I spent 3 years on the island in the mid-60’s and I also saw the Habu vs. Mongoose battle it out. Poor Habu always lost.
One year at the Kadena Carnival the old Okinawan guy that was running the match got bitten and died right before our very eyes. Needless to say, my days of exploring the local caves came to an abrupt halt.
Thanks for the memories.
Sounds like you and I were on Okinawa in the same time period. We were there from late ‘63 to late ‘66. I used to love watching the Habu versus mongoose cage matches. Never saw a handler get bit, though. That must have been horrifying.
I spent a lot of time exploring caves myself. Did you ever get into that limestone cave the Army tried to seal up (again and again)? I’m trying to remember the name of the area where it was located, but sheesh, that was 46 years ago.
I still have great memories of the place. Didn’t want to leave when we were called back stateside.