IJA Secret Intelligence Team at Chofu

[Shinpachi]

Thank you Wayne for your post!
I thought I had been boxed up by the allies at last!

If such records comparison is really possible, it's worth while my having introduced this story.

You are welcome, my friend!

[JugBR]

Originally Posted by Shinpachi

Hi　ccheese.
A hard question has come at first!

I believe that 50percent was 'Chivalry' but the rest 50percent was Sergeant-major's judgment because their mission was reconnaissance. They had to avoid unnecessary fights.

On this point, a professional soldier might say '100percent judgment'.

As far as I have read articles, this team was formed of ten at most military soldiers with three at least civilian employees who were Japanese-Americans. The author was seventeen(!) years old then and a corporal.

In the mission, the ability and skill was said prior to the rank and age.
So, they communicated freely and frankly each other unlike other military sections. It was unbelievable for me at first because my father who used to be an IJA ordinary soldier was saying "Military life was HELL!".

if the aircraft was clearly unable to operate again, was a very fair decision, otherwise, would be blood for nothing.

but was also a noble act of chivalry in mine opinion, others could shot just to see what happends.

nice texts, its greatests pieces of history !

[Shinpachi]

Hi, JugBR.

Thank you for your post.

... I am just merely translating line by line so that the contents can be understood as naturally and logically as possible by the readers in overseas.

I have often not understood Author's full intention well until I interpretted all the paragraphs as a stream because he some times avoids writing a thing directly and replace it with indirect expression, which is a little hard for even a Japanese to understand so soon.

For example, in Article No.18 (Tracking the Grummans), author did not mention any responsibilities of the communication soldier of the base who was not good at catching the message. He simply mentioned what had happened scene by scene.

I did not notice that he wanted to complain about the soldier's fault until I completed all translation. This may be his Chivaly for the soldier.

Anyway, I'm glad you have taken it in a good way.
Thank you very much.

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Very interesting story Shinpachi, again, well worth the wait. Keep up the good work.

[Shinpachi]

Thank you Aaron for your warm comment with broad-mind!
I've been waiting for it eagerly as I found no exaggerations in the article but frankly wondered if it would be accepted.

I'll go advance.
Thank you!

[Wayne Little]

Keep it coming!

[eddie_brunette]

Thanks again m8, do you know what happened to the Hellcats?

edd

[Glider]

I wish we knew the name of the Sargeant Major, he must have been worth his weight in gold.

An excellent series of postings.

[Shinpachi]

Thank you Wayne, eddie and Glider.
I appreciate your friendly comments in favor, always.


On Sergeant-Major
=================
Name: Nobuyuki Takenaka
Age: 28 as of 1945
A graduate of Kumagaya Army Aviation School

As a Ki-43(Hayabusa) pilot, he joined the Battle of Malaya(around 1942 maybe). Ditched on the sea and injured, he returned to Japan to join the 101st Communication Team later. Dead or alive unknown since the late June of 1945 when he joined the battle in Okinawa.


On the Captured Grummans
========================
I find quite few records about it. Here is a testimony by a grandson of a Navy(not Army) pilot for your reference.

"My grandfather was an IJN pilot and had ever flown a captured Grumman. He said that he was much scared in flight because the control stick was heavy and very hard to control."
URL quoted
ttp://www.warbirds.jp/ansq/1/A2000209.html

Nice day everybody!

[Wayne Little]

[Shinpachi]

Thank you Wayne for your

Next article will be a little bit a long story.
Please keep in touch.

[Wayne Little]

Waiting!

[Shinpachi]

Hi Wayne!
I'm recently busy about searching the captured F6Fs too.

Here are an illustration and a photo
WINGS PALETTE - Grumman F6F Hellcat - Japan

Hope you enjoy

[Wayne Little]

Have a short article about this Hellcat, Arawasi magazine Issue 6. if you want to know more?

[Shinpachi]

Yes, I want to know more.
You have everything Wayne!