Itami Today(Click to link Itami city office official home page) 　　　　　　

Viewing more pictures of old days in Japan ( Click to Jump)

   * Your comment will be appreciated ( Kanji Aranishi)   
 
　　　 To all U.S. veterans and concerned persons!!
　　　　　I am much interested in history of my town.

　On May 9 1999Officer pilot of VP-28 visited in Itami.
(Click to see the pictures)

Looking forward to having any information of your memories in Itami airport, I remain...

Quoted pictures from "In racing with super Dave" website: http://www.racewiz.com/

As far as I heard from U.S. Veterans who stationed, there was restaurant "New Friend" in front of Entrance gate. I tried to find the place where it was in several times but I could not find  it.

　   This picture was sent from Mr.Bryan Elliot.   One of the copy from his Web site. 
His father was stationed at Itami Air Base in 1946. He was a navigator in the A-26 "Invader".  I am much impressed with many pictures of old planes in his Web-site.  But I don't catch the feeling of  his explanation of "GOUGE" at any rate.Click here to his pagehttp://home.earthlink.net/~roughcut/
　(In temporary  link error 404 will be occured )
　３８ｔｈＢｏｍb Group 

Special thanks to Mr.Bryan Elliott who presented this picture.

Special thanks to Mr.Donald J. Weber 　
　A Major and flying officer of the United States Air Force, Retired.

At the beginning of 21st century, I am much excited  to learn that the super star Ms Marilyn Monroe visited Itami in 1954 with her new husband JoeDiMaggio , and also Vice President Richard M. Nixon visited Itami about the same time as Ms. Monroe. 　
　
　　This picture was brought from Mr.Donald J. Weberwho stationd in Itami from Sept.1953 to July1955 first with the 6107th Air Base Squadron. 　 
He kindly described the airport illustrated map refered to  the aerial picture(below left ) of airport from his memories. Today airport facilites are changed completely except 320 degree extended over 3000m runaway, In 1955 I was only 7years old, so I am not able to remind anymore about it. I appreciate his efforts and also I am expecting the any comments from this map.

　　 　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Click above map to enlarge 

NEWLY-WEDS-Joe Demaggio and his bride, Marilyn Monroe, were served refreshments in the Japan Air Lines Terminal during a brief layover en route to Fukuoka, Kyushu.The famous couple signed autographs and met base officials while at Itami AB.(Itami Air Base Photo)
DiMaggios & O’Doul Mobbed By Fans On Flight Line 　　By Donald S. Ford

Joe DiMaggio, his bride, the much publicized film star, Marilyn Monroe, and Lefty O’Doul stopped briefly at Itami Air Base last Monday evening en route to Fukuoka, Kyushu, via a Japan Air Lines flagship.　DiMaggio and O’Doul were scheduled to spend three or four days on the southern island coaching baseball players in the Central League before returning to the Kansai District “to help get the baseball season underway in Kobe and Osaka.After the Japan Air Lines DC-4 was parked, the “YankeeClipper”stood on the Loading platform and talked with the large crowd of military personnel, dependents and Japanese Nationals who had come to see the famous newly-weds.　Later Marilyn appeared in the doorway of the flagship and posed for photographers.The 20th Century Fox actress did not appear “misty eyed and moisty-lipped” etc.,etc. She simply looked like the beautiful wife of an exbase-ball star, apparently happyand very much in love with her husband.During the ten minute press conference in the JAL terminal, DiMaggio reiterated his　reasons for combining his honeymoon with a baseball visit to Japan. His wife sat beside him patiently while photographers took more pictures and the crowd passed bits ofpaper through a terminal window for her to autograph.
Asked if she thought her squabble with 20th Century Fox would be ironed out soon, Marilyn said, “I certainly hope so, I am definitely against making ‘Pink Tights.’The picture has been produced three or four times under various different names. I would like to appear in more musicals like ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.　Marilyn seemed anxious to get started on her scheduled trip to Korea the 16th. She will make as many stops as possible during the four-day tour, traveling from post to post by helicopter.The DiMaggios will leave for the states on Feb. 24, Joe will proceed to New York immediately, and ifMarilyn’s suspension has not ended by then, she is expected to accompany her husband East.

 Itami AFB and vicinity scenic place (presented by Don Weber)　

　Click to see the more memorable pictures　from Don Weber.　　

Subject: 6127th Air Terminal Group -detachment 17-Itami Air Base
From: gvred@webtv.net

　In late January 1951 the 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo) was formed.Major General William Tunner arrived in Japan to organize a more effective method of airlifting troops and materials from Japan to Korea. Tunner brought with him a staff made up off men with previous airlift experience in the Berlin Airlift and other MATS operations.A Transport Movement Control Center was formed at Ashiya Air Base on Kyushu Island.The 3 14th Troop Carrier Group and the 437th Troop Carrie Wing .Also the 374th Troop Carrier Wing were assigned to the 315th Air Division to provide aircraft and crews to transport troops and equipment to the United Nation Forces in Korea.C-46,C-47,C-54,C-1 19 and C-124 aircraft were used for these missions. 
　There became a need for small Detachment Groups to be formed to cordinate the planning and loading of people and equipment onto transport aircraft;therefore the 6127th Air Terminal Group was formed to perform this critical part of airlifting personnel and supplies to the war effort in Korea.
　Theheadquarters was located at Ashiya Air Base.Small Detachments of approximately 12 to 15 men were formed in Japan and Korea.The following are those groups and their locations: JAPAN: Tachikawa,Komaki,Itami,Miho KOREA:Pusan,Taegu, Suwon,Kimpo,Seoul, Chunchon I arrived at Ashyia Headquarters in April 1952. I was then assigned to Detachment 17, 6127th Air Terminal Group (Combat Cargo) in early May 1952. The following is a roster of Airmen of this Detachment when I arrived: 

RANK 　　NAME 　　　　　　　　HOMESTATE 　　
Capt 　　　 Arthur Tuck 　　　　 Texas 　　　　　　
S/Sgt 　 　 Walter Gilhousen　 California 　　
Sgt 　　　　Wenzel Frank　　　　 Minnesota 　　　　
Cpl 　　　　Dan Copenski 　　　　New Jersey 　　
Cpl 　　　　Robert Briles 　　　　 Indiana 　　　　　
Cpl 　　　　Elmer Wright 　　　　　New York 　　　　
Cpl 　　　　Robert Rydell　　　　　Nebraska 　　　　
Cpl 　　　　Glenn Reed　　　　　 Massachusetts　 
The following is a roster of Airmen that were assigned to Detachment 17 May 1952 to May 1953: 
RANK　　     NAME 　　　　　　　HOMESTATE 　　
2ndLt　　　 Fred Cox 　　　　　　 Georgia 　　　　
S/Sgt 　 　 James Boyle　　　 　Washington 　　
Cpl 　　　　Phil Rinker 　　　　 　 Virginia 　　　　 
Pfc　　　　 Edward Rose 　　　　 Virginia 　　　　
Pfc 　　　　James　Wyche　　　  Florida 　　　　　
Pfc 　　　　Robert Karr 　　　　　 New York 　　　
Pfc 　　　　Sheldon Gornstein 　Rhode Island 　
Pfc 　　　　Robert Burke　　　　　Wyoming 　　　
The following Japanese personnel were also assigned to Detachment 17: 
NAME 　　　　　　　　　　ASSIGNMENT 　　　
Chimiko Higashinaka 　　 Interpreter 　　　　
Mr. Nakamura　　　　　　　Driver　　　　　　　 
Mr. Nakano 　　　　　　　　Driver 　　　　　　
Mr. Kanda 　　　　　　　　 Cargo Handle 　　 
Mr. Nishioka 　　　　　　　Cargo Handler 　 
Mr. Maeda 　　　　　　　　 Cargo Handler 　 

　Chimiko was called "Susie" by -- Air Force personnel. She also performed the duties of Detachment Clerk. Her husband had lost his life while serving in the war against China in 1940. Detachment 17 was formed in early 195 1 and was dissolved in late 1954. 0ur original barracks was located next to the Airman's Mess Hall and in front of the Base Motor Pool on the main road leading to the gate.In early 1953 we were moved to a newly constructed barracks located between the 321 Club and the 
main runway.1 was reassigned to the 80 1 st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron and left Itami in May 1953. My subsequent assignments took me to Tachikawa Air Base, Japan and Taegu. Osan and Seoul Air Bases in Korea.1 will always consider the 6127th Air Terminal Group assignment at Itami the highlight of my military career. 

Glenn Reed 
119 Sarah Sherman Road 
Rochester, MA 02770

Refer to the Korean War Project site where is avaialbe for more information.(CLICK)

　I went to Itami AFB Japan and went to work in the base instrument shop.　I soon tired of this and　wanted to work on aircraft engines and I went to work as an aircraft engine mechanic and ended up　as a crew chief on a RB-26-C

　　

Ｃｌｉｃｋ pictures for large size) 　　
　　　（３２１Ｃｌｕｂ　Ｃｏｉｎ）


　Ｓｐｅｃｉａｌ　thanks to Mr.John Szalay for sending me these pictures of his Itami A.F.B. collections.




(posted 9/18/05)

　
　 I could bid off the lighter which was informed me at E-bay auction from Japan. And I am expecting to know about this commemeoration lighrter written in "Itami A.B. JAPAN 67th RECONNAISSANCE TECHNICAL SQUADRON 1957".
　

Mr.John Szalay sent me a left medal picture which he got at E-bay
auction. He kindly often informed me about Air Base items.
Because he has been in Itami city and he is much interesed in our city.

Die Stamped as follow

67TRW
10MLE ROADRACE
ITAMI AIRBASE
6 MARCH 1955


* I am looking forward to hearing more story about 10 mile roadrace.

Map of location (click)

　Someone said it was warehouse of U.S. army, and another said it was radio operation facility for aircraft. It is mystery for me. I speculated it as something warehouse of U.S. army as legend goes. 
If anyone know what kind of purpose of this building, please let me know.

 　　I am looking forward to having further information about Boy Scout Invitation Camp in 1956 .
   

Greetings from Maine, USA
I was at Itami in 1954-5 and have some photos you may find of 　interest. My father flew RB26's from there on night recon missions over Korea. I recently got an E-mail from a flight engineer who was stationed there around the same time who may have some photos you may find of interest. 
-CJ Poole
(Click Enlarge)



Thank you for sending and looking forward to hearing anything about Itami.

　　　I received the mail of obituary on January28 2018.
　　　 Please accept my deepest condolences.

    This is John Hanicks Son. Dad wanted me to imform all his E-mail contacts on his passing.

Sad to say our beloved father passed away peacefully January 19th at 10:25 pm. He very much enjoyed connecting with Army buddies, old friends and family. He will be missed dearly. Thank you for your friendship with my father.

                                                                                 The Hanick Family

http://www.sinchakandsons.com/notices/John-Hanick

I am very happy to find the page who stationed in Kobe,"John-San's Asian Tour of Duty. At this moment, his pages and many photos are not able to display except Guest book page. I would like to introduce a part of his mail to me. I was in the military US ARMY based in kobe for three 3 yrs. I was only 18 to 21 yrs old then.I fell in love with country and the people and customs .I took the cable car up to the top of mt.Rokko many times Saw the Golf course which was on top there. Used the train stations a lot to go sightseeing. Sannomyia station , Motomachi Station Tagatori Hyogo Kobe,Suma, Sheyoia,Suma,and Akashi. Did a lot of swiming in Japan Sea.I lived off my post which was know as Kobe East Camp also they had a West Camp in Kobe. East Camp was only a 5 minutes walk to the train station Sannomyia.I lived at the base of MT.Rokko address at that time #72 Nadacu Shogundori- 1 chome Rokkomichi Japan.　 Johnsan & Helen Hanick -　Warren, Ohio WE MAY BE OLD WE MAY BE GRAY BUT WE ARE BLESSED TO BE HERE TODAY 　And also I have found very interestig page of descendant of Abraham Lincoln who stationed in Sendai city,North of mainland Japan.
And　fortunately, I had a mail from another U.S. vets. who stationed same East Camp in Kobe.　Mr.Ed Pippenger kindly compiled many John-san's photos to CD-ROM instead of him and sent it to me. Surely this CD-ROM amaged me to find a great deal of photos in old days view of Japan. 　I appreciate his dedicated efffort to me. I would like to introduce　the beginnning of his mail. 　　TWO OLD SOLDIERS ? 50 YEARS LATER 　　　(by Ed Pippenger) Could it happen? Two young soldiers living only yards apart in 1950 in a foreign land, and never meeting, find each other more than 50 years later via the Internet and the telephone? IT HAPPENED!! I was a twenty year old “buck sergeant” serving with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in Camp Ainura outside of Sasebo in the southern prefecture of Kyushu Japan, in the early months of 1947. A part of my battalion was called upon to serve as a security force in the city of Kobe that summer, so I and my buddies after a long and miserable train ride arrived in Kobe to take up our duties. Headquarters Company was “beefed up’ with troops from a couple of the line companies for this mission. Arriving in Kobe we were quartered in a group of Quonset huts in East Camp, just inside the front gate on the left side of the road, and directly across the road from the command stockade. 　 　　See full text of "TWO OLD SOLDIERS "(PDF)
	* I am going to introduce the contents of CD in the near future. 　I am anxious to know about Kobe in 50's.

Mr.Jim Miller& Mrs.Jeannie Miller at fourth VP-28 Squadron Reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2002. They had just presented her with a plaque for all of her help and support in planning all of our squadron reunions. 　Jim-san, "ARIGATO" for sending me a picture. This website has been initiated since you have sent me the first several pictures. When will it be held next reunion of VP-28?

INFORMATION
　Although I received the following mail, I don't have any information about this case.If someone who has a further information about it. Please contact to Theresa.

Good Evening Sir,

We have been trying to locate a person stationed in or around this area in the 50's. We specifically are trying to identify and locate the father of one Mikie Grubbs. Daughter of (XXXXX XXXXX=Japanese name).
The orphanage paperwork identities the father as Charles Haskell. Yet the only living family and a picture references a Doug or Douglas (first or last name unknown). They should have had connections with some type of aircraft industry back here in the states if that information is true. Are you aware of any resources that may help us identify and locate this person?

Mikie was born Feb 10, 1955 in the Osaka Area. We were also wondering what military hospitals and their names where in 1955. The orphanage paperwork is very questionable.
If you can help in anyway, please accept our thanks in advance.

Respectfully,
Theresa Hope for
<okiehope@cox.net >

Reply to Theresa:
> Good afternoon,
> Thank you for interesting my website.
> As a matter of fact I don't have any information about your topics.
> So, may I introduce this letter at my website in order to get further
> information. If you don't mind please let me know.
> Sincerely
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 11:40 PM
  Subject: Re: Info Request Japan

Received again:

Please do, we are at a dead end.
The Airman may have been at Itazuke Air Base also. If we could just get a name list for Osaka and Itazuke + names of hospitals that would be at least a start. There is much documented American interest in Mikie as an orphan. The orphanage Is the Holy Family Home or Seibo Infant home. It is sponsored by the ? Wolfhounds (an American Military outfit)?? Not sure about that. Yet, that leads us to believe that the interest was sparked by people who at least knew her father and/or mother.
We also know that there was intense family pressure for the father to drop out of the picture.

Thank you so much
Theresa

　I received the following mail (Mr.Joe Metz), and I wish to hear more about USAF 6024th group.
　I was stationed at Itami with the USAF 6024th Flying Training Group (MDAP)  for 1 year. In 1957 the base was returned to the Japanese. Our group moved up to  Tachikawa where we disbanded after about 2-3 months. I then went to Osan (K-55)  in Korea. The photos from 1951 looked pretty much the same as when I was there.  If anyone contacts you about the Air Force during 56-57 time-line I would  appreciate it if you could put them in touch with me. Thank you. Joe Metz 


How do you think of Atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

　On August 8, 2005　I have accessed the website of U.S. veterans who stationed in Sendai northern city of Japan and introducing many photos of Japan in 50's.
　As I also found his blog　page and posted the comment of Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima responding to the following his comment.
http://campsendai.blogspot.com/　　
60 Years Ago the 'Bomb' Exploded
Study says Japanese feared force of Russian
Army Joining in the War Against Them

　Sixty years ago, on Aug. 6 and 9, atomic bombs destroyed the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Most Americans think the bombings forced Japan to surrender. And further, most believe that they were necessary as the only way to end World War II without a costly invasion.
　　　　(abbriviated　－refer to the following site)
　　 　　http://oldmanlincoln.modblog.com/
　(My comment　-posted above blog site on Aug. 8 2005)
　　I am glad to read your comment, I am much impressed and I agreed with you.
　　Most American think the atomic bombing contribute to end the war and saved many youngster from bloody combat to bleeding.
I think those viewpoint is only for the excuse and justify the atrocities of the war included the killing of many children and noncombatant citizens.

　　Today August 8 is the day of declaration of war of Soviet Union(Russia) tear up the nonaggression pact against Japan. Despite Japan offering the arbitoration of surrender to Russia for the purpose of seeking peace truce to surrender to the allied powers.


　　Obviously The atomic Bomb was a horiffic operational test. It goes without saying that the use of the atomic bomb to end the war was not necessary or there was not only way to end World War II without a costly invasion.

　　On the occasion of 60 years anniversary of Japan's surrender, we should　reconsider the cruel occupied policy based on the revenge and racial biased unilateral judgement at Tokyo war crimes tribunal.
　As a matter of course, the proceedings at the trial was rather tend to be the logic of allied countries.　It seems to be justified as the revenge of the victory countries.

　　Please remember all of Japanese people wish to good relationship with the United States, shareing common value of democracy and partnership against the tyranny of China and North Korea propaganda although some of Japanese people still are affected such as war guilt information program for decreasing the hostilities during the occupied period in 50's.
　　On coming August 15 some of neighboring countries and still some of the folly domestic left wing media claim the worship to war victims at Yasukuni Shrine of prime minister for the reason of lack of remose to the war against Asian people.　
　　It is unnecessary to eliminate the people who were sentenced by the trial as a war criminal.　Because the rehabilitation of their honor was completed by Diet resolution after holding our sovereignty rights. 　All nation should be dedicated the respect in equal to all of the sacrificed in the war.
I think it is the reality of the intervention by foreign powers in our traditional culture.

　ＳＴＲＡＴＥＧＹ　ＡＧＡＩＮＳＴ　ＪＡＰＡＮ　ＩＮ　ＷＯＲＬＤ　ＷＡＲ　Ⅱ
Senator　HICKENLOOPER. Question No.5: Isn't your proposal for sea and air blockade of Red China the same strategy by which Americans achieved victory over the Japanese in the Pacific?
General MACARTHUR. Yes,sir.In the Pasific we bypassed them.We closed in. You must understand that Japan had an enormous population of nearly 80 million people,crowded into 4 islands. It was about half a farm population. The other half was engaged in industry. Potentially the labor pool in Japan,both in quantity and quality,is as good as anything that I have ever known. Some place down the line they have discovered what you might call the dignity of labor, that men are happier when they are working and constructing than when they are idling. This enormous capacity for work meant that they had to have something to work on.They built the factories, they had the labor,but they didn't have the basic materials.
There is practically nothing indigenous to Japan except the silkworm.
They lack cotton,they lack wool,they lack petoroleum products,they lack tin, they lack rubber,they lack a great many other things, all which was in the Asiatic basin.
They feared that if those supplies were cut off, there would be 10 to 12 million people unoccupied in Japan. Their purpose, therefore, in going to war was largely dictated by security.

— a tribute by Admiral Chester Nimitz to the fighting men on Iwo Jima.-
(Iwo Jima memorial in Alington cemetory )

　On october 31, I was much impressed to see the movie,"Flag of our fathers". And I am looking forward to seeing the next trailer movie "Letters from Iwo Jima"　which will be released on coming Dec.9 in Japan.
　　The Battle of Iwo Jima (a volcanic island) was fought between the United States and Japan in February and March of 1945. Iwo Jima was Japanese home soil–part of Japan–only 650 miles from Tokyo. The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in the war, with more than 6,800 American and 23,000 Japanese casualties. Of the six soldiers shown on Rosenthal's picture, only three survived the war. The other three were killed during further battle at Iwo Jima.

　　At least Japan was strongly intend to declare a state of War before the attack to only military facilities in Pearl Harbor .
　　However unfortunately, due to the failure of diplomatic activity of resident agent Pearl Harbor attack has been regarded as a sneakｙ attack. without the declaration. 　
　　Consequently, we would not make an excuse for the historic fact. Because it is used to say that "the loosers are always in the wrong.."

　　Despite FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech on December 7, 1941, the governmet of U.S. had already interfered to Japanese military operaton in China illegaly by means of supporting the A.V.G (American Volunteer Group) so-called "The Flying Tigers".
　Remember which country was the unfair and sneaky country at the beginning of bilateral agreement .
　
The official Home page of "The Flying Tigers"

　The news was broadcasted at ABCTVnews program, "20/20" on Dec.6,1991.
　＊Video Ｍｏｖｉｅ　are available at following "YOU TUBE" web site(linked).

　　　　　　http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1cX_Fr3qyQ

　　　　　　http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uf_3E4pn3U

　Leave your message at my website.I am looking forward to hearing from all veterans who stationed at my 　home town Itami.

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