Patrick

For 72 years, a US Marine kept a dead Japanese soldier's flag inside his drawer in Montana. At age 93, he flew across the Pacific to put it back in the hands of the soldier's 89 year old brother. The Marine's name was Marvin Strombo. In June 1944, during the Battle of Saipan, the 20 year old Strombo found a fallen Japanese soldier named Sadao Yasue. Wrapped around him was a silk flag covered in 180 signatures from his family and neighbors. Strombo promised himself he would return it one day. It took seven decades. In August 2017, with help from the Obon Society, the 93 year old veteran traveled to a tiny mountain village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Waiting for him was Sadao's younger brother, 89 year old Tatsuya, and his sisters. When Strombo unfolded the silk flag on the tatami mat, Tatsuya buried his face in the fabric and wept. It still carried the scent of their childhood home. Together. Before leaving, the former enemies held hands and bowed. War took a brother away at 25, and an old Marine kept his promise for 72 years to bring him home.