his leadership of the 16th Division.
2.1. Early Service and Promotions
After graduating from the Army Academy, Makino was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in December 1914, assigned to the 13th Infantry Regiment in Kumamoto. He was promoted to Infantry Lieutenant in July 1918 and to Infantry Captain in August 1923. In August 1930, he achieved the rank of Infantry Major.
2.2. Staff and Instructional Roles
Makino's career included significant staff and instructional duties. In December 1923, he was assigned to the Inspectorate General of Military Education. From July 1925, he served as a Staff Officer for the Pescadores Islands Fortress in Taiwan, concurrently holding the position of Staff Officer for the Makung Guard District. He became an instructor at the Army Academy in July 1928, a role he reprised in December 1932. In August 1933, he was appointed a lecturer at the Army War College. By December 1935, he was serving as a Senior Staff Officer for the 20th Division, stationed in Keijō (modern-day Seoul). In December 1937, he was promoted to Infantry Colonel and became the Head of Faculty at the Army Academy.
2.3. Command Roles
Makino held several command positions throughout his career. In December 1931, he served as a Battalion Commander for the 4th Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment. He later commanded the 29th Infantry Regiment in Yekhe, Mudanjiang Province, from August 1938. In August 1939, he was assigned to the Imperial Guard Division Headquarters. His leadership capabilities led to his promotion to Major General in March 1940, at which point he also became the Chief of Staff for the Fifth Army. In May 1941, he took on the role of Head of Faculty at the Army Preparatory School, subsequently serving as its Executive Officer. By December 1942, he was appointed Director of the Army Preparatory School. In June 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant General.
2.4. Commander of the 16th Division
In March 1944, Lieutenant General Shiro Makino was appointed as the Commander of the 16th Division. Prior to this assignment, on March 2, 1944, he delivered a farewell address upon leaving the officer school, exhorting his students to "Be a warrior with flowers, fruit, blood, and tears" (花も実もあり、血も涙もある武人たれHana mo mi mo ari, chi mo namida mo aru bujin tareJapanese).
3. Battle of Leyte
The Battle of Leyte marked a critical and ultimately devastating chapter in Shiro Makino's military career.
3.1. Context and Deployment
The Battle of Leyte was a pivotal engagement during World War II in the Pacific Theater, representing the Allied forces' return to the Philippines. Makino's 16th Division was deployed to Leyte Island as part of the Japanese efforts to defend the archipelago against the advancing Allied forces.
3.2. Combat Operations
Under Makino's command, the 16th Division engaged in intense combat operations against the Allied forces that landed on Leyte Island. The division mounted a fierce resistance, fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds.
3.3. Division's Fate
Despite their efforts, the 16th Division suffered catastrophic losses during the Leyte campaign. The division was nearly annihilated, with only 620 men surviving the brutal fighting.
4. Death
Following the destruction of his division, Shiro Makino chose to take his own life, accepting responsibility for the defeat.
4.1. Circumstances of Suicide
In August 1945, Lieutenant General Shiro Makino committed suicide on Leyte Island. His decision was made in the wake of the severe destruction and near-annihilation of his 16th Division, for which he took full responsibility. He was 52 years old at the time of his death.
4.2. Final Words and Speeches
Makino's final moments were marked by profound statements to his troops. On November 10, 1944, on Leyte Island, he delivered a final exhortation to his soldiers, stating: "If I fall to enemy bullets, eat my flesh and drink my blood for sustenance, and even if only one soldier remains, defend Leyte Island to repay the Emperor's grace" (余が敵弾に倒れたる時は余の肉を喰いその血をすすりて糧となし最後の一兵となるともレイテ島を死守し君恩に報ずべしYo ga tekidan ni taoretaru toki wa yo no niku o kui sono chi o susurite kate to nashi saigo no ippei to naru tomo Reite-tō o shishu shi kun'on ni hōzubeshiJapanese).
5. Legacy and Assessment
Shiro Makino's legacy is primarily associated with his command during the Battle of Leyte and the tragic end of his division.
5.1. Historical Evaluation
Historical accounts generally portray Makino as a dedicated military officer who led his division during one of the most desperate battles of the Pacific War. His actions, including his final exhortation and suicide, are often seen as embodying the code of honor prevalent in the Imperial Japanese Army during that period.
5.2. Discrepancies in Death Date
There are differing accounts regarding the exact date of Shiro Makino's death. While some historical records, such as the *Sen-shi Sōsho 'Reite Kessen'*, indicate his suicide occurred around August 10, 1945, his son, Hiro Michi Makino, a former editor for the Sankei Shimbun, has stated that this date remains unconfirmed. According to Hiro Michi Makino, the official war death bulletin for his father, which compiled various pieces of information, ultimately set the date of death as July 15, 1945.