Guy Gabaldon(1926-2006)

Guy Gabaldon (March 22, 1926 - August 31, 2006) was a Mexican-American who earned the moniker, "The Pied Piper of Saipan" for his persuasive exploits. At twelve years old, he was taken in by the Nakano Japanese-American family in an East Los Angeles neighborhood in Calfornia. During the next five years, he learned the Japanese language, as well as, gained an appreciation of Japanese culture and customs. On his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A year later, he was sent to the Pacific theater for the invasion of the Marinana Islands. On his first night on Saipan, he brought in two prisoners, followed by bringing in fifty prisoners on the second night using words alone. After his second rogue success, he was allowed to operate as a "lone wolf" by his commanding officer. Ultimately, he would capture or persuade to surrender over 1,300 Japanese soldiers and civilians during the battles for Saipan and Tinian islands in 1944 during World War II.