A heart-shield bible
The front of Ito’s pocket bible is scuffed from age but reads “May this keep you safe from harm.”
Throughout the war, Ito carried this bible in his front pocket. It is called a heart-shield bible, and the cover is made of engraved gold-finished steel. It is sized to slip into his breast pocket to protect his heart. Ito’s sister gave it to him.
Evan Allen/ Globe Correspondent
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