On 26 June, a group of US forces and Major Umezawa landed on the shore, with Japanese soldiers fanned out in the hills above.
“They could have been shot at any time, but my father always said he wasn’t afraid,” Ms Johnson said.
Instead of bullets, Major Noda appeared.
The two commanders saluted, put down their weapons and began talking. As the negotiations continued, a roast pork lunch was assembled for everyone and they picnicked together on the beach.
In his official report Lt Col Clark described it as “the most amazing spectacle it has been my lot to behold”.
The Japanese said they were unable to surrender, but a truce was agreed.
Before the US troops departed, Lt Col Clark asked if the Japanese “would like to join the group in a prayer to the Supreme Being of all faiths for international understanding and peace”, led by the US chaplain, which they agreed to do.
The truce held until the Japanese surrender in August and there was no further loss of life on Aka.
AloJapan.com