Homma Masaharu

ModernGeneralJapan1887 — 1946

Conqueror of the Philippines, executed for Bataan.

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Quick Facts

Born

1887

Died

1946

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)70

Political (20%)29

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)54

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score49.5

Homma Masaharu — Complete Timeline

1942 AD

Conquered the PhilippinesWar◆ Major

Homma Masaharu commanded the Japanese 14th Army in the invasion of the Philippines, defeating American and Filipino forces. He captured Manila in January 1942 and forced the surrender of Allied troops on Bataan in April 1942, leading to the Bataan Death March.

World War IIPhilippines CampaignBataan

Impact: regional

Oversaw Bataan Death MarchWar

After the surrender of Bataan, Homma's forces forced approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war to march 65 miles to prison camps. The march resulted in thousands of deaths due to brutality, starvation, and disease, becoming a major war crime.

World War IIBataan Death MarchWar Crimes

Impact: globaldestructive

1946 AD

Executed for War CrimesPolitical Action◆ Major

Homma Masaharu was tried by a U.S. military commission in Manila and found guilty of war crimes for the Bataan Death March. He was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad on April 3, 1946, despite arguments that he lacked control over his troops.

War Crimes TrialExecutionBataan Death March

Impact: nationaldestructive