The Rafu Shimpo - L.A. Japanese Daily News

Kanegai Named to Military Intelligence Hall of Fame
By HARRY K. HONDA
Rafu Contributor
Saturday, July 14, 2007

George Kanegai receives highest honor of Military Intelligence Corps.

George Kanegai

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz.—The Military Intelligence Corps bestowed its highest honor to six Army veterans including the late Major Yoshio “George” Kanegai, West Los Angeles, at the 20th annual Hall of Fame ceremony on June 28 at this Army post. The cavalry routine of the Old West, the “Buffalo Soldiers,” carried on by members of B Troop, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment-Memorial, preceded the Hall of Fame festivities.

The citation for George Kanegai began by noting his leadership, compassion and understanding as acting first sergeant for all incoming soldiers at Camp Savage (1942-43), his service on the Southwest Pacific GHQ G2 staff as an enlisted man and as officer in Brisbane, Australia (1943-45).

Postwar with ATIS (Allied Translator and Interpretor Section) in Tokyo, he evaluated and disseminated information gathered from captured documents and prisoners of war during the Occupation.

During and after the Korean Conflict, Kanegai was cited as “a highly valued and trusted Army member” with the 115th CIC Detachment at Los Angeles, the 441st CIC Detachment in Tokyo (1954-58), and commanded Co. B, 502nd MI Battalion in Seoul, where he developed “a lasting and trusted communication link between U.S. and ROK governments.”

Noteworthy were his contributions in 1961-62 “to national security of the United States in dealing with a foreign government during crisis, but reflected great credit upon his efforts and those of the Army Intelligence Corps.”

Kanegai retired in 1962, was awarded the Legion of Merit and Order of Service Merit Fifth Class from the President of the Republic of Korea. Gardena-born Kanegai passed away on April 27, 2006.

Other Japanese American MI Hall of Fame honorees were Col. Harry K. Fukuhara, Lt. Col. Richard M. Sakakida, Chief Warrant Officer Arthur S. Komori, Mr. Hisashi Masuda (1988), Col. John F. Aiso (1991), Lt. Col. Gero Iwai (1995), Major Kan Tagami, Sgt. First Class Harry M. Akune (1996), and M.Sgt Roy H. Matsumoto (1997).

Other MI Hall of Fame members remembered by MIS linguists include Major General William J. Donovan of OSS fame, Col. Sidney F. Mashbir, Col. Kai E. Rasmussen and Major General Charles A. Willoughby (l988).

The importance of Army traditions, the cavalry and Buffalo Soldiers, was not lost by retired Col. Harry Fukuhara, in a conversation with Bill Hess, senior reporter with the Sierra Vista (Ariz.) Herald / Review. “Traditions are important,” the MIS leader from San Jose was quoted. “Equally important is recognizing those who have given to various branches of the Army. The MI Hall of Fame is important for it highlights the services of men and women, of all ranks, to the nation’s defense.”

Fukuhara said he almost lost hope his friend would be inducted, having nominated Kanegai six times before. With the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and all the intelligence history being created in the war on terrorism, Fukuhara thought the time for the older generation of intelligence soldiers had gone.

While Fukuhara saw approval of his recommendation, Kanegai’s widow, Toyoko (“Toy”) called the honor “very wonderful.” Her son, Brian, of Maui accepted the framed certificate and the blue Knowlton Award ribbon. Her family, grandchildren and relatives were guests of honor.

The post auditorium was filled with 250 well-wishers applauding the honors awarded the six inductees at a dramatic but disciplined formal MI Corps ceremonies, chaired by Major General Barbara Fast, chief of the MI Corps.