The Figure: Homma was the commander of the Japanese 14th Army during the invasion of the Philippines.

The Atrocities: Under his overall command, Japanese forces captured the Bataan Peninsula in April 1942, leading to the Bataan Death March. During this forced relocation, approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were subjected to severe physical abuse, starvation, and execution.

The Trial: Extradited to Manila after the war, Homma was tried by an American military commission on 48 counts of violating international rules of war. His defense argued he had no knowledge of the atrocities being committed by his troops.

The Outcome: The tribunal rejected his defense, holding him legally accountable for the actions of his subordinates under the doctrine of command responsibility. He was convicted and executed by firing squad on April 3, 1946.