Japanese Bamboo Spear Fighter Squad

As the Second World War advanced, Japanese forces retreated from their initial gains. Allied bombing and ground assaults hindered Japanese production, forcing soldiers to improvise with available materials as firearms and ammo dwindled. This resulted in soldiers sacrificing themselves with grenades, charging with swords, or wielding sharpened bamboo spears. Driven by loyalty to their Emperor, country, and honor, many Japanese soldiers performed such acts. Allied troops were both amazed and incredulous at these displays, as Japanese assaults often ended in the face of sustained Allied firepower. Yet, the Japanese continued to attack.