In a remarkable tale from the aftermath of World War II, E.J. “Jack” Mallory, a former Navy dentist, crafted dentures for the notorious General Hideki Tojo, who was awaiting trial for war crimes in Tokyo’s Sugamo Prison. This assignment, which began in 1946, not only provided Mallory with an unexpected encounter with a historical figure but also led to a prank that would remain a secret for decades.
Mallory, who practiced dentistry in Paradise and Chico, California, from 1948 until the mid-1980s, was a 22-year-old Lieutenant Junior Grade at the time of this unusual request. Tojo, often referred to as the “architect of the war in the Pacific,” was suffering from severe dental issues and required dentures to speak during his upcoming trial. “Dad’s personal integrity guided him to give the best care possible, and that’s what he did for Tojo,” remarked Paul Mallory, Jack’s son.
The story of Mallory’s interaction with Tojo remained largely untold until 1995, when he shared his experiences in an article for the Chico Enterprise-Record on the 50th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor bombing. This account opened the floodgates for retellings, including features in numerous magazines, newspapers, and radio shows, notably Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.”
Crafting a Unique Denture
In his own words, Mallory described how he was assigned to the 361st Station Hospital in Tokyo as part of a military collaboration due to a shortage of Army dentists. He quickly learned about Tojo’s dental plight from a fellow dentist, George Foster, who was treating prisoners at Sugamo. Upon meeting Tojo, Mallory found the general to be a markedly different figure than the fierce leader depicted in propaganda. Instead, Tojo appeared as a tired, almost grandfatherly man.
The dental procedure involved multiple appointments, during which Tojo displayed a friendly demeanor. As they discussed the necessary extractions and the fitting of new dentures, Tojo’s comment about not needing teeth beyond six months elicited laughter from all present. However, it was the secret inscription that Mallory would embed in the denture that became the focal point of his story.
The Prank Unveiled
In a bold, albeit controversial, move, Mallory decided to inscribe the phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor” in Morse code along the border of Tojo’s dentures. While he contemplated more overt expressions of retribution, he ultimately chose this subtler route, motivated by both a sense of humor and professional ethics.
Initially, only a small circle of Mallory’s dental colleagues knew about the prank. However, the secret soon leaked. One of the new dental officers, unaware of the need for discretion, shared the story with his family, leading to widespread media coverage. A frightened Mallory sought guidance from his commanding officer, Major William Hill, who instructed him to remove the inscription before it became a major scandal.
In a tense operation involving a snowstorm and a late-night trip to the prison, Mallory and Foster managed to grind the inscription off the denture before it could be revealed publicly. Despite their efforts, the story continued to circulate, leading to a public relations crisis for the military.
Ultimately, Mallory’s tour of duty in Japan ended in the summer of 1947. He attended the war crime trials shortly before returning home, where he witnessed Tojo seated among other defendants. Upon recognizing Mallory, Tojo smiled and pointed to his new dentures, indicating a moment of acknowledgment between the two.
This unique story, blending humor, history, and humility, resonates as a fascinating footnote in the annals of World War II. Mallory passed away on January 18, 2013, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his dental practice. His anecdote serves as a reminder of the human connections that can exist even in the most tumultuous times, as well as the lighter moments that can emerge amid serious circumstances.
