An incredible Pacific Theatre relic: an original flag 36 x 45 in. (including bullion), embroidered ‘Kakazu’ in Kanji at the middle and acquired during the Japanese surrender on September 7, 1945. According to the previous owner, who obtained the flag directly from the veteran, an aide to the U.S. commanding officer who received it from the Japanese commanding officer at the time of the surrender. The flag is comprised of purple cloth, double-sided, with superb insignia at the middle. Edges are accented with heavy 10-karat gold bullion, as is the green and gold embroidery of the insignia. The flag weighs 2.5 pounds and is in superb, unused condition. The infamous Battle of Kakuzu Ridge, one of the strongest positions held by the Japanese in Okinawa, commenced on April 8, 1945. Lying between Ginowan and Urasoe, this benign-looking hill was the first defensive perimeter in what would be called the Shuri Line, with ingenious fortifications centering on heavily defended tunnels and caves. Mortars dug in on the reverse slope were zeroed-in on the gorge and on vulnerable areas between the gorge and the crest of Kakazu. In an intricate system of coordinated pillboxes, tunnels, and caves, Japanese machine guns were sited to cover all avenues of approach. The heavy walls and the hedges of the town of Kakazu further afforded the Japanese countless defensive positions. After fierce fighting on April 8, 1945, the American assault failed to capture and hold the Ridge. Days of intense fighting followed before finally on April 21, 1945 and after enduring the Japanese ‘meat grinder’ and another failed capture on April 19, the Americans took the Ridge.