The following messages are posted in chronological order with permission of the writer. Readers are encouraged to establish contact with the writer for legitimate military history purposes. There are so few web sites on military counterintelligence and intelligence. No solicitations, please. Please report any abuse or improper contact to ncoic@441st.com (or a CIC agent if appropriate).

12/12/2003 (Jonathan Smith j1607760@yahoo.com ) I am doing some research on the Marines in WWII and am trying to find out as much as I can about Marines G2 (the Marines Intelligence) during that war. I need to know three things. First I was wondering if you can tell me if the Marines had a Counter-Intelligence Corps like the Army did where there was a CIC attached to every major unit? Secondly, did the Marines recruit Nisei agents to infiltrate, surveil and interrogate like the Army did? Third, what was the structure of a Marine Counter Intelligence unit in a particular Marine Division? I would appreciate any help you can give me on this research. Many thanks.
 

9/26/2003 (Lee P. Morgan Sgt leepmorgan@hotmail.com or mmorgan@sympatico.ca ) I served with 441st CIC detachment in summer of 1948 at Hqs in Tokyo and at the 3rd CIC in Osaka Japan and in Kyoto 3rd CIC commander was Col Calvin Dickey at the outbreak of hostilities he became CO of the 442 which operated in Korea in Feb of 1951 I was transferred to the Korea War and besides participating in air dropping agents in North Korea I operated as part of a three man team behind enemy lines using Korean nationals. Our unit was called TLO or tactical liaison office if anyone is interested. We reported directly to MacArthur not to local army units I can't find any record of the TLO units which is a shame because we came from all branches of the military with just of few of us from the 441. I would like to contact others who served as line crossers and agents I graduated from Camp Holibird with an MOS of 1301 and as such served in a lot of interesting assignments and even wrote "Eyes only" in Tokyo a condensation of the daily activities report daily that went directly to MacArthur please pass along and I was one person who they said had his records burned in the National Archive fire in 1973, but I am slowly recovery my records but so far have not had any luck with my service with TLO in Korea. Its like it never happened, but eventually I will find the military records. Regardless it was an interesting time and I am sure those I served with would like to be recognized for this service. Lee P. Morgan Sgt
RA19292868 leepmorgan@hotmail.com
 

9/16/2003 (Martin Houseman  Marty.Houseman@uniontrib.com ) Great site. Stumbled upon it by accident. Did anyone on here ever serve at Camp Fushimi-B in Kyoto? It was ostensibly hqs for 3rd Battalion, 5th Service Group, which was the cover for regional CIC hqs for the Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara area. I was there in '53 and '54. Was with those two Holabird teaching ikons M/Sgts. Moose and Joe Ramos when Moose took out a traffic island with his car one night. I think it was one or two days after the occupation officially ended. We perjured ourselves like hell on that one and all our liaison-building baseball games and mushroom hunts with the local cops paid off. Nothing happened. It's been 50 years and I'm still in contact with two guys from that time and place. We had college-trained, college-graduated E2s by the score. What a kick! Martin Houseman/San Diego.
 

9/5/2003 (Marcie McFarlin Morgana75ita@aol.com ) My dad....my hero. I am an Army Brat. I am now 38 yrs. old, but once a Army Brat always one... My dad spent most of his life in the Army. I just can not get him to talk to me about his time in Vietnam, I can not imagine what he and also all of you went through in that time. He was wounded, I don't know where or how, all I have is a picture of him getting the Purple Heart in a military hospital somewhere in Vietnam and he is all bandaged up. Well, I do have some pictures with dates and some information that I can share with you and maybe you can direct me to the information I am seeking. His pictures are all dated from April 1969 to Oct. 1970. One of the pictures he is standing in front of the Arms Room at Camp Hardy (Okinawa?) dated May 1969. I know he was Airborne but also Special Forces. I have also a flyer, I guess his unit where he trained in the USA. 441st MI Detachment Ft. Benning, GA. One of the pictures dated June 1969 there is a locker that has a logo: AIRBORNE CAMP HARDY COMBAT TNGCTR. After Vietnam he went to Vicenza Italy, then went MP and then CID. He retired Chief Warrant Officer 4. His name is R. McFarlin. Thank you for any of your help

8/29/2003 (Perdita Dobinchick perditalee@excite.com ) Did anyone know my Dad, MSG Peter Dobinchick, who was with the 441st on Okinawa from 1965 to 1971? Thank You,

7/16/2003 (Barb Suwathanangkul kusuba@hotmail.com ) I just found your web site about the 441st and was wondering if you knew where I could find info on the Kure Japan Office. My dad was stationed there about 1951 when I was born at the military hospital and was wondering about this history.
 

3/31/2003 (Thomas La Costa, cervantes1919@comcast.net ) I served in the 441 CIC Detachment from July 1942 to November 1945, both in New York City and overseas in Australia, New Guinea, Halmaheras, Philippine Islands, Admiralties, Borneo and Japan.  I arrived overseas with a small group on the Klip Fontaine, in Brisbane, Australia. (Duval A. Edwards, Spy Catchers, errata pg. 103, change Costello to La Costa). For many years now I have been trying to get information on my record concerning the two following activities, but without results: 1.  Balik Papan, Borneo -- Although this last event of WW  II was Australian, I was a member of a small CIC group from the start to the finish of the event when the first atomic bomb was dropped. 2. Japan-- Immediately after the signing of the surrender document by the Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, again I was a member of a small first group of CIC Agents who drove our vehicles to Nagoya and Osaka.  where we resumed our duties.  I'm 83 years old now . . . and all these years  these two things (Borneo and Japan)  have been bothering me. Would you have any suggestions about how I may have these two items on my record

3/12/2003 (Ty Tamishige Yoshitake, tytyosh@msn.com ) Came across a very interesting book entitled "Shadow Worriers of Nakano" by Stephen Mercado. The Nakano School, described in the book, was akin to our CIC school at the "Bird". It gives the history of the school and the experiences of some of the graduates and their participation in the war.  The Japanese intelligence/counterintelligence school was overtly known as "Training Center for Rear Duties Personnel" to conceal its true identity. Surely, you remember the days when our own CIC units were known as XXX Operations Group and XXX Technical Service Group, to mention a few. At any rate, this book has several assessments of the CIC in general, and the 441st in particular (pages 198, 204-5, 207, 215 and 224). It also mentions the 308th CIC Detachment in Korea (pages 224 and 226). As you know the personnel of the 308th all came out of the 441st. The book is identified as ISBN 1-57488-443-3 and is available at Amazon.com .

10/22/2002 (Jan Lindsey-Hartz HartzJL@aol.com )   My father, Charles D. Lindsay, served with the 40th CIC detachment during WWII, and I know was in the Philippines and also in Australia. His rank was Sgt. and his ASN was 37675726. He died on 12/25/90 (at age 72) and would never talk much about his war experience (from about 42 or 43 through late 45). I am trying to learn more about the history of his CIC experience. I would be interested in learning anything- from more general history to, of course, anything that might apply more specifically to him, or anyone who might have known him. He also at one point seemed to be referred to as Pvt. Charles Lindsay, 289th Infantry 076, in April 1944. I know that he was scheduled to take part in the Japanese invasion planned, prior to the atomic bombing of Japan, which changed the picture. He was in Australia just before the planned invasion. Also, he spent time after the war in the Philippines, doing CIC work. During the war, he also was in the Philippines. I would be grateful for any guidance in my research, any assistance, or any information. I just found your web-site, and have done little other research. I did write the National Archives to get more specific info- but my father's records were lost in a fire apparently.

8/24/2002 (Matulew Peli jonijun@philwebinc.com ) I am Matute Peli Jr. of Davao City Philippines. I am trying to locate or contact a certain Lt. Gambric Jr. (soundlike) or anyone who served the CIC Q5 24th IFD USARMY during WWII southern Phil Campaign in 1945.  My father Matute Herrera Peli born Nov 23, 1922 and joined the Lord Jan 22, 2002, had served with Lt. Gambric Jr. I am trying to locate records of my father and or any record or information regarding this group. Please contact me at jonijun@philwebinc.com . Thanks.

6/10/2002 (TV Rogers TVR8081@wmconnect.com )  I am proud of the 15 years I spent in CIC as we knew it until Sep 1962 at which time I retired.  I would like to hear from any personnel with whom I may have served, particularly those of the 441st from June 1950 until I went to Korea in the summer of 1951.  I was in the Repatriation section of the 7th Dist., Tokyo, also the Liaison section as well as Supply Sgt of the Dist.  Col. Iwai  was our CO.  Col de Reimer was my CO in the 308th in Korea.  While I was in the language school in Monterey, California, Col de Reimer's mother was my oldest son's piano teacher.  My oldest son was a member of the 513th in Frankfurt, Germany as well as spending a covert tour in Okinawa.  I don't remember the unit he was with in Japan, but it replaced the 441st I believe.  I was in Hokkaido for three years with Col French and a Major Whoi who married the daughter of my family dentist in Sioux Falls, SD.  I am on page 147 of my life with my 1st wife.  We were together until she died 12 Nov 1993 - from 1936 - 1993 - a life time.  I would appreciate any contact from any one from the Corps. 

ADDED 6/18/2002 from TV Rogers TVR8081@wmconnect.com (above):  I just brought up the 441st cici det.  Found that I am the top insertion.  It is strange that I have not had any contacts with some of the people I served with.  1948-1950 Cicago, St. Louis and Detroit.  441st Tokyo, 7th Dist, Repat, Stitch, Liaison and Supply Sgt. Jun 1950 -Sep 51.  Korea w/308th in Tague and Seoul till 52.   The  Salt Lake City, the Polygraph school in Gordan, language school (jap) 53-54.  Advance Jap course in Tokyo (6 months) Hokkaido 54-57 Sapporo field off. Roy Stachowitz (sp) 57-60 Wash. DC as Liaison under Col. Shaw, Burdette Opns off.  Dec 60- Sep 62 (retired) Wurzburg , Germany, et all.

6/8/2002 (Frank Dynan,  by letter dated March 1, 2002) Frank Dynan notified members of the 441st about the death of James L. Shirah. We morn the death of SP6 James L. Shirah who passed away on February 6, 2002. James served in the 441st in the late sixties. He graciously corresponded with many members of the 441st until his death. He is survived by his wife. Many thanks to SSG Frank Dynan of the 441st for providing this information. James Shirah, a legendary figure in intelligence circles, was featured in a non-fiction book entitled, Kiss the Boys Goodbye published in 1990 by Dutton Publishing (by Monika Jensen-Stevenson and William Stevenson). See excerpts from that publication (ISBN 0-525-24934-6)

6/7/2002 (Thomas La Costa  cervantes1919@comcast.net sent on 3/17) My name is Thomas  La Costa.  I served in the 441  CIC Detachment from July 1942 to November 1945, both in the United States and in the Southwest Pacific area from March 1943 to November 1945.  I have been trying, without success, to find any records or other information concerning our CIC group in Balik Papan, Borneo; the group witnessing  the signing of the surrender document on the battleship Missouri; and the first CIC Agents to enter Nagoya and Osaka after the Japanese surrender.  If you are, or know about anyone, involved in these three activities, please contact me at my e-mail address above.

6/7/2002 (Sara Moore SaraBMoore@aol.com sent on 3/16) I am a student researching the activities of the CIC in the Soviet Bloc during the mid fifties and early sixties. Your website seems to be the only one of its type on the internet, but I could not find any mention of the USSR or Eastern Europe. Any direction you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you.

2/11/2002 (Matt Huber mraymondhuber@hotmail.com ) My name is Matt Huber. I found your wonderful web site and your email address and couldn't resist writing you to ask you a few questions. I am a college graduate seriously considering joining the army. I am very, very interested in MOS 97B. But I am still a little confused about how, exactly, I want to pursue my goals. I have read the official army website and spoken with a recruiter. The recruiter hasn't been very helpful, so I thought I would put my questions to someone who really knew this subject. Currently, I am weighing the benefits of enlisting vs. becoming an officer. Several questions follow: 
1. What is it the difference between an enlisted counterintelligence agent and an officer?
2. Would I be assured that I would get this training if I went in as an officer?
3. Would I do the same things as an enlisted man as I would as an officer?
4. Which of these roads would teach me to do this job better?
If you could take time from your busy schedule to answer my questions I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for your site and I look forward to your response.

12/17/2001 (Jim Cate JCate4@cs.com ) I served with the 441st CIC in Tokyo, Japan, from January 1957 until its reorganization in March of 1958.  I served in the Counter Espionage - Soviet.  The Korean War was over in the early 1950s.  In 1958 there was a general reduction of military personnel worldwide.  The 441st CIC encountered a major reorganization in approximately March of 1958 (Need to consult my orders and records for detailed information.)  It was reduced to 36 people and was officially known as the 36th Detachment.  Most married personnel with dependents were returned to the US for other assignments.  The single or unmarried personnel such as myself at the time were mostly reassigned to the 308th CIC in Seoul, Korea.  I was in the group sent to Korea to complete our military term of duty.  I personally know many of the persons that remained behind in Japan as a part of the 36th Detachment.  In fact my former Holabird classmates, Roger Hart and Will Callihan, were retained in Japan as a part of the 36th.  I made a couple of trips from Seoul, Korea back to Japan somewhat as a liaiaon between the 2 units and some continuing activity in some open intelligence cases.  I still have an order listing all the names of the personnel in the 441st at the time of its reduction or reassignment.  I note Col. Rainford was listed as the CO.  He finished his tour of duty and returned to the US in 1958.  LTC Hontoon (? spelling) the executive office assumed the position for the short period of time until the 36th was established.  Ed Meiser, S-4, was then the ranking officer under Hontoon.  Ed is still alive and lives in NY State.  I am in constant contact with him.  I would like to contribute more to this history after some more careful review of records.  If I can be of specific assistance, please advise.  I shall be most happy to assist. In Japan the 441st was unique.  McArthur had CIC with a wide range of authority.  This continued until the reorganization.  The CIC did much of the work that the CIA would normally do.  When the "phasedown" occurred, much of the CIC activity was turned over to the CIA.  The CIC in my years in Tokyo targeted the Soviet Embassy.  We even ran a number of "defection" operations.  Our best agent was often "followed" by CIA personnel in attempts to learn his sources.  He was the best in the business.  He is now in his early 80's having been at Pearl Harbor on December 7 and ending up WWII being shot down as a bomber pilot over Germany and captured.  He now lives near Ft. Huachuca in retirement.  I visited with him on January 5, 1999 and then went on the visit the MI Museum at Ft. Huachuca.  His "right hand" fellow agent now lives in Los Angeles. Incidentally, I served as President of the National Counter Intelligence Corps Association in 2000.  Currently, I am Vice Chairman of this organization.

12/3/2001 Terry Luse TLuse@Armyocs.com ) Do you have any idea how to locate Tom Middleton?  I served with (then) CPT Middleton in l966 in Okinawa and also at the Crossbow Detachment in Thailand.  Even though he was an officer and I was an NCO at the time, I always considered him a friend and mentor.  He taught me the futility of drawing to an inside straight and betting money in another man's game; lessons to live by. (Editor's note: Many 441st members and others knew LTC Tom Middleton and considered him a legend in military intelligence.)

10/30/2001 (from Ronald T. Reuther reuther@itilink.com ) Do you have any information on Thomas McKean (or McKeon) , executive officer, who was with the 441st in Tokyo during 1945-1951?  I am trying to find any records that pertain to Amelia Earhart and I believe that McKean has been quoted as saying there were such records in the 441st unit files then.  Thank you.  

10/24/2001 (from Terry Luse TLuse@Armyocs.com ) I am a veteran of the 441st MI Detachment from late '65 until I went to OCS in April '67.  My name is Terry Luse and I was a Special Agent in the CI section under Captain Scott.  The CO of the 441st at that time was Major Cox.  I really would like to contact any vets of the same era, especially SP5 Gaffney, SGT Carrol, and SSG Ahnert.  Any clues as how to proceed?  Great Web Site.  Thanks for your time and attention. Most of my time in the 441st was spent TDY to the 17th MI Detachment in Khorat, Thailand and in Sakhonakhon, Thailand with the Crossbow Detachment.  Lots of great memories and would really like to hear from any of the many friends I made during this tour:

9/13/2001(from Thomas Way, way@agora-net.com ) I'm trying to help a friend find out any information about his old college roommate who worked in the Pentagon [on September 11, 2001], and noticed his name on your 441st web site.  His name is Lt. Col. Ralph I. Ebener. Do you have access to any shareable information about his status?  Is he okay? (Editor comment: The web site at http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/628019.asp#pentagon does NOT list Ebener as missing, unaccounted for, injured, or killed.)

8/9/2001 (from Matthew Hunter, mhunter@netnitco.net ) My father, Matthew Wilson Hunter, Jr., served in the 441st CIC during WWII until 1949. (He served two terms--enlisted.) He was born on 2/13/20 in Battle Creek, Michigan, and lived in Waukegan, IL (or thereabouts) when he enlisted. He was stationed in New Guinea/South Pacific, then later in occupied Japan. As kids, we asked him what he did during the war, and he would smile and say that he took an oath. He couldn't tell anyone. My father's commanding officer published a book of drawings depicting his life in a Japanese POW camp. The title was, "My life as a Japanese POW." After my father died in 1995, my brother tried to get a copy of his military service record, but was told that his files were destroyed several years before in a warehouse fire. I know very little about my father's life during that time--I know his buddies used to tease him when they flew over Matthew and Hunter Islands in the South Pacific, near New Caledonia. He also said that one time, his company landed on an island--he and a buddy were in front of the rest of the group. Suddenly, they heard gunfire behind them. Japanese soldiers had hidden up in the tree tops, and had waited for the larger group to walk by. The Japanese soldiers were shot down, but not without casualties to his group. He said that he also performed autopsies during his service. If there is a way to find out more information about him or who he worked with, I would greatly appreciate it.

7/21/2001 (from Don Neumann, sandon@webtv.net) I am trying to locate Thomas McKean or McKeon or information about him. He was the Executive Officer of the 441st in Tokyo after the end of WWII. Any info will be greatly appreciated. I've also learned that Mr. Mckean (Mckeon) was supposedly the head of InterTel following the war, however I'm mainly interested in verifying his service with the 441st CIC unit in Tokyo right after the war. Additionally, would you know whether any investigative reports filed in that era are still available for public examination through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)? Again, thanks for all your help.

7/7/2001 (from Michael Connell Perkins, CRmperkins@aol.com ) My father was with the 441st. from 2/'43, Fort Douglas, California to separation 11/28/'45, Fort MacArthur, California.   His final rank was Staff Sergeant and his entire service time was spent in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater. I have some information from his separation papers, but I am not
sure how to interpret most of it.    It is as follows:
Orrin Wilson Connell
Unit Badge GO WD 6814
Investigator 301
Sharp Shooter, Carbine
August 1945, Victory Metal
ASR Score
 I would appreciate any pertinent information or suggestions as to how I go about obtaining his service records, etc.  He never really spoke in much detail about his time in the service, except to joke that he had played a lot of bridge.   We lost Dad 20 years ago, but he would be impressed and proud of your web site. Thank you for any help you may render.

5/9/2001 (from Jim Kurz, a SGT in the 441st, res07pfm@verizon.net) Just as a point of information, four to five years ago, a few of us that served in the 441st, roughly between 1970-1972, held a mini reunion.  Among those attending were John Dippel, Ken Shea, Skip White, Mark Malone, Bill Skogg and Jim Kurz. Incidentally, John Dippel graduated from Princeton in 1968 and has done well since, having published two books, both dealing with WWII.  One in particular Bound upon a Wheel of Fire has received critical acclaim and deals with the intriguing question of why so many Jews chose to remain in Germany during the Holocaust. I was a sergeant in the 441st from approximately May 1970 until December 1971 in the area intelligence section of the unit. Consequently it was of great interest to learn the unit's history. As a result, I was able to learn much that I did not know.  In the interest of accuracy, it may help if you included in the web site a notation to the effect that Roy Lamphier was awarded the Silver Star while on TDY from the 441st to Vietnam in the middle 70s. Furthermore, have you given any consideration to the intelligence operations that were operated  by the area intelligence section during the period 1970-72?  Roy (now deceased) and CPT Betz (sp.) made up the Area Intelligence Section when I came on board.  Betz soon departed and was replaced by Lt. Bruce Minger( retried as a LTC and lives in Va., near D.C.).  A very smart and likeable guy name Jim Switzer soon became part of the section as did Ken Wagar (from New Orleans), Al Symborski (sp) from Philadelphia) and SFC Garland Bettis,  who give me a deep and abiding appreciation for what it met to be a Green Beret. Wade Ishimoto, was also there. Ishimoto went on to help set up the Army's Special Operations Force, was Commissioned a CPT and was on the ground during that costly and abortive attempt to rescue our hostages from Iranian "students"..  Somehow he even ended up giving testimony before a congressional committee on the Waco fiasco. (I read much and also caught Ishimoto's interview, by accident, on the History Channel). Other names that come to mind are Larry Galbraith  (from Philadelphia and where he now operates a software company), Jerry Monroe (some where in Ohio).  Mark Malone, has a highly successful and specialized law practice in New Jersey.  Doug Bullock (sp.), practices law in Maine, I think.  Jerry Giminski (sp.) is an international banker and makes business trips between New York and London. 

4/29/2001 (From Jack Faust, fausts@pacifier.com )  This August I will reunite with George Holland & Jim O'Donnell of the Koshien Field Office of the 441st.  We would be interested in the whereabouts of any survivors of the 1953-5 era of that detachment.  Any of them reading this might be interested to know that the office & the remains of nearby Camp Kobe were torn down in 1964, & replaced by apartments.  The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Koshien Hotel was still there as late as 1985, converted to a school. The kids of all the communist subversives we used to track are probably now venture capitalists.  Holabird too is now a memory, along with the CIC.  We are a last-bottle club. 

4/25/2001 (from Axel Fritz, otanka@qwest.net )  I was a linguist/1301 Agent in 6th District (Hokkaido: Sapporo, Wakkanai  and Kushiro/Nemuro) during the years '49-52 with time out for Korea. I  left the military in '52 to return to the University and to eventually  enter business where I spent the remainder of my active life. I lost  contact with the GHQ/FECOM/441st past and unfortunately with the people I met there - as it had been great  fun - and I got paid for it!  In attempting to follow up and find out "how the story ended" I came  across your URL and the page you've established - and found it very  informative.  There was an impressive collection of people in the 441st  CIC during my time  (I've located LTC Dick Hamasaki, as an example, who  always seemed to me to exemplify the high quality - the sheer "Class" - of  the people we had in 6th district, Project Stitch, JSOB and elsewhere)  and I'm attempting to locate more of them before my time - and theirs,  runs out.  I have located some limited information on Charles  W. Payne (SN #35738148 - SFC) who was with us operating out of third division in Korea.  Charlie  was KIA 6/27/51 while leading a TLO mission in Chinese territory  substantially north of the Iron triangle. He was awarded a Silver Star -  - got it the hard way. I believe Charlie was the first (African-I don't think he felt the need for a hyphen)  American to have been killed on an intelligence mission deep in enemy  territory. I am interested in locating members of his family who may be living in the Philadelphia, PA, area. Have you any suggestions on how to  pursue this further? I and "Bud" Beerbower brought Charlie's body in and turned it over to Graves Registration with macabre results - They wondered suspiciously what were two white guys, US on their collars and questionable identification papers, doing with the dead body of a black guy (also wearing questionable ID) - all (well, two of three) of them claiming to belong to an outfit no one had ever heard of before?  Another War story you don't get from the records.  Do you have any information on  Jack Cannon  and Mike Abrams who were  ZED section down in Kanagawa?  Or Col Allison W. Ind  (JSOB during my  time in Hokkaido) - I did run across him much later while in Frankfurt,  Germany on business years later - funny story.  Do you know of anything written on TLO in Korea? Or on the Hokkaido JSOB  Siberian-Sakhalin-Kuriles operations during the late '40s and '50s?

3/11/2001 (from Mark C. Elliott, tel: 530-478-1785, e-mail: Power909@earthlink.net ) (See http://community.webshots.com/user/power909 for graphics - posted with permission of Mark Elliott) I am conducting research related to a piece of history from World War II. My family was gifted the personal weapon of General Nakajima Kesago (Chief of the Japanese Secret Police and Commander of the 16 Division of the Imperial Army). It is my intention to document this piece of history for eventual display. The weapon was given to my grandfather by Colonel Harwood (Mitch) Mitchell who was a Provost Marshall based out of March Air Force Base at the time he retired. He was in Japan at the time of First American Occupation. I know he was involved with Military Intelligence. The gun was given to him by Colonel Itsu Hota (an intelligence officer attached to Colonel Mitchell's unit) in about 1945 who had confiscated it from Kesago. I am seeking any documents/unit histories on Colonel Harwood Mitchell, Colonel Itsu Hota, and any records that may have been confiscated from the Japanese related to General Kesago (I have heard that he had a diary). I have seen excerpts from Nakajima Kesago's Diary and have written to the Japanese Embassy for records relating to his history and perhaps even ordinance records that would help me to authenticate this piece of history. I have not had much luck there. Also, any pictures or related materials would be great. If you have these records or have some direction for me as to how I might further research the people  involved it would be greatly appreciated. I have attached a link to photo's of the above described weapon, although I am not sure if it helps in the areas I am looking for.

03/05/2001 (fm Albert L. Slater Jr., 2521 Arrowhead Rd. Niles Kansas 67480; e-mail:  alslater@hotmail.com  My Dad, Albert  L. Slater, was a sergeant assigned to the 40th CID as an investigator 301 during 1944-45. I'm trying to find out as much as possible about his training and service as I can. His serial number is 38571095. His discharge papers list the following Medals he received: Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He is still alive and in fair health at 82, but his memory is fading as to what he went through during that time. Can you help with a history of his unit or can you get me in touch with some who can? Thank you very much.

01/10/2001(fm CPT Jeff Thurnher, HHOC 101 MI Unit 26215, Box 36 APO AE 09036  Jeffrey.Thurnher@hq.1id.army.mil, DSN 314-350-7213; Civilian  011-49-931-889-7213)         
  I am a member of the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion, part of the 1st Infantry Division in Wuerzburg, Germany. Our unit is working on a couple of projects to highlight some of its history and accomplishments.   As you likely know, when MI Battalions were formed in the early 1980s the decision was made to incorporate CI unit histories into the lineage and
honors of the new units.  Our battalion assumed the lineage and honors of the 1st MI Detachment (previously the 1st CIC). 
  Unfortunately though, other than the colors of the 1st MI Det (and 1st CIC) - which we retain and hang proudly in our battalion headquarters- very few other historical items or knowledge of the 1st remains in our battalion. I am hoping to correct that.  We are attempting to collect personal accounts and stories, photographs, and news articles of the 1st MI Det and 1st CIC from WWII through 1980 for a display in our battalion headquarters. 
  Your web site on the 441st is exactly the type of information I need for my unit.  Do you know of any websites that might cover the 1st CIC and MI Det? Or do you know anyone who served in the 1st that could give me some historical information.  Or are there any CI mailing list to which I can write & ask for such help.   I'm hoping to make this project something of which the men of the 1st would be proud.  Thank you in advance.

01/01/2001 (fm Jonathan Pearce  - able209@mediaone.net e-mail address corrected 1/11/2001 )   I was an army 1301 attached to the 441st in 1951 and 1952 and served in DS with the 8042 AU in two operations.  I would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar experience at the time.  Can anyone advise?  Thanks.  Jonathan Pearce

11/25/2000 (fm Dan Kraus - lifeinvest@home.com ) My name is Dan Kraus.  My Father served in World War II and served in the CIC, however I am not sure which unit.  I was hoping that you might be able to help as well as lead me to sites on the Web where I can dig my way through what seems to be a very cloudy subject on my part.  I am pursuing this such that I can get more accurate picture of my heritage and so I can carry on an intelligent conversation with my Father. His unit directed activities in Germany leading to interrogations of Nazi War Criminals.  Members of his unit included a Frenchman/Jewish gentleman and a native from Ulm Germany/Anti-Natzi.  I do not know much about what he did but am curious to get a general knowledge of what his responsibilities could have been.  He is 80 years old and does not volunteer information very easily.  Born in Northwest Germany in 1920, he was recruited into the CIC after having taught Chemistry at Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he was sent to a U.S. Army Base in California then sent to the University of Ohio where he was immersed back into German culture and language.  I believe he was sent over to Germany around 1946-47.  Does this sound accurate?  understand that as a member of the CIC, individuals are sworn to secrecy.  Is this now de-classified information?  Any help would be greatly appreciated

11/25/2000: (fm Steve Summers  ssummers@hevanet.com ) - I read with great interest your account of the 441st MI Detachment. From December 1968 through July 1970, I was a 97D (Military Intelligence Coordinator) with the 526th MI Detachment in Camp Kue, Okinawa. As I recall the 441st MID were literally a couple doors (more correctly Quonset huts) down the street.
   I suppose you and I may have crossed paths during that time frame, and you might remember the Club Cobean that was an open mess specifically for intelligence types on Okinawa. Cobean Club was my mess hall and I lived in a Quonset hut next to the club.
   One thing you might find interesting is that personnel from the 441st assisted the 526th in a number of activities. If you recall, Okinawa was being reverted the Japanese Government during the late 60s, and there were a number of demonstrations by various groups on Okinawa. The themes of the demonstrations ranged from anti-war to reversion of Okinawa to Japan. I am sure that some of the 97B, 97C and 97D personnel helped in the monitoring the demonstrations.
   I tried in vane to recall some of the names of the fellows in the 441st, but 30 years has a way of dimming some of my recollections. LTC William Perry was the commander of the 526th.
   Members of 209th MI Detachment lived in the same Quonset huts I did. The 209th personnel were assigned to G2 USARYS (I hope I recall the designation correctly) mostly as intelligence analyst and image interpreters.
   The 526^th had a number of warrant officers whom I considered at the time to be old men (they were probably in their late 30s and 40s) and some had served with the 441^st in Japan either during the occupation of Japan or during the Korean War. I recall some very interesting stories of Japan during the reconstruction period of occupation. There were some CW3 and CW4 officers who had served with CIC during World War II. Also there were some Nisei that served in the 442^nd (Go For Broke) Infantry Regiment and later stayed in the Army and found their way into intelligence because of their language skills.
   After I left Okinawa I was assigned to the 502^nd MI Battalion in Korea, and I spent eight months there before being discharged to go back to school. I eventually ended up at Waseda University in Tokyo through a foreign study program at the University of Oregon. I spent one school year at Waseda in the Foreign Study Program then returned to Eugene to finish my degree in Asian Studies.
   While still at the U of O, I joined a US Army Special Force reserve unit, and in fact stayed with that unit until it was deactivated in 1994. While in the reserve unit I became Special Forces qualified and had a number interesting experiences including going back to Hokkaido in 1987 and 1988 with the reorganized 1^st Special Forces, headquartered at Fort Lewis, Washington. I also made a trip to Korea with the 1^st Group as well as too many trips to Alaska. I was with Company A, 3^rd Battalion, 12^th Special Forces Group. On one of my deployments, my detachment was sent 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle, out on the tundra. During my 20 years in Special Forces reserves I also deployed with the 7^th Special Forces to Honduras.
   Anyway, I found your piece very interesting. I suppose there aren’t many of us around who remember Fort Holabird and certainly fewer that recall the 441^st, 526^th.
   Thank you for posting your history of the 441^st it brought back many memories.

11/16/2000 (fm Kevin O'Brien - kevin@networkimpossible.com ): A friend of mine and 441st MID (Abn) veteran was so impressed with your page he attached the whole thing to an email! I expect you'll be hearing from many vets of the closeout of the 441st, which came when it was combined with the 402nd ASA (SOD) in September 1980. Many, many of these people served with me (I came from the ASA side) and while it is always a sad thing to furl a flag, you will be pleased to know that the 441st MID went out with the same high standards and panache it always had in operation. cheers

11/16/2000 (fm David D. Perkins - perkinsd@mitre.org ) Great site.  I was one of the last members of the 441st MID prior to merging with the 402nd ASA into the 10th MI Company.  It was my first assignment in the Army and subsequently my best, I was there 5 years supporting 10th SFG(A) at Fort Devens.  I recently retired as an LTC and 20 years, I learned how many things work in the Army and in life while assigned.

10/4/2000 (fm Tom MacKinney -  thosmack@pacbell.net ) Congratulations and Well Done!   You have added another element of pride for the organization.  I had the distinct pleasure of serving with a couple of your guys from the 441st while I was a member of the Marine Corps 9th Counterintelligence Team at Camp Smedley Butler on Okinawa.  We also supported the Intel School at USARPAC and earlier USARYIS.  Why is it we only remember the good times? Tom "MacK" MacKinney, MSgt/USMC-CI (Ret) Folsom, CA

10/02/2000 (fm William Mcdonald - mcdonalw@symbol.com ) My father, 1st Lieutenant (later captain), William J. McDonald served in the 441st during World War II.  I would very much like to contact his fellow soldier, an interpreter (Nisei) named Ted Karamoto, whom I believe lived in Hawaii. Is there an organization of former members.? Any other way to find people?

09/28/2000 (fm Burton Robert Morton - webmaster@NorthernRockiesProperties.com ) Visited your website on the 441st... Great job!!  Thought I would send you a greeting and a note of thanks....  Burton Robert Morton ( formerly 'Black Bart'.... haven't used that one for some time...)  441st MIDet 1st SFG (Abn) 1st SF, 1972-1975

2/28/2003 (Ty Tamishige Yoshitake, tytyosh@msn.com )   Congratulations on a most informative website. Enjoyed it immensely. Ran into your site purely by accident. While browsing the US Army site, a thought went through my mind . . . why not just try 44lst CIC and see what happens. . . and to my surprise your site appeared. I wish to hear from persons who have served in the units at about the same time as I have. >> I enlisted in the CIC at Fort Snelling , MN in March 1946. Subsequently attended the CIC School at Holabird Signal Depot, later known as Fort Holabird, MD from 16 April to 28 June 1946 , in what I believed was Class # 82. 

As a PFC, I was the lowest ranking and youngest in the class dominated by Master and Tech sergeants but was quickly taken into their care. I can’t recall their full names, and the spellings could be mistaken, but would like to acknowledge M/Sgt's Tilley; Donnelly, Reinhart and others. All three were subsequently assigned to the 401st CIC Det in Hawaii . I was then awaiting shipment to Japan at the 13^th Replacement Depot, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii .   We were restricted to the post awaiting shipment but they used to pick me up in unmarked sedans wearing civilian clothes to take me into town. Upon arriving in Japan in the summer of 1946, I was assigned to the Tokyo Office of the 44lst CIC Detachment, then known as Metropolitan Unit 80, commanded  by LtCol Turner. It was later renamed as Area 25. More name changes followed like Tokyo Kanagawa  District and finally we were known as the 7^th CIC District. Subsequent commanders were LtCol's Raynor; Lepper; deReimer; Iwai; and Col Stearns. At the start of the Korean war, a handful of us from the 441^st  were flown to Korea as the advance team to be attached to the 8^th Army. We arrived in Taegu, Korea on July 10, 1950 where  we were later joined by the remainder of the Team. We were later designated as the 308^th CIC Detachment commanded by Maj Gordon Flaherty. The Operations Officer was Capt Benjamin Obata. See www.javadc.org/Ben-Obata.htm  After  going up and down the peninsular during the UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; UN Counter Offensive; and CCF Spring Offensive campaigns, we settled in Taegu from where I returned to my old unit in Tokyo in July 1951. My subsequent assignments included  1952-53 San Francisco Regional Office, 115^th CIC; 1953-54 Defense Language Institute; 1954-57 Sapporo Field Office, Third Operations Group; 1957-60 St Louis Regional Office, 113^th CIC; 1960 Army Polygraph School, Ft Gordon, GA; 1960-62 Naha Field Office, 414^th Tech Svc Bn (Okinawa); 526^th INTC Det (Okinawa); 1962-65 401^st INTC Det (Hawaii); 1962 MAAG-V (Saigon); 1965-66 Co C (Sokcho) and Co B (Seoul) 502^nd MI Bn and finally Hqs, 115^th MI Group, Presidio of San Francisco until my retirement from active service  as a CW4 on 31 July 1969 as the Group S2. Commander was Col. Paul Lutjens. The Deputy Commander was Col. William Strobridge. Would like to hear from anyone who has served with any of the above units. Mahalo and keep up the good work on your site. I for one will regularly check the site for more news of the  legendary 44lst. Ty Tamishige Yoshitake, -   '7808-947-3276