Flag translation....a challenge

[blinky]

This is a photograph captured at Buna, New Guinea, December 1942. I can pick out some elements of the "slogan" but can't really figure it out. Based on this not so great picture can anyone figure out what it might say? The daughter of the soldier on the right was curious and so I thought I'd give you guys a shot.
Thanks in advance!

Eric

[Paul G]

My best Guess:

Serving the Nation with Loyalty
The character in the green circle is hard to figure out, but common slogans are: Serving the Nation with Utmost Loyalty and Serving the Nation with Loyalty and Bravery.

PG-

[blinky]

Thanks Paul

This flag is out there, it was brought back and sat in a garage for many years before the vets son gave it to a friend of his.......much to the chagrin of his sister!

Eric

[GHP]

My best Guess:

Serving the Nation with Loyalty
The character in the green circle is hard to figure out, but common slogans are: Serving the Nation with Utmost Loyalty and Serving the Nation with Loyalty and Bravery.

PG-

I just translated a flag on another thread with a similar slogan:
盡忠報国
Jinchū Hōkoku
Devote/Exhaust Loyalty To Serve The Nation

However, I cannot make the kanji in the green circle fit the footprint of 盡.


--Guy

[blinky]

Thanks Guy. That one seems to be the sticking point but it shouldn't affect the overall "gist" of the saying, should it? I sent the daughter what you and Paul translated and she was thrilled.

One other note about this picture, the soldier on the left is Richard Serrahn. He was awarded the for actions on March 10, 1945 on Luzon. He was killed April 23, 1945.

[GHP]

... but it shouldn't affect the overall "gist" of the saying, should it? ....

Right; same gist.

--Guy