In November 1943, the assault on the Gilbert Islands began on Tarawa and Makin. The marines suffered heavy casualties on these amphibious landings. MIS linguists participated in these attacks, helping to gather intelligence through interrogations and translations.

On the taking of Marshall Islands: “The first thing he (Mike Sakamoto) did was cry at seeing so many bodies and pieces of bodies of Japanese everywhere. Mike tried to sing a Japanese song in their memory.” (Yankee Samurai, p. 182–3).

After capturing the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Allied troops moved west to capture Saipan, one of Japan’s strategic strongholds. Japanese troops numbered about 30,000, and over 80% of the 24,000 civilians living on Saipan were Japanese.

After U.S. troops secured the island, MIS linguists risked their lives by walking into the caves unarmed to convince hiding soldiers and civilians to surrender.

After securing Saipan, the U.S. sent B-29 bombers on nearby Tinian Island on raids to Japan.

This island, even closer to Japan, had another important airstrip of strategic importance. Over 50 MIS linguists accompanied the marines on the initial landing. The battle lasted 26 days with a high number of casualties on both sides. Allied forces took few POWs.

After fighting ended, Japanese soldiers hid in caves fearing American brutality. MIS Nisei linguists convinced many to surrender.

The Allies decided to attack Okinawa, Japan’s last military stronghold, before attempting an invasion of Japan. Kamikaze planes constantly threatened, and Japanese soldiers used civilians to flush out Allied positions.

Two captured documents translated by MIS Nisei were invaluable: 1. The Japanese defense plan for Okinawa, including a signal codebook. 2. A chart showing the artillery and heavy mortar positions of the Japanese defense line.

A small team of MIS Okinawan Americans participated in the campaign. Some found family members who had survived the war.