Iwagu Iaking Aladu was born in Taemi, Finschhafen, Morobe District in 1911. He educated at a Lutheran Mission and taught in the school for two years before joining the Royal Papuan Constabulary.

In 1944, Iwagu was awarded the George Medal for his bravery during the landing at Scarlet Beach Finschhafen in September 1943. The citation reads: "During operations against the Japanese at Finschhafen this native non-commissioned officer showed outstanding courage and devotion to duty. On 1943-09-22 when our forces landed near the Song River Sergeant Iwagu swam to his [Captain Luetchford's] aid, brought him ashore and under heavy machine gun fire, stayed with him until stretcher bearers arrived. The officer later died. Sergeant Iwagu imparted the highest confidence to the other native troops by his coolness and calm bearing."

After the war Sergeant Major Iwagu returned to the police force. He retired in 1968 to his home village near Finschhafen.