Thursday, July 19, 2018

“The big job was going to be in convincing them that we would not torture and kill them – that they would be well treated and would be returned to Japan after the war. I understood that their Bushido Code called for death before surrender, and that to surrender was to be considered a coward. This was going to be a tough nut to crack.”
– Corporal Guy Louis Gabaldon, USMC –

A little over 74 years ago during the Battle of Saipan, 18 year old Corporal Guy Gabaldon convinced over 1,300 Japanese soldiers to surrender peacefully. His secret? Knowing his enemy’s language and customs. In both business and in life, knowing your audience is critically important. So the next time you have something to say, remember Corporal Gabaldon’s story and ask yourself one question before you open your mouth: How well do I really know my audience?

Click here to learn more about the battle of Saipan and Corporal Gabaldon’s actions.