BREAKING NEWS: A remarkable story from World War II has resurfaced, revealing a **prank** pulled by a Navy dentist on the infamous General **Hideki Tojo**. The tale, which has captured global attention, highlights the human side of history as **E.J. “Jack” Mallory**, who passed away in 2013, shared his experiences decades later.
In **1946**, while serving as a Navy dentist in Japan, Mallory was assigned to create dentures for Tojo, the wartime leader awaiting trial for crimes against humanity. During this time, Mallory made a bold choice to inscribe the phrase “**Remember Pearl Harbor**” in Morse code inside Tojo’s dentures, a secret that remained hidden until Mallory’s children encouraged him to share the story in **1995**.
This incredible story first appeared in the **Chico Enterprise-Record** on **December 7, 1995**, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. Since its publication, it has been recounted in numerous media outlets, including books by prominent authors like **Bill O’Reilly** and **Jan K. Herman**.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: The revelation of this prank not only sheds light on the personal experiences of those involved in the war, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional scars left by conflict. Mallory’s actions reflect a blend of humor and humanity amidst the harsh realities of war.
The story comes back into focus as it marks the **80th anniversary** of Pearl Harbor. Mallory’s son, **Paul Mallory**, recalls, “My dad’s integrity guided him to give the best care possible, even to someone like Tojo.”
DETAILS: Mallory was a 22-year-old lieutenant when he met Tojo, who was described as a tired, grandfatherly figure rather than the fierce leader portrayed during the war. The dentures required multiple visits and adjustments, during which Mallory and Tojo shared moments of levity, culminating in the dental prank that would echo through history.
The denture inscription was not just a joke; it became a symbol of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the post-war era. After the revelation of the prank, military officials scrambled to cover it up, leading to a frantic effort to grind out the inscription before it could be publicly acknowledged.
WHAT’S NEXT: As we commemorate this significant anniversary, Mallory’s story invites reflection on the complexities of war and the personal narratives that often go untold. It serves as a reminder of the human capacity for humor and connection, even in the darkest of times.
As the world remembers Pearl Harbor, this story is sure to spark conversations about the lessons learned from history and the importance of empathy in times of conflict. Share this incredible tale as we honor the legacy of those who lived through these pivotal moments in history.
