Arthur Komori

Arthur S. Komori (1915-2000)[1] was a Japanese-American who served as a spy for the United States in Pre-war Philippines.

Activities in before the war

Arthur Komori attended the University of Hawaii when he was recruited by American military intelligence eight months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He enlisted on 13 March 1941 for duty with the Corps of Intelligence Police at Ft. Shafter, T.H. together with Richard M. Sakakida. On 22 April 1941, he commenced his duty with the CIP unit, G-2, Headquarters, Philippine Department, Ft. Santiago, P.I, posing as an American draft dodger and merchant seaman who jumped ship. He got a job at a Japanese newspaper in Manila.[2][3]

Outbreak of World War II

When war broke out, he voluntary had himself interned together with other Japanese in order to gather intelligence. He was released from internment a week after the outbreak of war by the American Army, and was relieved of his assignment. He participated in the Evacuation of Manila, Battle of Bataan, and Battle of Corregidor. He escaped Corregidor on orders of General Jonathan Wainwright on 13 April 1942. He was the only CIC agent authorized to escape to Australia upon the Fall of Bataan. He continued to serve in U.S intelligence in Australia. He was the only Special Agent detailed to enter Japan on the first shipload of troops entering Tokyo Bay on 25 August 1945. He acted as the interpreter to several Allied Commanders.[2][3]

After the War

After the war, Komori returned to Manila to search for Richard Sakakida, who had escaped into the jungles. Komori studied for his law degree from University of Baltimore. He served as an attorney and formerly served as a District Court judge.[2][3]

Arthur Komori became ill, and was under long-term care at Wilcox Hospital. In May 1999 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disability benefits for Komori because his senile dementia and Alzheimer's conditions couldn't be linked to his service years. However, six months after the VA denied Komori military disability payments for PTSD, official word came that federal aid is forthcoming.[4]

Komori, died in Wilcox Hospital in 2000 at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Rosa, daughter Rosemary Gardner, brother David, sisters Aiko Hirai, Mary Setlak, Martha Yasue and Viola Imai, and two grandchildren.[2][3]

Recognition

Brigadier General Thorpe submitted a recommendation for the award of the Bronze Star to Komori, which was authorized in December 1945. Komori was awarded the Bronze Star and in 1988 was elected to the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.[2][3]

Further Reading

References

  1. ↑ "Secret agent Arthur Komori". December 28, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Arthur S. Komori: Nisei Special Agent". The United States Army. May 17, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Arthur S. Komori, WWII spy, judge Information he collected posing as allied to Japan went to MacArthur's staff". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. February 19, 2000.
  4. ↑ "VA makes exception, OKs benefits for Komori". The Garden Island. November 20, 1999.
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