The Hidden Message on Tojo's Teeth

(Photo: US National Archives and Records Administration)

Hideki Tojo was the Prime Minister of Japan during World War II. After Japan surrendered, the Allies tried him for war crimes. During his trial in 1946, he requested a set of dentures so that he could speak clearly.

E.J. Mallory, an American dentist, was responsible for providing dental care to the accused war criminals awaiting trial at the Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. Remembering that it was Tojo who ordered the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Mallory decided mock Tojo in his own way. He wrote "Remember Pearl Harbor" in Morse code on the false teeth that he made for Tojo.

It was, alas, too good a prank to keep secret. Mallory told a colleague, who told other people, and soon word reached the American news media. Mallory and another dentist knew they could get in trouble for the engraving. So they drove to the prison in the middle of the night, woke up Tojo, took his teeth, and ground the marks out.

You can read more about Mallory's teeth for Tojo in a 1995 article from the Associated Press.

-via American Digest


Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 0 comments




Email This Post to a Friend
"The Hidden Message on Tojo's Teeth"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More