The Girl From Okinawa (2) “Well, whatever, Sergeant Toomey; get the soldiers to sit down and move the civilians to behind the mess hall. We’re putting up barbed wire for a detention center now, but it’s for civilians. We didn’t expect to take any military as prisoners. I’ll get a Nisei interpreter over here from Battalion headquarters.” Sgt Toomey moved all the civilians to the area designated, except that the girl with her arm in a sling refused to move. Capt Davis had returned to his office and didn’t see the confrontation unfolding here. “MOVE!” yelled Pvt Carter to the girl with her face all bloodied and her arm in a sling, pointing his rifle towards the mess tents. Diane stood there, alone, saying nothing. Then, she pointed to her left arm and said “Isha”, which means : doctor. The standoff continued for about a minute, both persons repeating their words. “Sergeant Hollister, what am I gonna do?” cried Carter. “She won’t go with the others; she just stands there, pointing to her arm and saying isha.” Hollister just shook his head, thinking : “How do I manage to get in these situations?” Finally, the response dawned on him: “I think she wants to see a doctor. So, Carter, take her to the medical tent.” Pvt Carter kept his rifle pointed at Diane as he guided her to the medical tent. Several medics were at the tent, and looked at Carter as he brought the girl to them. “What you got there? Miss Okinawa?” and they laughed loudly. “Sergeant Hollister said to have her checked out.” “Okay, Miss Tojo, come right in and have a seat” Cpl Reed said to her. Diane sat down and looked around at the soldiers who thought they had one of the enemy in their midst. “I’ll fill out the Sick Call Request for her, as she obviously don’t speak English, right. Ah so, japnee, so solly?” teased Cpl Reed. Diane said nothing but scowled at him. “Look at her face, Reed. She knows what you’re saying, I bet she speaks English” offered Carter. “Fine if she does. She’s not gonna get anything special from us.” Reed filled out the request and carried to the physician’s station for evaluation. In a few minutes, Sergeant Carmino came forward to bring her to the doctor. “Damn, guys, she’s covered with blood. Did you take her vitals? I’m surprised she can even walk. What if she needs to be on a stretcher and not in a chair?” “I’m not gonna put any damn Jap on a stretcher when our guys might need it” rebutted another young medic. Sgt Carmino reminded him: “She’s a patient and the patient comes first.” Then he motioned for Diane to follow him. Several chairs were in a line where Japanese soldiers and civilians were being examined by army doctors for their injuries and complaints, none of which was life threatening. When Diane came forward, all stopped to look at her, as her face and the entire front of her shirt was covered with dried blood from her injury earlier. Pvt Carter stood nearby, guarding her. In a few minutes, Dr. Albert Smith came over, took her chart, looked at her, and said to Sgt Carmino: “What happened with this one?” “We don’t know, Sir. Apparently, she has her left arm injured.” “I can see that, Sgt, but do you know how she was hurt?” “No, Sir, no info on her.” “Her name is ‘ Princess Tojo?’ “ asked Dr Smith, when he read her sick call form. “Uhhh, No Sir, the guys must have been having fun with her……” “NO FUN WITH PATIENTS! Carmino. Regardless of her nationality, she is to be treated with respect. Is that clear?” “Yes Sir.” “Now, get her cleaned up before I examine her. I want all that blood washed off.” “Yes Sir.” Sgt Carmino and another medic washed her face and hair. She sat there, emotionless. When they were finished, Diane noticed an Army shirt and pointed to it and asked, in Japanese, if she could wear it. She picked it up and held it chest high. The medic said “Yeah, go ahead, it’s yours.” They stared at her, but she said, in clear English: “Just look the other way, guys.” Diane took off her bloody shirt and tossed it aside. She then put on the Army shirt. She smiled at the two men and said “Arigato”, which means “thank you”. Carmino looked at the other medic: “Did she just speak English?” The medic didn’t reply, but just stared at her. As Dr Smith examined her and moved her wrist, she emitted small outbursts of pain, but nothing in English. He also noticed a deep cut above her left eye which had caused the severe bleeding. “Put a splint on her wrist and put her arm back in the sling. Then send her back to where she needs to be.” “Yes Sir.” Diane and her escort came back to the area where the detainees were waiting. The interrogation team had arrived and had begun to query the soldiers. “Well, Princess, you look a lot better now that you have some clean clothes and you got that blood washed off” observed her guard. Diane sat down without saying a word. She looked around to see where everyone she had arrived with was now located. An Interrogation Team had set up a table and chairs outside of Captain Davis’ office. The interpreter was Sergeant Yamazaki, a Nisei from Long Beach, California. Along with Captain Wilson, he was adept at examining detainees. Diane merely observed the questioning. She noticed that the Nisei interpreter finally got around to asking the locals, in Japanese, where army units were and what defenses had been built. Unfortunately, Sgt Yamazaki must not have realized that the Okinawans spoke a different dialect of Japanese. He was getting frustrated with his inability to make sense of the responses he was getting from the civilians. Finally, Diane got up and walked over to the table where Sgt Yamazaki and a Capt. Wilson were seated. Yamazaki looked at her and said, in Japanese: “Go sit down.” Diane responded with “Iie”, which means simply “No.” Yamazaki was startled and didn’t know how to respond. He was not used to detainees acting in such a manner. Usually they were grateful not to be killed, and even more so to be fed. Capt. Wilson asked “What’s the problem?” Yamazaki answered back: “This girl, Sir, she’s a bit brash, I told her to sit down and she told me ‘No’. “ Capt. Wilson turned to one of the soldiers guarding the civilians and said “Private, make that woman go sit down over there”, indicating an area not directly in front of their table. “Wait a sec, Captain, there’s something about her, something’s not right” replied Sgt Yamazaki. Capt. Wilson indicated for the private to wait. “What does that mean, Sergeant?” “Sir, look at her. She’s …meaty” “What??” “She’s not scrawny like the other Okinawans. She’s muscular, like she’s eaten well all her life. She’s also bold and dominating. Japanese women are docile, but she definitely isn’t. She’s also got her hair long; that’s not typical Okinawan style. In fact, NO ONE in Japan wears their hair like that. I think she needs to be scrutinized closely; she doesn’t fit; in fact, she might even be Japanese royalty.” Capt. Wilson looked at Diane, then back at Yamazaki, “I wonder if she was trying to hide among these people when she couldn’t get back to Tokyo?’ “Could be, Sir. I just know something’s not right about her; she is not Okinawan.” Diane told Sgt Yamazaki, in Japanese, that the Okinawans spoke a different dialect and they might be having problems understanding him, but she would act as interpreter. “Well, Capt. Wilson, she more or less admits she’s Japanese and not Okinawan. She speaks the mainland dialect. I think she bears checking out; she is definitely out of place.” In a short time, all the Okinawans had been moved to the area behind the mess tent. The barbed wire enclosure was still being constructed. The captured soldiers were sitting in a semi-circle about 80 yards away, in a clear area. Diane was being more thoroughly interrogated by the Team. At that moment, Lt. Colonel Nash came to the table and said “Gentlemen, we have a problem. This morning I got a radio message from B Company that they had captured an English speaking Jap. I told them to bring him here. So far, I haven’t seen such a person. Now, WHO did you interview today, that speaks English?” “No one, Colonel, at least, not to our knowledge” said Capt Wilson. Continued Colonel Nash: “Well then, where is this Jap? IF we don’t find him, that means that somewhere between B Company and here, there’s an English speaking Jap wandering around, and that’s not good. Diane took a breath in before she spoke: “Uh, Colonel Nash, I think I can clear this up. I’m probably the one you’re looking for” and she raised her hand slightly in the air. All three men stared at her, speechless. She went on: “I was with B Company this morning: Lieutenant. Martin’s men. I didn’t see any Japanese that spoke English. The only Japanese they encountered were already dead.” “WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?” barked Lt Col Nash, more out of surprise than anger. “You speak English?” asked Sgt Yamazaki. “Of course I speak English; I’m an American. Lieutenant Martin’s men liberated me this morning. The medic put my arm in a sling, then PFC Ware and I went to find a radio, to send you a message that I was on my way here.” “Liberated?” You’re an American?” questioned the Colonel. “Yes, I really truly am” and she offered her passport to them for examination. “I’ve been hiding on this island for almost 4 years.” The men looked over the passport and looked at her, repeatedly. This event was totally outside their consciousness of possibilities. Finding an American girl on Japanese soil was most unlikely. Finding an American that was fluent in Japanese was unbelievable. “Why didn’t you speak English earlier?” asked Capt Wilson. “Because the Japanese soldiers and locals need to believe that I’m one of them. They never would have come in if they knew or even suspected I was an American. Even now, the woman I lived with here is in difficult circumstances, if her neighbors are anti-american. However, gentlemen, you are actually quite fortunate.” “Fortunate? How so?” shot back Col. Nash. “As the Okinawans are not considered Japanese and have been mistreated by them, they tend to be more cooperative and less resistant to American presence, than on the main Islands. They are mostly just scared of being in a war, and don’t want to be on either side. Most of them are not fanatics who will willingly die for the Emperor.” Diane went on to explain some of the history of Okinawa, and also customs and language differences. “So, you’re a college professor, lecturing me on the culture of Okinawa? This is either the most fantastic lie someone has dreamed up in this war, or you’re telling the truth,” stated Col. Nash. “Colonel, I’ve already proved myself this morning. Ask Lt. Martin. If I were Japanese, I wouldn’t have been around the bridge, but in hiding with the others.” The Colonel sent a messenger to Lt. Martin’s platoon to bring back someone to confirm her story. While they waited, Diane and the Interpreting Team talked about the War and how the end was near. “So, you’ve been here ever since Pearl Harbor?” asked Sgt Yamazaki? “What’s Pearl Harbor?” The two men filled Diane in on many things she had missed out on. Finally, the messenger returned with Pfc. Ware, who confirmed her story, and that Lt. Martin was convinced that she was truly an American. Lt Colonel Nash invited Diane into his office, and spoke: “You are a very brave young woman. What you did was incredible. I thank you very much, although we did want the bridge intact, that’s a minor difficulty. What could I do to make your visit here more comfortable ?” “Well, Colonel, I’d love to eat some American food, for starters. Then, I’d like to go home.” In the next several days, Diane became a familiar face in camp. The civilians were released and allowed to return to their homes. Diane obtained an army uniform, and wore it after modifying it. At night, she slept in a tent. In the daytime, she helped translate documents, as she was more adept at it than Sgt. Yamazaki. She ate every meal with the troops, and she became a familiar sight. All knew of her “combat action” and were proud to have her with them. The number of Japanese she killed and the trucks she destroyed increased with each passing day, as more and more, her story went from shore to ship to shore, and back again. Word of her exploits made the rounds, and went up the chain of command. A reporter from Stars and Stripes arrived to interview her and take photos. He also brought her some WAC clothing. Major General David Bruce sent a note to Lt. Colonel Nash, requesting that Diane stay on until the war was over, as there was a desperate need for Japanese speakers by the Allied forces. She agreed, reluctantly, but insisted that a letter be sent to her family, informing them that she was alive and thriving on American food. When Lt. Colonel Nash’s battalion was sent forward, she went with them, helping to strike tents, carry boxes, and load trucks, as much as she could, until her wrist was completely healed. The men respected her, not only for that, but also that she had seen combat and shed her blood for her country. The soldiers would say, “Diane, you deserve a Purple Heart; you gave your blood for your country.” She would give a faint smile and reply: “Yeah, a gift from the heart.” She continued on to Japan with the Regiment, assisting in the Occupation by providing interpreter services. ************ End of Chapter One ********************* Diane returned to the USA in late October, of that year, having sailed on a ship from Japan to Hawaii, then on to San Francisco on another ship. She declined to take a plane, as she said there were soldiers who should be on a plane going home, and she was content to give up her seat and take a ship. Despite the many unfriendly looks she received on her return to the USA, she held her head high and proudly, for she had done so much for her country. EPILOGUE On Armistice Day, November 11, 1945, Diane was invited by the Fifth Army Commander to attend an Awards Ceremony on the Parade Ground at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. After awards were handed out to U.S. Army personnel, the final recipient was called forth from the crowd of civilians. “The following individual, front and center: Diane Joan Nakamura”. Diane rose from her seat and with an army sergeant escorting her, made her way to a position in front of the Post Commander. “ATTENTION TO ORDERS: The President of the United States takes great pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Diane Joan Nakamura, for her actions in support of the United States Army during the Battle of Okinawa. On the morning of April 11, 1945, on the island of Okinawa, Diane Nakamura, an American civilian from San Antonio, Texas, did, of her own choosing, expose herself to great danger from enemy soldiers. Acting alone and behind enemy lines, she attacked a column of Japanese vehicles, destroyed two trucks, killed several of the enemy, and halted the column, causing it to be delayed and flee in another direction from approaching troops of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 305th Infantry Regiment. She continued to resist the enemy until her wounds rendered her unable to continue the fight. This action was instrumental in helping the 305th Regiment achieve their goals, going far beyond what would be expected of a civilian in a combat zone. Miss Nakamura is a credit to both herself and her country. For this action, Diane Nakamura is hereby awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States. Signed, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States” The award was handed to her somewhat awkwardly. Then, the speaker continued: “ATTENTION TO ORDERS! On the date of April 11, 1945, Diane Nakamura, an American civilian on Okinawa, while in the company of American soldiers of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 305th Infantry Regiment, detected and approached a group of armed Japanese troops who had infiltrated behind allied lines. Seriously injured, blinded in her left eye and with her left arm broken and a severe laceration to one knee, she confronted the enemy troops and persuaded them to surrender. This was an extremely hazardous action on her part, which, fortunately, did not result in any casualties. Gaining custody of the enemy soldiers, she turned them over to troops of the 2nd Battalion, 305th Infantry Regiment. For unusual valor at the extreme risk of personal harm, Diane Nakamura is hereby awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star. Signed Major General David Bruce, XV Corps, Commanding ATTENTION TO ORDERS: SPECIAL ORDERS! During the period of May 11, 1945 to August 15, 1945, Diane Nakamura, an American civilian from San Antonio, Texas, was a major asset in translating documents and guiding American troops in their tasks, due to her intimate knowledge of the Japanese language, and her knowledge of local geography and customs in the operational area of the 305th Infantry Regiment. Disregarding her personal wishes to return to the United States, Miss Nakamura continued to assist Allied forces until all operational objectives were met in the Okinawa Campaign. For her assistance, Miss Nakamura is hereby awarded an Honorary Army Commendation Medal, with all rights and privileges appertaining thereunto. Signed Lieutenant General Robert L. Eichelberger, 7th Army,Commanding ATTENTION TO ORDERS On April 11th, 1945, during the invasion of Okinawa, Diane Nakamura, an American civilian, was behind Japanese lines, destroying a bridge. Several Japanese trucks appeared and drove onto the bridge, which collapsed. An ensuing explosion seriously injured Miss Nakamura, rendering her unconscious with severe head and body wounds. She was found by elements of the 305th Infantry Regiment, who transported her to their Medical Support Battalion. As a result of being wounded during conflict with an armed enemy of the United States, Diane Nakamura is hereby awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Purple Heart. Signed Major General David Bruce, XV Corps, Commanding” In addition, she was awarded the World War Two Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal, in addition to medals awarded to her previously. She was also made an honorary member of the 305th Infantry Regiment, making her the most decorated civilian of World War II. She gracefully accepted the awards, then quietly returned to the house where her father lived, in San Antonio. The medals were put away and never looked at again for years. Diane lived a quiet life for many years: she married and raised two sons but never saw a need for discussing her time on Okinawa. She died on February 14, 1985, and was buried in Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery in her home town of San Antonio.
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