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I was the only language specialist so wherever I go I was escorted by two, maybe three Marines...I was more afraid of the Marines than the enemy!
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<br><br>From May to August 1944, Don Okubo and the other JICPOA linguists translated captured documents and field orders. Later Okubo served with the 1st Marine Division at Palau, Caroline Islands, interrogating POWs for vital information. From September to November 1945, Okubo was the only Nisei language specialist in the Marshall Islands. During this time, he continued interrogation work with captured Japanese soldiers and Korean laborers. He also engaged in psychological warfare assignments such as sailing around inlets to search for enemy hiding places while scattering leaflets and broadcasting messages that urged Japanese stragglers to surrender. In Taroa Island, he was solely responsible for the surrender of Japanese Rear Admiral Kamada and his garrison of 1,000 troops.
<br><br>For his work as a cave flusher, saving civilian lives and helping convince Japanese soldiers to surrender, Okubo was awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.
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