Background
He was born 24 Mar 1892 in Mikawa, Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan.
He was born 24 Mar 1892 in Mikawa, Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan.
Abe Rose was educated locally. He then entered the 40th class of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy which he graduated in 1912. He ranked 73rd out of 144 cadets.
Commanding the Transport Unit of the Port Moresby Invasion Group, Rear Adm Roso Abe carried HORII’S South Seas Detachment and most of the “Rure” 3d Special Naval Landing Force. The invasion was frustrated by the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7-11 May 1942.
The admiral subsequently had charge of bases in the Marshall Islands. After CARLSON’S raid on Makin Island, 16-18 Aug 1942, nine Marine prisoners were sent to Rwajalein for transshipment to Tokyo. Abe, after waiting six months in vain for further instructions, had the men executed. Based on testimony of a native witness, Vice Adm Abe was convicted of a war crime and hanged at Guam in 1946.