The Flying Nisei Against Japan by Terry Adaniya, LTC, USA Retired

1st Lieutenant Terry Adaniya 
standing in front of his quarters, 
partially damaged by Typhoon 
Ruth in 1951, Ryukys Military 
Government.

During WWII, I served as a member of the Voice Intercept section of the 8th Radio Squadron Mobile (8th RSM). Which in turn was part of the Joint Army Navy Radio Analysis Group (RAGFOR). The 8th RSM consisted of Nisei translators and analysts whose mission was to intercept and exploit Japanese air and ground communications.

The Nisei proved invaluable in analyzing and developing intercepted Japanese Military Intelligence. When volunteers were requested for dangerous flight missions near the Japanese homeland. all offered their services; however, only ten were needed. Those chosen -- Deguchi, Hanafusa, Hoshide, lshii, lshisaka, Kawashima. Kimoto, Okada, Tanouye and Yoshioka — came to be known as "The Flying Nisei." They intercepted Japanese voice activity during B-29 missions and informed our pilots and crew members of enemy activities. Nisei operators continually flew on these missions

Although trained for combat intelligence, the Nisei quickly adapted themselves to the intricacies of radio communication. They proved themselves praiseworthy and commanded the respect of all for their loyalty and devotion to duty.

At the end of the war, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas wrote, "The proficiency developed by the officers and men of the 8th RSM in their field of signal intelligence, and hence their share in the victory over Japan, can be a source of pride to them."