Okinawa 1940's - 50's - 60's - 70's -PG-13

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BlueSeal.jpg

AFRT 1958
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/AFRT19581960.jpg

Bomb Scare @ Kubasaki High
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BombScare.jpg

Regards

Ox

[YokohamaJo]

Great fashions in the bomb scare pic...
I passed there yesterday and all the kids were dressed in basketball gear and baggies...
Do you have a date for that one, Oxmix?
Much appreciated,
YJ

[dk]

Great fashion???

[ryukyuboi]

Great fashions in the bomb scare pic...
I passed there yesterday and all the kids were dressed in basketball gear and baggies...
Do you have a date for that one, Oxmix?
Much appreciated,
YJ

year 68 or 69

[Sex Wax]

b acon rights !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mikersoft]

b acon rights !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah, it was very rough for ***** back in the 1940's - 1950's

[Oxmix]

Great fashions in the bomb scare pic...
I passed there yesterday and all the kids were dressed in basketball gear and baggies...
Do you have a date for that one, Oxmix?
Much appreciated,
YJ

I believe it was 1971 or 1972.

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img042.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img067.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img085.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img090.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img091.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img092.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/donn%20oki%2060s/img110.jpg

[Oxmix]

Camp Foster 1971
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CampFoster1971a.jpg

Camp Foster 1971
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CampFoster1971b.jpg

Cape Hedo 1971
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CapeHedo1971.jpg

Fatuema 1971
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Fatuema1971a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Fatuema1971b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Fatuema1971b.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

GI's and bar girls. 1963

http://www.uploadbabe.com/images/644_GI_Bar_Girl_2_1963.jpg (http://www.uploadbabe.com/view-644_GI_Bar_Girl_2_1963.jpg)

http://www.uploadbabe.com/images/191_GI_Bar_Girl_1963_1.jpg (http://www.uploadbabe.com/view-191_GI_Bar_Girl_1963_1.jpg)

http://www.uploadbabe.com/images/728_GI_s_Bar_Girls_1963.jpg (http://www.uploadbabe.com/view-728_GI_s_Bar_Girls_1963.jpg)

Fun in the Ville. 1963

http://www.uploadbabe.com/images/923_Okinawa_1963.jpg (http://www.uploadbabe.com/view-923_Okinawa_1963.jpg)

Guard and GRI Policeman.

http://www.uploadbabe.com/images/961_GI_Century_and_GRI_Pol.jpg (http://www.uploadbabe.com/view-961_GI_Century_and_GRI_Pol.jpg)

Regards

Ox

[gliza]

[QUOTE=DesertDonn;215464]

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/kadena%20naha/kd.jpg



I wonder which barracks this is? I lived in 110,114,120. This could be 110 or 114.After looking again, I see stadium lights behind it which could be the football field and track which would make it 114.


i lived in 108 which was right next to 110. but if those are, indeed, the lights from the track behind it, then it can't be 110 because 110 sat perpendicular to the positioning of this building. and it can't be 114 because, from that perspective, the track lights would have been far to the right. so, chances are, it is 108.

i know it sounds stupid but this picture actually makes me sad. i have so many fond memories of living in japan. both when i was younger and single, living in the old h style dorms and then when i came back again and had a family. so many great memories....i was lucky. i hope to be back one day.

*edit* i just noticed there is a building number on it. perhaps if you could zoom in. it looks to be 108 though. crazy.

[gtlm2000]

Nice pictures. I always love to see old Okinawa pictures.
Maybe My mom knows old time very well.

[DesertDonn]

[QUOTE=chiefk;215635]


i lived in 108 which was right next to 110. but if those are, indeed, the lights from the track behind it, then it can't be 110 because 110 sat perpendicular to the positioning of this building. and it can't be 114 because, from that perspective, the track lights would have been far to the right. so, chances are, it is 108.

i know it sounds stupid but this picture actually makes me sad. i have so many fond memories of living in japan. both when i was younger and single, living in the old h style dorms and then when i came back again and had a family. so many great memories....i was lucky. i hope to be back one day.

*edit* i just noticed there is a building number on it. perhaps if you could zoom in. it looks to be 108 though. crazy.

It is Number 108, I checked the original and you can read 108.

[GarryK]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaPottery1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaPottery2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaOkinawatrain.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaOkinawatrainb.jpg

Regards

Ox
My wife tells me that prior to the war, the train ran from Naha to Kadena where there was a large sugar cane processing plant. The train also carried passengers. Here grandfather was some sort of money collector and he would ride the train from Naha to Kadena, taking his bicycle with him. He would ride his bike from Kadena to Nago, the do the opposite for his return home.
Respectfully, Garry

[DesertDonn]

Okinawa pre-war railroad map, Naha, Kadena, Yonabaru, and Itoman
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/okinawa%20railroads/img769.jpg

Naha Station
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/okinawa%20railroads/img770.jpg


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/okinawa%20railroads/img771.jpg

Kochinda station on the way to Itoman
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/okinawa%20railroads/img773.jpg

[gliza]

i know i said it before but i'm going to say it again, donn and ox are f**king awesome!

[Crazysix]

I could give a shit if I get your respect or anyone else's for that matter.

Oh and on the matter of acting like a "school boy" as you put it here I am not the one that continually makes sophomoric comments like you do in your posts when you can not figure out anything else intelligent to say in reply.

Something for you to think about.....but I doubt you will, which is par for the course from you.

Dear Muku,
Your advice was taken under consideration and we, have decided to act upon you recommendations. The Post you brought to our attention has been removed as per your request...Please continue to be a productive member of JU forums and your ideas and suggestions are a valued part of our future as media source for all people of Okinawa. Thank you and please continue to be productive member of the JU Forum.


Sincerely
C6
forum Moderation Team

[Crazysix]

and why do you have to be looking for shit in every post that isnt there?

Oh and i havent posted much of anything over the past two or three weeks so why is it you keep on bringing up an issue that i haven't?

Go back and read and you will see that the issues regarding mod's recently was consistently being brought up by others not me.

I still hold the opinion that i will reserve comment to a later time. You conveniently keep on thinking are are reading something i wrote but i havent.

Who is the school boy now?

blah blah blah

[TheLastDon]

All off topic comments have been moved here. (http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12415)

[socalheart]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BlueSeal.jpg
Do you know how old this Blue Seal sign is? Do you mind if I borrow it to show my dad? He worked for Foremost McKesson Blue Seal from way back when.

[GarryK]

You guys are having so much fun posting old photos, I found my computerized 8mm home movie from late 1962 and early 1963 and captured some photos of BC Street and Gate 2 Street. I was driving around parts of Okinawa before returning stateside getting various shots of Okinawa. Sorry for the quality, but it is very difficult to capture 8mm movies and get them on a computer and then to capture a single frame from it and have it make a good photo.

This is BC street driving from North to South.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOFl6M8jI/AAAAAAAAbBs/G4mlrOnWoZA/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2021.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOGBYWiPI/AAAAAAAAbB0/HQNMAfvMx0w/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2022.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOGn6cxSI/AAAAAAAAbB8/edJQNbhyu1o/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2023.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOHPKeHWI/AAAAAAAAbCE/hvew2LMZHZQ/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2024.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOHTpJQSI/AAAAAAAAbCM/jFCbATL3YzQ/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2025.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOH3mMXNI/AAAAAAAAbCU/ut3dAq5ThNs/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2026.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOIeKvXgI/AAAAAAAAbCc/yEau4bQsbEo/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2027.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOI1ZSsaI/AAAAAAAAbCk/sYkvcu1PcMA/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2028.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOJhLx9xI/AAAAAAAAbCs/ZjIunrR4vZo/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2029.jpg

Gate 2 Street heading towards Kadena Air Base

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOKTdveUI/AAAAAAAAbC0/DfYAudvwYR4/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2030.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOK7B_u-I/AAAAAAAAbC8/jpmKruhmKY4/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2031.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Pb4o4fBebtk/SinOLOBZyPI/AAAAAAAAbDE/HOnXD9Gy0Eo/s128/Grabbed%20Frame%2032.jpg

And just inside Gate 2 is the place all of us GI's spent 98% or our time.
http://picasaweb.google.com/GarryKoons/1963BCStreetGate2Street#5344029132029966322

Hope these brought back some good memories for you; your photos sure have for me.

Respectfully, Garry

[YokohamaJo]

Oxmix and co.,
I'm a big fan of your pix from the glory days...
I thought you might like to see what the area looks like now on a drizzly May 2009 day...
YJ

[Oxmix]

SoCal,
No idea as to the age of the sign. Feel free to use it. I did. I put it there to get your attention, knowing that your father was an ice cream man.

Regards

Ox

[Sex Wax]

Ox...i'm offended by these pics. Ther has been no bacon shown in any old Okinawa pics.

[Oxmix]

You know, I don't believe I ever saw any bacon during my time on Okinawa. Bacon must be a new phenomena on Okinawa. :D

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img704unk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img705unk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img706wunk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img714unk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img717unk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img718unk.jpg

[GarryK]

Let my try my input again. DesertDonn has been gracious enough to provide lessons on how to make things work the neat way.
Going down BC street from the main drag with my trusty 8mm movie camera recording as I drive.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame21.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame22.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame23.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame24.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame25.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame26.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame27.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame28.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame29.jpg

Garry (Sure hope you see photos instead of links.)

[GarryK]

Now for Gate 2 Street, early 1964.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame30.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame31.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame32.jpg

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame33.jpg

Garry - Hope these bring back some memories for you.

[Oxmix]

I think I was most of those ars at least once. Great memories. Thanks Don for helping Garry enlarge the pictures.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/GrabbedFrame33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/USOAshTrayOkinawa1967.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Fatuema1971c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/FortBuckner1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Hanby1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MPBarracks1971.jpg

Naha 1971

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1971.jpg

Regards

Ox

[uriel]

I see traffic hasn't changed too much...

[abonifi1]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Fatuema1971c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/FortBuckner1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Hanby1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MPBarracks1971.jpg

Naha 1971

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1971.jpg



Ox


neither has beer from that picture

Time for another Orion

Regards

[dk]

Where is Fatuema?

[hankypanky]

Where is Fatuema?

Right next to jeenowan:D Leave him alone already!

[jimbob17755]

Right next to jeenowan:D Leave him alone already!
Easy Hank! Sounds like a bad day behind the mower. Come on, lemme buy you a cold one. Hey,I may just have invented CYBER-DRINKING!

[DesertDonn]

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img710unk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img712nt.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img713unk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img715us.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/Okinawa%20in%20Black%20and%20White%201950s%20postc ards/img716unk.jpg

[Oxmix]

Naha 1971

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1971b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1971c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NAHA1971D.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaMarket1971.jpg

Regards

Ox

[gliza]

what street is miracle mile now?

[CPOCPO]

what street is miracle mile now?


Miracle Mile is now Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea Avenues in LA

Magnificent Mile in Michigan Ave in Chicago.

:thumbup:

[gliza]

Miracle Mile is now Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea Avenues in LA

Magnificent Mile in Michigan Ave in Chicago.

:thumbup:

bleh......

[DesertDonn]

Postcards from the late 1950's to the late 1960's

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img266.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img582.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img588.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img596.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img133495.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img133504.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img133527.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/img133538.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/21%20june%2009%20nakag/NAKAGUSUKU.jpg

[Okiman]

I stummbled on this today looking for something else. It is the 498th Tactical Missile Group Kadena Air Base, Okinawa

http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Kadena/kadena.htm
http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Kadena/kadena-2.htm

[Oxmix]

WWll Refuges 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWWllRefuges.jpg

School Children 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWWllSchoolChildren.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawan3wheeldumptruck.jpg

P47 Thunderbolt

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/P47ThunderBolt.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/SugarLoaf1971.jpg

1960

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/1960_BarFlorida.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarFloridaOkinawa1960.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/WoodenNickela.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/WoodenNickel.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/WoodenNickelb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/WoodenNickelc.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NanseiShoto1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NanseiShoto2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NanseiShoto3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NanseiShoto4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NanseiShoto5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NanseiShoto6.jpg

Regards

Ox

[chiefk]

Ox, where in the hell did you find that book?

[Oxmix]

Ox, where in the hell did you find that book?

The book was up for auction on eBay. I bid on it but was out bid, I did make copies of the auctioneer's eBay pictures.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Book. This Is Okinawa

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19691.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19692.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19693.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19694.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19695.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19696.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19697.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19698.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThisIsOkinawa19699.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Bombed Yontan Field 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BombedYontanAirfield1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BombedYontanAirfield2.jpg

Recon Yontan Field Oct 1944

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ReconYontanAirfield1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ReconYontanAirfield2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Recon1944.jpg

6th Marine Div 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/6MarDivOki.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MuddyInfantry.jpg

Naha Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1945b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha1945c.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Bombed out Naha 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaAfterBombing1945.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Here is an ad from This Month on Okinawa June 1957 issue for the top 25 songs from Rogers Arcade Music Shop in Awase Meadows Shopping Center.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/misc%20things/tmojun57.jpg

[DesertDonn]

Here is an interesting map of what Kadena AB looked like back in the mid-50's.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/kadena%20naha/img231.jpg

[P_chan]

MARS Station FTW! That thing was up still operational up until 2006 IIRC:first:. Though they might have changed the location of it, but the building it used to be in was old as dirt:D.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Affiliate_Radio_System

[Oxmix]

Typical Military barracks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ArmyBarrackSukiranEarly60s.jpg

Black Market Alley 1970

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BlackMarketAlleyHeiwadori1970.jpg

Blackie the photographer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BlackieThePhotographer62.jpg

Castle Terrace Club

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CastleTerraceClubKue68.jpg

Ishikawa Beach 1967

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IshikawaBeach67.jpg

Kadena Officers Club 1969

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KadenaOfficersClub69.jpg

Regards

Ox

[daveh5o]

Great photos, Oxmix. Keep them coming. The photo of the Castle Terrace Club was apparently taken sometime in the nineties, or even more recently than that. The cars are very new, and Japanese made. After it was a Club, it became the headquarters for AAFES. They (AAFES) still had some American made staff cars parked at the bottom of the staircase in front of the building when I left in late 1988. Those too are gone in this photo.

[mikersoft]

Great photos, Oxmix. Keep them coming. The photo of the Castle Terrace Club was apparently taken sometime in the nineties, or even more recently than that. The cars are very new, and Japanese made. After it was a Club, it became the headquarters for AAFES. They (AAFES) still had some American made staff cars parked at the bottom of the staircase in front of the building when I left in late 1988. Those too are gone in this photo.

good eye! :first: those aren't '60s cars in that photo...
:scratchchin:

-Mike

[P_chan]

ROR, kadena officers club is still the same and that pool is still over by the high school. But I don't think they use it anymore IIRC.

[DesertDonn]

This is Castle Terrace about 1966 or 67

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/misc%20things/img401.jpg

[DesertDonn]

OVERFLIGHT
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/afda.jpg

ATOMIC CANNON TRANSPORT
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/atomiccannon.jpg

ATOMIC CANNON
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/atomiccannonb.jpg

C-124
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/c124.jpg

F-84
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/f84.jpg

F-86
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/f86.jpg

MARINE CHOPPERS
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/armed%20forces%20day%2056/marineheilos.jpg

[Oxmix]

Mercy Elementary School 1966

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MercyEementarySchool66.jpg

Naha 1962

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Naha62.jpg

Pacific Middle School 1972

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/PacificMiddleSchool72.jpg

Plaza House 1969

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/PizzaHouse69.jpg

Seamans Club Naha 1953

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/SeamansCubNaha1953.jpg

Sugar Loaf 1971

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/SugarLoaf1971-1.jpg

Tori Station 1972

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/TorriStationMainGate72.jpg

US Army Headquarters in the 1960's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/USArmyHQ60s.jpg

Machinato 1959

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Machinato1959.jpg

Regards

Ox

[GarryK]

Ox: Two problems with the identity of photos.

1 - Sugarloaf Hill. Photo says think this is Fuetenma. To the best of my knowledge, Sugarloaf Hill is in the old Machinato Housing area.

2. Machinato Housing. I lived there 1966-1969 and do not recall being able to see the ocean; at least anywhere near my house. I lived across the street from the Commissary and PX complex. I must admit that I did not go on every street in the housing area; had no reason to. I think that it may be the Fort Buckner housing area and the photo is looking at Jacona Basin - the dots in the background at the ocean could be the U.S.S. Neversail; the power barge providing electricity to part of Okinawa.

If I am wrong, someone please step in and correct me. At my age (nearly 70), memories are stored and the facts get narrower and narrower; kinda like that medical problem that I have that has no known real cure - my forehead keeps growing larger and larger.

Respectfully, Garry

[Sex Wax]

This photo looks alot like the Emerald Pub/Steak House by the Awase Golf Course (before it was remodeled).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/PizzaHouse69.jpg

[Oxmix]

Okinawa House 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaHouse1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaHouse1945bjpg.jpg

Misc Photos

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawaphotos.jpg

Boy & Maid

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaGirlswithMissionaryboy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaGirlswithMissionaryboybjpg.jpg

Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/1945Okinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Cave1945Okinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Caves1945Okinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Cemetary1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Church1945.jpg

Regards

Ox

[daveh5o]

Ox: Two problems with the identity of photos.

1 - Sugarloaf Hill. Photo says think this is Fuetenma. To the best of my knowledge, Sugarloaf Hill is in the old Machinato Housing area.

2. Machinato Housing. I lived there 1966-1969 and do not recall being able to see the ocean; at least anywhere near my house. I lived across the street from the Commissary and PX complex. I must admit that I did not go on every street in the housing area; had no reason to. I think that it may be the Fort Buckner housing area and the photo is looking at Jacona Basin - the dots in the background at the ocean could be the U.S.S. Neversail; the power barge providing electricity to part of Okinawa.

If I am wrong, someone please step in and correct me. At my age (nearly 70), memories are stored and the facts get narrower and narrower; kinda like that medical problem that I have that has no known real cure - my forehead keeps growing larger and larger.

Respectfully, Garry

It is Futenma housing (Fort Buckner Housing) in the photo where the ocean is visible. The photo labeled Sugar Loaf looks correct, and yes it is in the Makiminato (Machinato) Housing Area. It is not Futenma as the picture suggests. See my flickr site (daveh5o) for a good shot of Sugar Loaf Hill, and a few of Maki housing area.

[DesertDonn]

Grogan Photo Co. postcard showing Sugar Loaf Hill in 1945, sold by Grogan Photo to G.I.s on Okinawa from about 1947 to mid 50's
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/misc%20things/File1758.jpg

1946 OBASCOM map
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/misc%20things/19451946OBASCOMMAP.jpg

1952 RYCOM recreation map
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/misc%20things/1952RycomRecreationMap.jpg

[Oxmix]

Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaShrine1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945d.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945f.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945g.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945h.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945i.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945j.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945k.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945l.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Sex Wax]

Where are you getting all these pics from?

[Oxmix]

Where are you getting all these pics from?

I find them here and there on the net.

Regards

Ox

[Biru San]

I find them here and there on the net.

Regards

Ox


Ox, Really enjoyed the photos you posted... I have great memories of Okinawa and mainland JP, from my 1962-63 tour aboard the U.S.C.G.C. Basswood... Great steaks at the Seaman's club... We moored at the old LST docks near the Harbor Master, in Naha... Hung out in Naminoue in those days... I now enjoy a language and culture exchange with a family in Hokkaido... All the best to you and yours... Biru san.:old:

[Oxmix]

Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945m.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945n.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945o.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945p.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945q.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945r.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/TeaTimeOkinawa1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ToriGate1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/VillageHomeOkinawa1945.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Official press release military photos

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1648.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1649.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1650.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1651.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1652.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1653.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1654.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1655.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1656.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/File1657.jpg

[YokohamaJo]

wow,
crazy combat pix,
where's the close-encounters-of-the-third-kind-type mountain located? is that iejima?
yj

[DesertDonn]

wow,
crazy combat pix,
where's the close-encounters-of-the-third-kind-type mountain located? is that iejima?
yj

No information on the back of the photo that is any help although they indicated it was Okinawa and not Ie-Shima. Maybe some of the other forum members might recognize it. Interesting to note that it was a Coast Guard photo, most people don't think of the Coast Guard when they think of WWII Okinawa. I will be posting additional photos later on.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/img455-1.jpg

Ie-Shima
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p1/img133484.jpg

[YokohamaJo]

Thanks for the clarification, DesertDonn,
Please keep the pix coming - I'm a big fan...
YJ

[DesertDonn]

Official Press Release Military Photos

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1658.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1659.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1660.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1661.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1662.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1663.jpg


ENTERING NAHA
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1664.jpg


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1665.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1666.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1apr45%20p2/File1667.jpg

[GarryK]

I don't know why, but every time I see this photo my mind locks on to the peak at the Kadena AFB golf course.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Miscellaneous/File1655.jpg

[Sex Wax]

I don't know why, but every time I see this photo my mind locks on to the peak at the Kadena AFB golf course.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Miscellaneous/File1655.jpg

hmmmm..... It does look similar, but I think the hill in the pic is bigger. I'll check it out and take a pic tomorrow.

[DesertDonn]

Check out the "8th Army Air Force Headquarters 1945 Sakugawa (Sunabe)" thread that I posted a while ago. P Chan put up a couple of photos of the Kadena Golf Course, its not the same formation.

I did locate the old 8th Army Air Force HQ and it was at the Kadena golf course, I will post a map and some photos to show the exact location. Also 8th Army Air Force Hq was also known as Pinetree Army Air Base. That was also another thread I posted. I will put up some info about Pinetree also.

[Oxmix]

French Notes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/FrenchNotea.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/FrenchNoteb.jpg

1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BrotherSister1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaBathTime1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaFamily1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaGirls1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaHome1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaToriGate1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaVillagers1945-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWoman.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Check out the "8th Army Air Force Headquarters 1945 Sakugawa (Sunabe)" thread that I posted a while ago. P Chan put up a couple of photos of the Kadena Golf Course, its not the same formation.

I did locate the old 8th Army Air Force HQ and it was at the Kadena golf course, I will post a map and some photos to show the exact location. Also 8th Army Air Force Hq was also known as Pinetree Army Air Base. That was also another thread I posted. I will put up some info about Pinetree also.

Here is the link to the original thread about the 8th Air Force HQ on Okinawa.

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12455

They had moved from England in July 1945 to prepare B29s for bombing raids on Japan but the war ended before they really got to do anything. The 8th AF was then moved to McDill airfield in Florida in June 1946.

I found printed information in The Daily Okinawan military newspaper from 1945 and from Pacific Stars & Stripes 1945 that indicated during the time they were on Okinawa their location was named Pinetree Army Air Base. My investigation was to find the location of the HQ area and additional evidence that it was called Pinetree. I believe that it was named Pinetree Army Air Base is because 8th AF HQ in England was code named “Pinetree”. Below is some of the results of my investigation.


8th Air Force location on Okinawa July 1945 to June 1946

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/8thhqsign.jpg

2009 Kadena golf course photo standing about where the 8th Air Force sign was in 1945

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/P1030100_edited.jpg

Matching the rock formations between a 2009 photo and the 1945 photo. Pretty good match considering the 64 years of erosion and vegetation growth.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/8thformationmatching.jpg

Mapped location of 8th AF HQ in relation to Kadena today. The red arrow shows the direction you would be looking to view the 8th AF sign in the first photo

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/pinetree8thhqmap.jpg

Photo of different part of 8th AF HQ from 1945, note the small sign (Pinetree Army Air Base) near the tents in the rear, above the Baka Bomb (Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka (Cherry Blossom) Rocket Bomb or Baka Suicide Bomb) This same Baka Bomb I-18 is now located in an Air Museum in Chino, California.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/PINETREE1-18PHOTO.jpg

Enlargement of the sign, hope you can see that it does say Pinetree Army Air Base, it was a low resolution scan so does not enlarge too well.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/200ppibicubicsmoother.jpg

[P_chan]

There are some old caves/bunkers in those mountains, but they're either blocked off or caved in. Climbed to the top of that little moutain once and got an awesome view of the surrounding area. On a clear day you can see the beaches on the keramas.

[Oxmix]

From 8th AF site

SUNDAY, 5 AUGUST 1945

Eighth Air Force: HQ 333d Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and 435th, 460th and 507th Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy) arrive at Kadena, Okinawa from the US with B-29s.

TUESDAY, 7 AUGUST 1945

Eighth Air Force: HQ 346th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) arrives at Kadena, Okinawa from the US.


From Wikipedia

Eighth Air Force in the Pacific Theater

Following the end of the war in Europe in May 1945 plans were made to transfer some of the B-17/B-24 heavy bomber groups of Eighth Air Force to the Pacific Theater of Operations and upgrade them to B-29 Superfortress Very Heavy (VH) bomb groups. As part of this plan, Eighth Air Force headquarters was reassigned to Sakugawa (Kadena Airfield), Okinawa, on July 16, 1945, being assigned to the United States Strategic Air Forces in the Pacific without personnel or equipment.[5]

On Okinawa, Eighth Air Force derived its headquarters personnel from the inactivated XX Bomber Command, and Lieutenant General James H. Doolittle assumed command, being reassigned from England on July 19. The command controlled three airfields on Okinawa, Bolo, Futema, and Kadena Airfield. The Eighth received its first B-29 Superfortress on August 8, 1945.[5]

Eighth Air Force's mission in the Pacific was initially to organize and train new bomber groups for combat against Japan. In the planned invasion of Japan, the mission of Eighth Air Force would be to conduct B-29 Superfortress raids from Okinawa in coordination with Twentieth Air Force operating from airfields in the Mariana Islands.[5]

Units assigned to Eighth Air Force in the Pacific were:

* Headquarters, 301st Fighter Wing

Ie Shima Airfield, Okinawa, July 31 – November 29, 1945
318th Fighter Group (P-47N Thunderbolt)

Ie Shima Airfield, Okinawa, July 31 – November 29, 1945

413th Fighter Group (P-47N Thunderbolt)

Ie Shima Airfield, Okinawa, July 31 – November 29, 1945

507th Fighter Group (P-47N Thunderbolt)

Ie Shima Airfield, Okinawa, July 31 – January 29, 1946



* Headquarters, 316th Bombardment Wing

Kadena Airfield Okinawa, September 5, 1945 – June 7, 1946
22d Bombardment Group, (B-29 Superfortress)

Kadena Airfield Okinawa, August 15 – November 23, 1945

333d Bombardment Group, (B-29 Superfortress)

Kadena Airfield, Okinawa, August 5, 1945 – May 28, 1946

346th Bombardment Group, (B-29 Superfortress)

Kadena Airfield, Okinawa, August 7, 1945 – June 30, 1946

382d Bombardment Group, (B-29 Superfortress)

Northwest Field, Guam, September 8 – December 16, 1945
Note: Only 420th Bombardment Squadron of group arrived with B-29 Aircraft, 464th and 872d Bomb Squadrons only ground echelons arrived. Air Echelon of squadrons with assigned aircraft remained in United States until inactivation.

383d Bombardment Group, (B-29 Superfortress)

West Field, Tinian, September 12 – December 19, 1945

The atomic bombings of Japan led to the Japanese surrender before Eighth Air Force saw action in the Pacific theater. Eighth Air Force remained in Okinawa until June 7, 1946

Regards

Ox

[daveh5o]

There are some old caves/bunkers in those mountains, but they're either blocked off or caved in. Climbed to the top of that little moutain once and got an awesome view of the surrounding area. On a clear day you can see the beaches on the keramas.

I extensively explored the larger of the two hills. The one farthest from the Golf Clubhouse. There are caves, and a pillbox with a narrow opening for an entrance. At the north base of the hill there is a large concrete room with an artillery gun emplacement. The round base was still attached to the floor, and a cave extends from the room into the hill, but does not go very far. I was told that it was a Japanese Army underground field hospital during the first few days of the battle, before it was captured by U.S. forces.

[DesertDonn]

Here is a photo of one of the markers at the base of the rock formations at the golf course.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/kabmarker.jpg

[Oxmix]

Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWomen1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWomen1945b.jpg

Regards

Ox

[GarryK]

B Series Military occupation money.

One Yen Front
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/1YenBSeriesFront.png

One Yen Rear
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/1YenBSeriesRear.png

Ten Sen Front
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/10SenBSeriesFront.png

Ten Sen Rear
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/10SenBSeriesRear.png
Signed by CPL Don R. Davis, Mesa, Ariz.

Respectfully, Garry

[GarryK]

B Series Military occupation money.

One Yen Front
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/1YenBSeriesFront.png

One Yen Rear
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/1YenBSeriesRear.png

Ten Sen Front
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/10SenBSeriesFront.png

Ten Sen Rear
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Early%20Okinawa%201963-1964/10SenBSeriesRear.png
Signed by CPL Dan R. Davis, Mesa, Ariz.

Respectfully, Garry

[Oxmix]

Oban Festival 1960's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ObanFestivalOkinawa1960s1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ObanFestivalOkinawa1960s2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ObanFestivalOkinawa1960s3.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

POW's 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/POWsOkinawa1945.jpg

1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/TempleGateOkinawa1945.jpg

Okinawa Post Cards

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaPostCard1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaPostCard2.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Don't know if you have seen these or not but Life magazine has a lot of photos from Okinawa 1945-1961 in an archive site. Here are the links below, probably around 200-300 photos so that should keep you busy for a while. You can also copy them if you want to. They have good resolution and have a full screen view so you can see quite a bit of detail.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&sa=1&q=okinawa+1945+source%3Alife&btnG=Search+Images

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=okinawa+1949+source:life&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=18

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=okinawa+1951+source:life&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=18

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&sa=1&q=okinawa+1957+source%3Alife&btnG=Search+Images

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&sa=1&q=okinawa+1961+source%3Alife&btnG=Search+Images

[DesertDonn]

These are the last of the official press release military photos that I have in my collection about the invasion of Okinawa on 1 April 1945. The last great battle of WWII.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1APR45%20P3/File1668.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1APR45%20P3/File1669.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1APR45%20P3/File1670.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1APR45%20P3/File1671.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/1APR45%20P3/File1672.jpg

[Oxmix]

Great pictures.

I often wonder when I see pictures like these of soldiers and civilians, what kind of life they they had after the war. How did their war experience affect them? Are they still alive? Did they prosper? Have they talked about their war experiences? How did they handle their PTSD.

My father was in the Navy from 1939 To 1946, Pacific Theater. He never talked about his WWll war experiences.

My grandfathers sisters son was in the Marines during WWll in the Pacific. He really open up a few years ago about was it was like. His Guadalcanal stores are very interesting. When asked about PTSD, he said, he went to the farm and worked it out with hard work.

Some years ago I had a boss who as a tanker, was severely wounded in Europe during WWll. I didn't know until after his death that he had even been in the military let alone had been wounded. He was always energetic and strong.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/SpecialForcesAshTrayOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaChristmasCard.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Generals.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawawomenandchild1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawawomenandchild1945a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BonesSuicideCliffa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BonesSuicideCliffb.jpg

Regards

Ox

[GarryK]

Great pictures.

I often wonder when I see pictures like these of soldiers and civilians, what kind of life they had after the war. How did their war experience affect them? Are they still alive? Did they prosper? Have they talked about their war experiences? How did they handle their PTSD.


My wife's father (Okinawan) served in the Japanese Army and worked in Gen. Ushijima's HQ on his staff. He and other staff members had been told to take care of their families because they expected heavy fighting. My wife (10 years old at the time) and her grandparents walked from Shuri to Futenma and from there were trucked by the Japanese Army to Nago where they took refuge in the mountains. My wife has told a few stories about hearing then seeing pre-invasion bombers fly over and also seeing the smoke from the bombings coming from the southern part of Okinawa. Although war is bad, she only speaks out about 2 incidents that affected her; (1) Her father opted to commit hara-kiri along with other HQ staff members and she still questions why, and (2) Although the Emperor of Japan went to other countries and apologized for the war, he never visited Okinawa and apologized to them.

[Oxmix]

The head house boy in my barracks, Kien Seichi, (spelling) was a Japanese soldier during the war. He surrendered rather than commit suicide. He never returned to his home in Japan.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

An Interesting Item

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Pants.jpg

Match book

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubCuddlematchbook1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubCuddlematchbook2.jpg

Strippers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19632.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19631.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19633.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19634.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

1940's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BusatNagoOkinawalate1940s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HorseCart.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HorseCarts.jpg

Okinawa Currency

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaCurrency2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawacurrency.jpg

Okinawa 1950's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawanKids1950s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Shrine.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/WomanBoyAtWell.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Modelwright]

I would need to know what year some of these pictures are to be sure but I do know that in the early 60's the Sukiran area was known as Fort Buckner and the area around Stillwell Field house was all Army, not Marines at that time.

[DesertDonn]

Here are some photos that I just bought showing the Navy Seaplane base that was built near White Beach in 1945. The sailor that took the photos arrived probably in June 45 based on one of the photos, and left sometime after Oct 45 based on photos of Typhoon Louise damage on 9 October 1945. More photos to follow in a couple of weeks as I am going on vacation, although being retired you would think that every day was a vacation.


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/1img456a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/2img457a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/abbtimg486a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/abbtimg487a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/bbbtimg481a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/bbbtimg482a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/bbbtimg483a.jpg

Typhoon Louise 9 Oct 1945 damage

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/cbatimg459a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/dbatimg458a.jpg

Found this photo of the typhoon damage at the seaplane base in a 1995 issue of Naval Aviation News which shows the same planes and Quonsets but from a different angle.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/dbatoki_katchin_hanto_1945_typhoona.jpg

[GarryK]

Match book

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubCuddlematchbook1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubCuddlematchbook2.jpg

1960's strippers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19632.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19631.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19633.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19634.jpg

Regards

Ox[/QUOTE]

Dear Oxman: The thread is about the 40's and 50's. Here you had to go and put in strip shows with lots of black dots. Not needed for the way this thread has been going. Looks as if I may have to unsubscribe. Thank you so much for all the previous good stuff. I really enjoyed viewing them. Same goes for DesertDonns stuff. We see each other nearly every Wednesday and enjoy telling war stories about our being on Okinawa plus all of the items he collects.

Respectfully, Garry

[Modelwright]

Ox: Two problems with the identity of photos.

1 - Sugarloaf Hill. Photo says think this is Fuetenma. To the best of my knowledge, Sugarloaf Hill is in the old Machinato Housing area.

2. Machinato Housing. I lived there 1966-1969 and do not recall being able to see the ocean; at least anywhere near my house. I lived across the street from the Commissary and PX complex. I must admit that I did not go on every street in the housing area; had no reason to. I think that it may be the Fort Buckner housing area and the photo is looking at Jacona Basin - the dots in the background at the ocean could be the U.S.S. Neversail; the power barge providing electricity to part of Okinawa.

If I am wrong, someone please step in and correct me. At my age (nearly 70), memories are stored and the facts get narrower and narrower; kinda like that medical problem that I have that has no known real cure - my forehead keeps growing larger and larger.

Respectfully, Garry

Sugarloaf Hill was just northeast of Naha and due west of Shuri so if the photo shows Futenma then it is not Sugarloaf and if it is Sugarloaf then it is not Futenma. I was on Okinawa in 1945 just (and I mean just, as it was still smoking) and returned in 1959 - 1965 but that picture is not anything I remember. I do agree though that you cannot see the East China Sea from Machinato housing, at least not a vista like in the picture but there was an Army airfield (Hamby) at Jacona Basin and I don't see evidence of it in the picture either.

[chiefk]

[/quote]

Dear Oxman: The thread is about the 40's and 50's. Here you had to go and put in strip shows with lots of black dots. Not needed for the way this thread has been going. Looks as if I may have to unsubscribe. Thank you so much for all the previous good stuff. I really enjoyed viewing them. Same goes for DesertDonns stuff. We see each other nearly every Wednesday and enjoy telling war stories about our being on Okinawa plus all of the items he collects.

Respectfully, Garry[/quote]

Don't be so sensitive!

[dk]

Match book

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubCuddlematchbook1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubCuddlematchbook2.jpg

1960's strippers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19632.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19631.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19633.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19634.jpg

Regards

Ox

Grandma???:scared:

[GarryK]

Dear Oxman: The thread is about the 40's and 50's. Here you had to go and put in strip shows with lots of black dots. Not needed for the way this thread has been going. Looks as if I may have to unsubscribe. Thank you so much for all the previous good stuff. I really enjoyed viewing them. Same goes for DesertDonns stuff. We see each other nearly every Wednesday and enjoy telling war stories about our being on Okinawa plus all of the items he collects.

Respectfully, Garry[/quote]

Don't be so sensitive![/QUOTE]

If I were at work (or if my wife walked in to my computer room), I could easily explain photos of Japanese POWs, war damage, etc., but how do you explain seeing so many LARGE pictures of strippers. I am not a prude, but I believe that material in a thread should remain pertinent to the thread. I don't think there were many night clubs with strippers in the 40's and 50's. Respectfully, Garry

[Oxmix]

The black dots are to comply with forum rules, not to draw attention to certain parts of the anatomy.

Even though the thread title says 40's and 50's there are many photos from the 60's and 70's also posted. I have no way of knowing if there were bars that had State Side Shows, as they were called in the 60's, in the 40's and 50's.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Tour jacket.
One popular tour jacket would say, When I die I will Go to Heaven Because I Have Spent My Time In Hell, then Vietnam and tour dates.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaTourJacket.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaTourJacket2.jpg

More Okinawa 1945

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa1945-1.jpg

Kadena mess Tolkens

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KadenaMessTolkensb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KadenaMessTokrnsa.jpg

VFW Post 1961

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/VFWOkinawa1961.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/VFWPost9723.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Maytag Man]

Dear Oxman: The thread is about the 40's and 50's. Here you had to go and put in strip shows with lots of black dots. Not needed for the way this thread has been going. Looks as if I may have to unsubscribe. Thank you so much for all the previous good stuff. I really enjoyed viewing them. Same goes for DesertDonns stuff. We see each other nearly every Wednesday and enjoy telling war stories about our being on Okinawa plus all of the items he collects.

Respectfully, Garry

Don't be so sensitive![/QUOTE]

If I were at work (or if my wife walked in to my computer room), I could easily explain photos of Japanese POWs, war damage, etc., but how do you explain seeing so many LARGE pictures of strippers. I am not a prude, but I believe that material in a thread should remain pertinent to the thread. I don't think there were many night clubs with strippers in the 40's and 50's. Respectfully, Garry[/QUOTE]


Dear GarryK,

Respectfully, don't be a wussy, grow some grapes, rub one off and you'll feel much better. History is history and if a photo was accidently misplaced out of a decade, so be it. This thread is great history! Respectfully, Maytag

[ryukyuboi]

Ox: Two problems with the identity of photos.

1 - Sugarloaf Hill. Photo says think this is Fuetenma. To the best of my knowledge, Sugarloaf Hill is in the old Machinato Housing area.

2. Machinato Housing. I lived there 1966-1969 and do not recall being able to see the ocean; at least anywhere near my house. I lived across the street from the Commissary and PX complex. I must admit that I did not go on every street in the housing area; had no reason to. I think that it may be the Fort Buckner housing area and the photo is looking at Jacona Basin - the dots in the background at the ocean could be the U.S.S. Neversail; the power barge providing electricity to part of Okinawa.

If I am wrong, someone please step in and correct me. At my age (nearly 70), memories are stored and the facts get narrower and narrower; kinda like that medical problem that I have that has no known real cure - my forehead keeps growing larger and larger.

Respectfully, Garry

This is not Machinato housing area. It appears to be homes in Futenma housing area. And Sugarloaf Hill was located in the Machinato housing area.

[Oxmix]

Okinawa West coast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawawestcoast2.jpg

Okinawa 1945 era

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Women.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaGirls.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaParkandShrine.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Camp.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/YontanReconPhoto1944.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaGirl1945.jpg

Regards

Ox

[TheLastDon]

Tour jacket.

VFW Post 1961

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/VFWOkinawa1961.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/VFWPost9723.jpg

Regards

Ox

I did airsoft(BB guns) warfare in there up until they made it illegal a few years back. :)

[daveh5o]

Where exactly is that building? I am trying to place it in my memory.

[Mizzes V]

This pictures are priceless..

[Oxmix]

I did airsoft(BB guns) warfare in there up until they made it illegal a few years back. :)

Now why in the world would they want to ban something as benign a airsoft?

Regards

Ox

[TheLastDon]

Where exactly is that building? I am trying to place it in my memory.

At the southern most tip of Camp Kinser just off the base.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=26.246937,127.693003&spn=0.003556,0.006963&t=h&z=18

[Sex Wax]

She's hot !!!!

I wish I was here when she was here!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19632.jpg

[Oxmix]

She's hot !!!!

I wish I was here when she was here!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarStripShowOkinawa19632.jpg

She was probably an Aussie.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

MCASF Futema 1970's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/19701971MCASFutimaABOkinawa8.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWomen.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWomenBathing.jpg

B. C. St.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BCStreet5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/C141.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CharlesTailor.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ClubMorningStar.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Sex Wax]

Dear Oxmix,
I don't want to offend people like GarryK, but was some of the night life a big part of being stationed in Okinawa back then? I mean, was seeing tits a sin or something?


I would have fun here back then just like i have had fun here for the past 13 years.

[Oxmix]

SW,
There were so many strip shows in so many bars that after awhile there was no real interest in them. I was talking to one of the bartenders at the Cannon one night while a show was going on, she said to me, why aren't you watching the show? My reply was, I've seen so many shows that it really doesn't interest me any more.

The night life as great. Anything that you might want was available to you anytime you wanted it in the bar districts The Okinawan's designed it that way to keep the American's away from, hitting on the local girls, and other things that would irritate the local population. For the most part it worked.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/DownHillFromtheAmericanLegon.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Futema1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Futema19712.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Futema19713.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HawaiiNight.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HWY1Futema1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KinasKitchen.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KozaStreetScene.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MachinatoNCOClub.jpg

Regards

Ox

[chiefk]

Kinas Kitchen!! My wifes relatives used to own that restaurant!

[Oxmix]

Kinas Kitchen!! My wifes relatives used to own that restaurant!

It's a small world isn't it.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Moromi Street

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MoromiStreet.jpg

Naha Air Base Gate

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaAirBaseGate.jpg

Naha Market 1971

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaMarket1971-1.jpg

Naha Miracle Mile

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaMiricalMile1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaMiricalMile19712.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaMiricleMile19711.jpg

Regards
Ox

[daveh5o]

The photo labeled old Highway 1, Futenma is actually right outside the Kitamae gate at Camp Foster (Zukeran). The '62 Ford sedan is awesome.

[Oxmix]

At one time I actually had a 62 Ford 2dr post 260 V-8 engine with a standard trans.

Regards

Ox

[daveh5o]

I have a '68 Fairlane 500 Station Wagon. It has a 302 with factory A/C, finished in Wimbledon White with blue comfortweave interior. The car is all original (paint, interior, etc.) and does not have a roof rack, so it looks very sleek. Wagons look so much better without the roof racks. There is one virtually identical to it in this thread, parked among the cars in the photo of the Kadena Carnival taken around '69 or '70. You can't miss it.

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa1960s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa1960s2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa1971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19713.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19714.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

I went on vacation for a couple of weeks and what happens; someone changes the title on my thread. I have no problem with the new title, if that is what it takes to make everyone happy, who am I to disagree, just kind of makes you wonder.

Anyway here are some more Katchin Hanto photos

These are photos of the Navy men involved in the Katchin Hanto Seaplane base, James George who is in the photos seems to be the one that mailed the photos home with the notes on the back.

More photos to follow.


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg462a.jpg

These guys were with CASU(F)-3 before coming to Okinawa, they were an advanced base unit "Combat Aircraft Service Unit (Forward)"

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg463a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg476a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg477a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg480a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg480aa.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg484a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/fimg485a.jpg

[P_chan]

I went on vacation for a couple of weeks and what happens; someone changes the title on my thread. I have no problem with the new title, if that is what it takes to make everyone happy, who am I to disagree, just kind of makes you wonder.I believe it was changed because one of the old pictures had some boobies in it so it needed a NSFW title added or the pictures needed to be changed to links. I don't know who changed it but it does match the content better then it did before.

Nothing to wonder about........unless you're badstreet:rolleyes:

[DesertDonn]

Scenes around Okinawa in 1945

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img464a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img465a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img466a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img467a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img468a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img469a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img470a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img471a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img472a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img473a.jpg

[DesertDonn]

Scenes around Okinawa in 1945

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img474a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img475a.jpg

Probably a Navy doctor kneeling in the middle of the bottom row

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img478a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img479a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img488a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img489a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img490a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img491a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img492a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img493a.jpg

[Oxmix]

Okinawa Christian School 1960s

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaChristianSchool1960s1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaChristianSchool1960s2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaChristianSchool1960s3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaChristianSchool1960s4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaChristianSchool1960s5.jpg

Okinawa Times

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaDemonstration.jpg

Parade

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaParade1960s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaParade1960s2.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Scenes around Okinawa 1945, most are probably after the war ended.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img494a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img495a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img496a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img497a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img498a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img499a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img500a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img501a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img502a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img503a.jpg

[DesertDonn]

This is the last group of Katchin Hanto photos, I hope you enjoyed them.

Scenes around Okinawa 1945, most are probably after the war ended.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img504a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img505a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img506a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img507a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img508a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img509a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img510a.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/katchin%20hanto/img511a.jpg

[YokohamaJo]

Ten thousand thanks, as always, DesertDonn,
Your pictures are great,
YJ

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OnaPointGuard.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/TheVille.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaRailYard.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaGirls-1.jpg

Futenma

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/futenma1.jpg

HWY 5

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/hwy581.jpg

Makiminato

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/makiminato1.jpg

Mercy Elementary School

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/mercy2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/USNSecurityGroup.jpg

Kadena Elementary School 1973

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KadenaElementarySchool1973-1973.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

A friend of mine loaned me his matchbox collection from Okinawa which I am now scanning and will be putting on the forum.

He served several tours on Okinawa and on one tour in the early 60’s he was assigned to “health and sanitation” inspection of A sign bars and restaurants. Each time he did an inspection he tried to pick up a matchbox so he has several hundred in his collection.

One item of interest is the fact that just before about 1960 they had numbers for the bars instead of the A sign. Number 1 was OK for military (on limits), Number 2 was mixed Military and Okinawan (not quite as safe as 1), and Number 3 was for Okinawans only (Off-Limits but not officially, you better be very careful)

The first photo is the only set he has that shows both 1 and A for the same bar.

I have tried to group them into the same locations so if you were stationed in a particular area or went to a specific area it might be easier to find a matchbox from your favorite bar.

Many more to follow


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img563.jpg



http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img562.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img556.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img557.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img559.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img561.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img555.jpg

No location listed

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox/img560.jpg

[YokohamaJo]

Desertdonn,

Love these matchbox covers - they're absolutely cracking!

Lots of respect,

YJ

[Oxmix]

I remember quite a few of those bars. The Blue Bird was on Wikiki Street off of BC St. Wikiki St. intersected BC St., and ran North of BC St. next to the Cannon Club past the Hotel Happiness. It was a decent sized bar that lacked business big time. There was one bartender and one over weight bar girl. I was only in there one time. There was myself and a Marine. We swapped stories and drank lots of Orion. When the bar closed the overweight bar girl took me across the street and gave me a freebee. :grin1:

I guess that's the only reason why I remember that place.

Regards

Ox

[DougP]

Not sure if any of the pics found on this site have been posted before. Some interesting pics from the 50's and 60's. :)

http://7thtdsaps.com/The_Ville.html

[elgringoloco]

As a 20 year old Private E2, I took a 19 day cruise from Oakland Army Terminal to Naha Port, VIA Guam and Tokyo, arriving on Okinawa mid-March 1960. By bus to Sukiran to 30 ADA Bde Hdqs, where I performed duty in the 'MoleHole' (AADCP). Still remember my first trip to the ville (Futenma). Don't remember the name of the bar, but it had a Male and Female door to the benjo and both doors opened into the same benjo.
Anyway, after a few weeks in Sukiran, I was selected to be attached to the Air Force at Naha Air Force Base, with duty at the ADCC(Air Direction Control Center). We worked, lived and partied with the Air Force. I probably have more time in Naminoue than most single troops have on Okinawa! Anyway, I remained attached to the Air Force for the whole time after that, leaving there in Dec of 1964, close to 5 years.
As a glimpse at the prices for some things in them early 1960s, a 'quicky' with one of the young Okinawan/Japanese ladies of ill repute in the ville would cost you the enormous sum of $2.00, while an 'all night' visit would set you back $5.00. :grin1:
Seagram's VO was $1.10 a fifth in the Class XI, while vodka was about $.90 a fifth. El Peon's Casa, the Naha AFB Airman's Club, would sell you a half of a chicken with all the trimmings for $.35.:old::old:

Let me tell you, things were better than good!:thumbup:

Ah, damn, for the good old days!!!!!

[DesertDonn]

More matchbox covers from the early 1960’s - last part to follow in a couple of days

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img565.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img566.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img567.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img568.jpg



KOZA B.C. STREET

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img569.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img570.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img571.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img572.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%202/img573.jpg

[SnaFu]

A sincere thank you to all for sharing your photos and stories with us. Best wishes to all!

[Oxmix]

A sincere thank you to all for sharing your photos and stories with us. Best wishes to all!

Stay tuned. There will be more to come.

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

These are the last of the matchbox collection scans, hope you found some that you remembered from days past.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img575.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img576.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img577.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img578.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img579.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img580.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img581.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/matchbox%203/img582.jpg

[Oxmix]

MK School

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MKSchoolLate1960s.jpg

Makiminato Commissary 1987

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MakiminatoCommissary1987.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MakiminatoExchange1987.jpg

Naha Port Junior High Schgool

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NahaPortJuniorHighSchool.jpg

Mercy School

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MercySchool.jpg

Woman and baby

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWomanBaby.jpg

6th Marine Cemetery

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/6thMarineCemetaryOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/6thMarineCemetaryOkinawa1bmp.jpg

Regards

Ox

[daveh5o]

Oxmix,

I see you found my flickr site. :)

[gtlm2000]

I see a lot of "A" sign on match box. What does it mean?

[P_chan]

I see a lot of "A" sign on match box. What does it mean?


The "A" sign meant a cetain establishment was ok for service members. I don't know the entire background on the "A" sign but I'm sure ox or someone else can fill you in.

[gtlm2000]

The "A" sign meant a cetain establishment was ok for service members. I don't know the entire background on the "A" sign but I'm sure ox or someone else can fill you in.

Thanks , I got it. My mom may know about this one.

[Spadesy]

I see a lot of "A" sign on match box. What does it mean?

I don't know that much about it either, but some places around Okinawa, you'll see the "A" sign still around for fun.

I heard that service members that walked into a bar (60's, 70's) that didn't have an "A" sign weren't welcome, and had their asses kicked by Japanese bouncers from within. Had a lot to do with that Okinawan men didn't want to be in a relationship with a girl that was involved with a U.S. military guy before. Back then, there were Japanese bouncers that hung around Gate 2 street.

[GarryK]

When I arrived on Okinawa in February 1960, the numbers 1, 2 and 3 were in use but on the verge of being phased out. #1 was approved for GI's in particular. #2 was okay for GI's to enter but not really the best place (small, and we called them "Saki Bars," a bar with about 6 stools and maybe 1 or 2 4-person tables. #3 was off limits to GI's; bars that were basically for Okinawans. The number signs were replaced by "A" signs. Bar and restaurant owners had to apply for it and pass regular sanitary inspections, etc. Military could enter a non-A sign place but beware. Places that were placed "off limits" had a sign posted at the entrance and received regular inspections to ensure the sign was still posted. There were a few areas that were off limits to the military - areas were primarily Okinawan bar and restaurant districts; these areas were serene especially when compared to the rowdy areas of "BC Street" and "Koza 4-corners" on pay day weekends (we got paid once a month back in the early 60's). Next in line were the areas near Marine Corps bases and at the bottom of the list was the Futenma bar area. The Nominoue area would get extra Ryukyuan Armed Services Police (RASP) attention when the Army Provost Marshal's office was notified that NUMEROUS ships would be in port at the same time and there were Okinawan celebrations going on in that area - when you are at sea you get paid on pay day but have no place to blow off steam.

Okinawa was a fantastic place to be in the early 60's. My first tour was from Feb 60 to May 63.

Respectfully, Garry

[Spec4]

I pretty much agree with Garry. I was there when the US made the locals apply for an A sign if they wanted one. They were put thru certain sanitaion/inspection hoops to get the sign. It meant they wanted the GI business of course. I remember some bars that didn't want GI's and mamasans saying "no A sign" when we tried to go in. Some areas (Mae Hara comes to mind) had no A signs and few GI's but they welcomed GI's who knew how to behave. Problem was we had to keep an eye out for the MPs. Often the girls would tell us when an MP jeep was coming and we would leave the bar and hide til they left. The MPs would pick you up if you were in a bar that diodn't have an A sign.

[Oxmix]

My Okinawan friends would take me to non "A" or "B" Sign places. When I mentioned that I could not eat in a no Sign restaurant, that I might get sick, my Okinawan friends laughed at me and said that it was safe and also if it would make me sick it would also make them sick. Normally I would not have been welcome in those establishments were it not for the fact that I was there with them and they were responsible for my behavior.

Now, my Company mess hall did not have an "A" Sign and we got sick all the time from eating the food there.

Like GaryK said, Okinawa was at it's best in the 60's.
Regards

Ox

[elgringoloco]

Actually, the 'A' sign was sometimes a good indicator that you DIDN'T want to go there. Used to patronize lots of little places with NO sign up in Sakurazaka in Naha, where I got to associate with lots of college students and such who were always looking for someone to practice their English with. The prices were also much cheaper and most of the establishments were as clean or cleaner than the 'A' sign dives.

[Oxmix]

I got the impression that most guys really weren't interested in rubbing elbows with the locals. If they had it would have enriched their time spent on Okinawa.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HomeOnOkinawa19451.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HomeOnOkinawa19453.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/HomeOnOkinawa19454.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarineOldOkinawanWoman.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarineAshTray.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaToriGate.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ThanksgivingMenu1957.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CruisersDestroyersOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarinesinRicePaddie.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarinesLanding.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Muku]

Like GaryK said, Okinawa was at it's best in the 60's.
Ox

I would venture a guess that it all depended which side of the fence you were living on back then.

I heard all these kinds of stories from various cousins and relatives about Okinawa prior to coming here the first time myself.

But I have also heard plenty of stories about how things were not so great for way too many Okinawan's as well.

But I doubt that many guys back then really paid any attention to anything other than their own gratification.

[GarryK]

When I arrived in February 1960, I fell in love with Okinawa during my ride from Naha Port to Sukiran. When I started hitting a few bars I treated them all with great respect. My favorite place to hang out was the Palm Caberet in Moromi. Mixed drinks were 50 cents and a couple of gals would match me drink for drink; bourbon and coke. Got to know the ladies very well and the bartender. They had a little house out in back where the ladies would take their dinner break and a lot of times I was invited to join them just for good conversation. A few times after closing I would be invited along with the gals for card playing; learned how to play Hanafura and got to be fairly good at it. I remember one card night where I had my first try at sashimi. Loved the octopus and shrimp better. Bottom line is I treated every Okinawan I met with respect. Some of the military idiots thought that they were Gods gift to women and acted like that when they went into a bar = they were as long as they were willing to pay the price (and I believe it was raised for them). Okinawa back then was what one made of it. I made up my mind that I was going to have a great time and experience.

It has been such a long time ago, but I believe that in the early 60's the Sakaruzka area was technically off limitis to the military - thus no "A" signs. It was one of the areas that was known to be a hot bed for the Okinawa Communist Party and the presence of a GI could be cause for trouble to start, and it was another Okinawans only bar district. Not many military went there as it was in an out of the way area. Only on occassions would the RASP patrol the area and that would be if they received intelligence reports that military were hanging out there.

Respecfully, Garry

[DesertDonn]

Naha, Kokusai-Dori street, the round building is the Kokuei-Kan Theater which I understand was torn down in the early 2000’s

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img583.jpg

Itoman

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img584.jpg

Ishikawa

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img585.jpg

University of the Ryukyus, Shuri

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img586.jpg

Nago

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img587.jpg

Haneji

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img589.jpg

Yaka Beach Enlisted Rest Center

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/uscar%2054-59/img593.jpg

[elgringoloco]

I guess Sakarazaka perhaps was technically off limits, but I never saw an 'off limits' sign there. Regardless, it was a fun place to go. Don't know as I ever saw any communist there though. Not once did I encounter any hostile natives there either, just indigenous folks that were interested in having fun.

[toshi]

I have a few 1967-68 photos posted at www.okinawa.com in the Photo Gallery, here >>
http://okinawa.com/component/option,com_zoom/Itemid,80/catid,17/lang,en/
(copy & paste no doubt) Check them out.
My username there is "rastamon"

I was stationed in the Army at the 2nd Log Command (Machinato service area) 585th MaintCo, a few miles north of Naha on the west coast, from 3/67 to 10/67. To include 3 TDY trips with USARPAC Calibration Teams.

[hanleyman1]

I'm currently stationed here in Oki and trying to figure out some history of the building/area I work in. Currently the building is, and has been since the early 80's atleast, the USMC Wing-side EOD Compound. It's located near the runways on kadena, off-base though, and on top of a hill. I've heard it was called spy hill or something of the sorts and also rumors it was a CIA building back in the day. If you were going north on Rt 58 and took a right at the Kadena traffic circle, our compound is about 3/4's the way to Gate 3 on the left.

Calling base property and surveying the only info they could pass was that the building was build in 1955. There's a lot of random concrete still in the ground and just trying to get an idea of what the place use to be. Our main building is shaped like a shoebox and we have what we think was a guard shack (now its the guard dogs' house), and then a weird shaped rectangular building. I'll try to get a google maps pic up...

Any help would be amazing, thanks!!
(usmarine2336@gmail.com)

[Oxmix]

You're probably at Tori Station.

Regards

Ox

[Blues]

I'm currently stationed here in Oki and trying to figure out some history of the building/area I work in. Currently the building is, and has been since the early 80's atleast, the USMC Wing-side EOD Compound. It's located near the runways on kadena, off-base though, and on top of a hill. I've heard it was called spy hill or something of the sorts and also rumors it was a CIA building back in the day. If you were going north on Rt 58 and took a right at the Kadena traffic circle, our compound is about 3/4's the way to Gate 3 on the left.

Calling base property and surveying the only info they could pass was that the building was build in 1955. There's a lot of random concrete still in the ground and just trying to get an idea of what the place use to be. Our main building is shaped like a shoebox and we have what we think was a guard shack (now its the guard dogs' house), and then a weird shaped rectangular building. I'll try to get a google maps pic up...

Any help would be amazing, thanks!!
(usmarine2336@gmail.com)

Refrain from posting personal information such as e-mail and phone numbers. If you want to directly contact someone, use PMs first.

[SnaFu]

As always the pictures you are all posting are terrific.

I had heard stories of a Vietnamese officer POW Camp during the Vietnam War somewhere on the south eastern end of Okinawa. Do any of you know if that is true?

Also there used to be a place on Camp Kinser that appeared to be some sort of old compound with what appeared to be guard towers. When I was stationed on Kinser in '80 the area did not appear to be in use. I think they were there probably still there up until about 10 or 15 years ago. I guess it would have been called Machinato back then. It was on the north west end of the warehouse area. Any idea what that was?

[daveh5o]

The compound you work at is a former missile silo area. I have seen photos of it taken in the sixties. Hope this helps.

[DesertDonn]

Postcards from about 1955 to 1965 from the Shioya area north of Nago. Note the thatched roof houses in some of the postcards

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/shoyia/img267.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/shoyia/img284.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/shoyia/img371.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/shoyia/img133440.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/shoyia/img133476.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/shoyia/img133556.jpg

[DesertDonn]

I started a thread sometime ago having to do with the location of Sakugawa village and its relation to 8th Army Air Force HQ in WWII, below is the thread link if you are interested. According to 8th AF historical archives it was located at or near Sakugawa village.

8th Army Air Force Headquarters 1945 Sakugawa
http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12455

I also posted some info on the thread below which showed what I believed to be the location of the 8th Army Air Force HQ on Kadena based on photographic research.

Pinetree Air Base Okinawa 1946
http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showpost.php?p=278528&postcount=332

I have been looking for a map that would show where Sakugawa was and finally obtained a May 1945 10th Army Engineers map which shows it.

Sakugawa was east of Sunabe.

If you compare it with a current map it looks like Sakugawa was about where the Kadena golf course is today.

Also note that Highway 1 (58 today) was not where it is today, in fact it looks like it went right past where the rock formations are at the Kadena golf course.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/img622.jpg

[SnaFu]

Awesome map Don...

Comapring it to what is there now shows much of the current Mizugama and Miyagi / Sunabe area to be reclaimed land. It would appear that the runway was extended west quite a bit. Looking at a google satelite shot of the area it shows what may have been remnants of hwy 1 cutting through Kadena begining roughly 500 meters north of the main gate that would have cut across the west end of the existing runway exiting the base slightly short of Kadena rotary.

I often wonder how much the landscape and roads have changed through the years when I pass what appear to be long forgotten gates along the fence line.

[DesertDonn]

Here is a photo from about Oct 1945 showing Highway 1 coming around the end of the runway at Kadena (upper right corner) you can figure out about where Kadena circle was in relation to the May 1945 map.


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/1rskadenacircle.jpg

[SnaFu]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=google+earth&hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=google+earth&hnear=&ll=26.348729,127.762327&spn=0.033381,0.054846&t=k&z=14

[TWSEditor]

I believe it was 1971 or 1972.

Regards

Ox

Nope...it was 1975. I was there as a HS junior when it happened.

The pic was shot by my classmate Chris McLaughlin (c/o 1978).


Jon
KHS c/o 1976

[toshi]

Girls walking on B.C. St 1968

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/BCStreetb.jpg

Street vendor on B. C. St before it was a paved street.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/BCStreetbeforepaving.jpg

Gate 2 Street

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Gate2Streetb.jpg

Going North out of Naha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/GoingNorthOutOfNaha.jpg

Going North out of Naha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/GoingNorthOutOfNahab.jpg

Going North out of Naha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/GoingNorthOutOfNahac.jpg

Going North out of Naha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/GoingNorthOutOfNahad.jpg



Naminoue 1968

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Naminoue.jpg

Regards

Ox

THANK YOU! for posting those pic's I took (and had posted in okinawa.com and Sarge Charlies blog) in 1968. They came out great!
Lately I've had to use the Public Library for the Internet, i have more pic's I'll have to scan somewhere and upload. I had use of a PC the last few years but lost most of the downloaded photo's I had (must rescan a bunch).
I took most of them on a cab ride from Naha to Koza, then back thru the 2nd Log Command in the last 2 daze I was there-mid Oct-1968. I'll email you the rest I have in my yahoo email.

and a shout out to Mickey Gowan, still livin there since '72(!)

[Oxmix]

Here is a photo from about Oct 1945 showing Highway 1 coming around the end of the runway at Kadena (upper right corner) you can figure out about where Kadena circle was in relation to the May 1945 map.


http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/1rskadenacircle.jpg

When ever we were on Hwy 1 and a B52 was taking off we would try to be right at the end of the runway so that the B52 was directly overhead . It was a trip.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarinesSmoking.jpg

\http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaFighter.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaMud.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ScenefromOkinawaRemembered.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaUncensored.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaUncensored1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaUncensored2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaUncensored3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawauncensored4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa10.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19451.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19452.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19453.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19454.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19455.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19456.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19457.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19458.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19458-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19458-2.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Here are some photos from my collection that date from 1954. If I start repeating any let me know, I now have 42 different Okinawa related albums in photobucket and sometimes I start losing track of things.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fh.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fi.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fj.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fk.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fl.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fm.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fn.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fo.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/54%20festivals/54fp.jpg

[Oxmix]

Toshi has asked me to post these pictures from December 1967

2nd Log Command looking East.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-585thMaintColookingea.jpg

Front of VFW Club looking East.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-FrontoftheVFWClublook.jpg

2nd Log Command looking North

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-lookingnorth.jpg

2nd log Command looking West.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-thesideoftheVFWClublo.jpg

2nd Log Command looking North.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommandlookingnorth.jpg

2nd Log Chapel looking East

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogcommandChapel-lookingeast.jpg

A & W East side of Hwy 58

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/AWonEastsideofHwy58.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

More pictures from Toshi.

B.C.St.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/BCStreet-2.jpg

Gate 2 Street

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/Koza-Gate2St-1.jpg

Maninoue looking North

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/Naminouelookingnorth.jpg

Naminoue looking South

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/Naminouelookingsouth.jpg

More Maninoue

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/MoreNaminoue.jpg

Toshi & friend

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/ToshiandFriend.jpg

At Kadena before leaving Okinawa

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/MorelastfewhrsbeforeleavingOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/Earlspic1.jpg

Regards

Ox

[SnaFu]

WOW!

When I got to Camp Kinser in 1980 it still looked exactly the same except the signs were different. In my time there we stayed in the barracks up on the hill near the fire station. There was a long set of steps that someone inscribed 8th wonder of the world along with the date they were constructed. If I remember correctly there was a milk plant their along Hwy 58 (probably HWY 1 to you?) next to the gate adjacent to Yafusu Dori leading into Iso in Urasoe. Going in that gate would take you through the whse area past the fire station and down the hill.

The 3 story bldg (Accross from the chappel and in the middle of the loop) that appears to be in the finishing stages of construction eventually ended up housing the Woman Marines on the 3rd deck.

In 1980 the parking area with the jeep in that same pic was for the Mail room, Chappel, and a small courtyard surrounded by the USO/phone center, small PX and bowling alley that I think had 6 or 8 lanes.

Was it typical for all the barracks have their own chowhalls built into them back then?

I wonder how many people would be interested in a thread for then and now pics of known locations?


Toshi has asked me to post these pictures from December 1967

2nd Log Command looking East.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-585thMaintColookingea.jpg

Front of VFW Club looking East.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-FrontoftheVFWClublook.jpg

2nd Log Command looking North

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-lookingnorth.jpg

2nd log Command looking West.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-thesideoftheVFWClublo.jpg

2nd Log Command looking North.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommandlookingnorth.jpg

2nd Log Chapel looking East

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogcommandChapel-lookingeast.jpg

A & W East side of Hwy 58

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/AWonEastsideofHwy58.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

The 44th Ordnance consisted of 2 buildings in Sukiran. Both of the buildings had mess halls built into them. We use the mess hall in the upper building. The mess hall in my building was used as a bay area with bunks and lockers. We had so many people in the 44th, a little over 300, that every inch was used to house them.

Regards

Ox

[Maytag Man]

Postcards from about 1955 to 1965 from the Shioya area north of Nago. Note the thatched roof houses in some of the postcards

DD, I sent these pix to a former CE co-worker of mine at Okuma whose family still lives in Shioya Village. He in turn took a digital copy to the city office and now a large photo is hanging on the wall in the village office. They are so greatful! Thanks for sharing!!!! :thumbup1:

[Blues]

i dont know if its too much to ask but if your going to make a quote about a large amount of pics cut them out it.... too much damn unnecessary scrolling.

[Maytag Man]

i dont know if its too much to ask but if your going to make a quote about a large amount of pics cut them out it.... too much damn unnecessary scrolling.

LMAO!! Finger hurts??? j/k Good pixs

[DesertDonn]

Postcards from about 1955 to 1965 from the Shioya area north of Nago. Note the thatched roof houses in some of the postcards

DD, I sent these pix to a former CE co-worker of mine at Okuma whose family still lives in Shioya Village. He in turn took a digital copy to the city office and now a large photo is hanging on the wall in the village office. They are so greatful! Thanks for sharing!!!! :thumbup1:

Glad to hear that they liked the postcards, if your interested I could provide high resolution scans of the postcards might be a little better quality than copies off the forum.

I will check around I may have some other photos of Shioya from about the same time period

Let me know if you would like the high resolution scans

[DesertDonn]

Found another photo of Kadena Circle in my collection, this one dates around 1946-47. You can get a good view of the roads and match them up with the 1945 map that I put on the thread a while ago. I also enlarged a portion of it which I believe shows the hills at Kadena golf course which was the location of the 8th Army Air Force HQ from July 45 to June 46.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/800umhigh.jpg

Enlarged view of the 8th AAF HQ looking to the south from Kadena Circle. You can probably make out the tents on the north and east sides of the hills which would have been the HQ area.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/kadenagolfcourse19478thafhq.jpg

[Sex Wax]

Wow...it's amazing that all the houses that aren't there in that pic, and all the houses that are in the area now that complain about the noise from the Air Base. If the houses were built before Kadena was there, they have a legitimate beef. The ones that were built after 1945 should STFU. They built them there knowing there was an American AFB there. Boo Hoo. Move to the mountains if you don't like noise.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/800umhigh.jpg

[toshi]

no doubt! the major fault with Okinawa was the communist "Peace" movement that protested our being there (as true liberators from WW2-Shinto extremism).
Of the hundreds of thousand GI who served there, a VERY-VERY small minority caused trouble with the Okinawan people. It was more a problem with the Yakuza pushing vice.
IMO, the whole '60's peace movement was fueled by World Communism and anti-american BS.

[Sex Wax]

no doubt! the major fault with Okinawa was the communist "Peace" movement that protested our being there (as true liberators from WW2-Shinto extremism).
Of the hundreds of thousand GI who served there, a VERY-VERY small minority caused trouble with the Okinawan people. It was more a problem with the Yakuza pushing vice.
IMO, the whole '60's peace movement was fueled by World Communism and anti-american BS.

I'm more of a Peace loving dude that apreciates Peace through American superior firepower. I'm really a hippy. I'm a artillery hugging hippy. Some hippies sit on the floor or in trees, i like to sit on the barrels of cannons adn yell " Save the Arty".

[toshi]

I REALLY did alot of growing up in Okinawa....after I leaved the Army in 1969, I became somewhut of a hippie, at least my musical tastes. Went to a ton of Grateful Dead shows and smoked a couple of bales- thus my memory- haha. (I'm better now) :)
In a political sense, I'm very conservative (Doc Savage, Hannity & Levin- though they can't stand each other).

Think I'll try to upload my favorite avatar now.

[toshi]

All of the photo's on pg44 that Oxmix posted for me, except "toshi and friend" were taken 10/14-10/15/1968.
The first picture is the front of the 585th Maint Co in Machinato. The photo that shows a brick building on the left, is a side of the VFW Club, looking at the East China sea.

The me and Ms.C photo was taken either at the Kokusai Club or the Queenbee- both in Naminoue @ 12/67.
Hey, anyone recognize me?- haha.

I hit the rock as cherry as I could be. Soon after 1968 began, I quit the GI Bar scene and went to all-Okinawan areas, mostly off of Kokusai-dori. Anyone hear of a nightclub on Kokusai-dori called the White Room? It was upstairs.

Thank you for posting these!

[Maytag Man]

Glad to hear that they liked the postcards, if your interested I could provide high resolution scans of the postcards might be a little better quality than copies off the forum.

I will check around I may have some other photos of Shioya from about the same time period

Let me know if you would like the high resolution scans

That would be great! Thanks again! :thumbup:

[DesertDonn]

That would be great! Thanks again! :thumbup:

Send me a private message with your email address and I will send the scans to you.

[Oxmix]

1945 Invasion

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa19459.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa194511.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa194511-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Okinawa194512.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BlackWidowfighters1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaWomenKozaOkinawa1946.jpg

USS Bunker Hill

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/USSBunkerHill.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/USSBunkerHill1.jpg

Marine Maj. General Lemual Shepard

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarineMajGenLemualShepard.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

More From 1945.

I believe the Marine with the Thompson was Al Lindberg a local area man who past away a year or so ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Lindberg.jpg

Jerry Smith

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/JerrySmithOkinawa1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/JerrySmithCapyuredMachineGunOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/JerrySmithCapyuredMachineGunOkin-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BarefootMother1945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/CoursairOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/dashes.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

From 1955

Possibly B C St.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/BusinessDistrictGoyaOkinawa1955.jpg

Photo said Goya

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/GoyaOkinawa1955.jpg

Nago

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/StreetSceneNagoOkinawa1955.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Nikajima fighter on display at Kadena

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/NikajimaFighteronDisplayatKadena.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/ChurchServiceAtNaga.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/KozaBeerGarden.jpg

Hazel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Hazel.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Sunshine.jpg

Okinawa Tomb

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/OkinawaTomb-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/1stMarineDivCemetaryOkinawa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Ambulance.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Cemetary.jpg

John Rawlins

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/JohnRollins.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Photos from small booklets of photos sold by Mosher-Reid Photo Service to GI's on Okinawa - photos are late 1940's to early 50's

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1435.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1437.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1438.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1439.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1443.jpg

[GarryK]

[QUOTE=Oxmix;301710]Toshi has asked me to post these pictures from December 1967

2nd Log Command looking East.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-585thMaintColookingea.jpg

This was the original home of 2nd Logistical Comd in the lower area of the Machinato Service Area when I get there in Jul 66. I originally worked in the Office of the Secretary General Staff and one mission was to review all incoming messages and put the pertinent/important ones in a daily Reading File and route it to the Chief of Staff and Commanding General. Since this photo says Dec 67, it must have been in 1968 when they moved into a brand new building accessible from Hwy 1; across the street from the USCAR Bldg (US Civil Administration Ryukyus). 2nd Logistical was also called 2nd Log and among the enlisted folks working in the HQ it was "2nd Lumber Company where they make useless boards out of big logs." Doesn't make sense now but during the height of the Vietnam conflict 2nd Log had a tremendous mission of providing direct support to RVN - some Sr Captain/Jr Major would join the 2nd Log and want to make a name for himself - create all sorts of problems that took hours/days to correct - thus making useless boards out of big logs. Needless to say, that individual would find out that he had a new job in the depot area and he would have very little authority.

I love it when I see old photos that bring back such great memories of being stationed on the rock.

Respectfully, Garry

[chiefk]

[quote=Oxmix;301710]Toshi has asked me to post these pictures from December 1967

2nd Log Command looking East.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Toshi%20Okinawa/2ndLogCommand-585thMaintColookingea.jpg

This was the original home of 2nd Logistical Comd in the lower area of the Machinato Service Area when I get there in Jul 66. I originally worked in the Office of the Secretary General Staff and one mission was to review all incoming messages and put the pertinent/important ones in a daily Reading File and route it to the Chief of Staff and Commanding General. Since this photo says Dec 67, it must have been in 1968 when they moved into a brand new building accessible from Hwy 1; across the street from the USCAR Bldg (US Civil Administration Ryukyus). 2nd Logistical was also called 2nd Log and among the enlisted folks working in the HQ it was "2nd Lumber Company where they make useless boards out of big logs." Doesn't make sense now but during the height of the Vietnam conflict 2nd Log had a tremendous mission of providing direct support to RVN - some Sr Captain/Jr Major would join the 2nd Log and want to make a name for himself - create all sorts of problems that took hours/days to correct - thus making useless boards out of big logs. Needless to say, that individual would find out that he had a new job in the depot area and he would have very little authority.

I love it when I see old photos that bring back such great memories of being stationed on the rock.

Respectfully, Garry
That looks just like our barracks at Kadena in 1968. They probably used the same blue prints to make the barracks all over the island.

[Oxmix]

[quote=GarryK;306639]
That looks just like our barracks at Kadena in 1968. They probably used the same blue prints to make the barracks all over the island.

I wouldn't doubt that. This was the 44th Ordnance.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/44thOrd.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

That looks just like our barracks at Kadena in 1968. They probably used the same blue prints to make the barracks all over the island.[/QUOTE]

Kadena Air Base, 1962nd Comm Group barracks across the street from the Airmen's Club in 1964. Similar but not identical, we had 2 man rooms, not open bays, and we could afford typhoon shutters.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/kadena%20naha/img521.jpg

[toshi]

actually in that series of pictures labeled Dec 67, only one was that date, me & my friend inside the bar. The others were taken in mid Oct-1968.

The Bldg 1203 photo is the front of the 585th Maint Co, where I was stationed from 3/67 thru 10/68. It directly faced the South China Sea - and a very short walk (west)to the reef. It was in the north section of Machinato, just down from the EM Club. Directly south of our barracks was the 555th Co. barracks.

[chiefk]

Kadena Air Base, 1962nd Comm Group barracks across the street from the Airmen's Club in 1964. Similar but not identical, we had 2 man rooms, not open bays, and we could afford typhoon shutters.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/kadena%20naha/img521.jpg
Actually my barracks (210,214,220) at Kadena in 68/69 were 2 man rooms but we had 4 to a room due to the big buildup of manning for the B-52/KC-135 missions. They had 2 built in lockers and we had 2 lockers out in the hallway. Talk about cramped but at least we were in barracks, not tents! The worst time was in the summer with one fan trying to blow on 4 beds ( 2 bunkbeds) and no AC in those barracks. Can you think HOT?

[Oxmix]

Actually my barracks (210,214,220) at Kadena in 68/69 were 2 man rooms but we had 4 to a room due to the big buildup of manning for the B-52/KC-135 missions. They had 2 built in lockers and we had 2 lockers out in the hallway. Talk about cramped but at least we were in barracks, not tents! The worst time was in the summer with one fan trying to blow on 4 beds ( 2 bunkbeds) and no AC in those barracks. Can you think HOT?

We had 4 fans per bay. That's for about 40 guys. SOP was to take a fan and turn in so it blew on your bunk so you could get to sleep. Once you were asleep another guy would do the same. Nothing like jumping into a soggy bunk each night. Fortunately we got new mattresses each month.

We had misquito netting on our bunks if we wanted to use it. I never did. I would prefer to wake up anemic, than with heat stroke.

Regards

Ox

[Biru San]

We had 4 fans per bay. That's for about 40 guys. SOP was to take a fan and turn in so it blew on your bunk so you could get to sleep. Once you were asleep another guy would do the same. Nothing like jumping into a soggy bunk each night. Fortunately we got new mattresses each month.

We had misquito netting on our bunks if we wanted to use it. I never did. I would prefer to wake up anemic, than with heat stroke.

Regards

Ox




Here they were staging a multi-billion dollar war in Vietnam, and can't put even a half assed a/c unit in your barracks??? ..... Quite a tribute to the American G.I... Biru San:old:

[Spadesy]

Way off topic, but does anybody else notice how the average G.I. in a lot of these pics look skinny as hell? I really think the image of service members changed with the growing popularity of weights in the late 70's. lol

[SnaFu]

Way off topic, but does anybody else notice how the average G.I. in a lot of these pics look skinny as hell? I really think the image of service members changed with the growing popularity of weights in the late 70's. lol

Other factors:

As crazy as it may sound fast food for many was a treat vice the mainstay diet...

Almost all teenagers did things outdoors vice playing video games which were non-existant... (They actually interacted with other people...:-|)

I doubt the draft bored was too concerned with their "candidates" physical stature.


Gomen nassai... Back to normal programming...
:)

[DesertDonn]

More Mosher-Reid Photo Service photos.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1445.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1446.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1448.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1455.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/mr%20late%2040s/File1457.jpg

[Oxmix]

Way off topic, but does anybody else notice how the average G.I. in a lot of these pics look skinny as hell? I really think the image of service members changed with the growing popularity of weights in the late 70's. lol

We were skinny because they didn't feed us. I use to stand in the chow line for half an hour only to be told that the mess hall was out of food. You didn't have a choice about proportion size. You got what ever they put on your tray and that was it. The food was also very poor quality, not to mention that it tasted like $hit and one pushed his luck for getting food poisoning by eating in the mess hall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Food.jpg

I've said it before, when we got C-Rations once a month, it was like gourmet dining.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/CRations.jpg

Each month I would go to the commissary on pay day and stock my locker with Campbells Soup, Dinty Moore Beef Stew and canned fruits. I ate a lot of cold soup and stew.

Every once in a while I would take some canned fruit to the Cannon Club. I'd open the cans, then put some fruit in glasses and give it to the bar girls and bar employees.

Regards

Ox

[SnaFu]

lol Ox... I think the chow hall food sucked up until the early to mid 80's when they finally updated the Civil War era menu.

C-rats weren't so bad considering some of the alternatives. The canned fruits rocked. Good trading material too depending on where you were.

Heat tabs, when you were lucky enough to get them were always a bonus just don't be downwind from them. :crying:

[GarryK]

In regards to Ox's comment about running out of food; I'd bet that the Mess Sgt's kids (and others) were eating pretty well off of Govt chow. I will admit that when Ox was on the Rock, I was living with my family in the Machinato/Naha Hsg Area (1966-1969).
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Miscellaneous/MachinatoHsgArea76.jpg

When I entered the Army in 1959, mess halls were periodically serving C-rations. On KP one day I asked the Mess Sgt why. His response was "They (Govt) rotate C-rats by issueing the old ones to mess halls for consumption and the depots are restocked with fresh ones from the manufacturer(s)." The Mess Sgt hated it because of all the cans they had to open - the easy part was the main meals were dumped into separate pots then heated in the ovens. A trooper was never refused seconds on C-rat day. I would tell all my friends to take the chocolate disks and I would beg for 2nds and 3rds. If I rationed byself (very hard to do), my stock pile could last 15-20 days. Loved that chocolate.

During my first tour (60-63) I was assigned to the Military Police Group then the Signal Group and the mess halls never ran out of food. During the start up of the Vietnam era (late 64) ethics of Senior NCO's started going down hill and it stayed like that for years. I was assigned to the Provost Marshal's Office, Military Assistance Comd - Vietnam (MACV) 65-66 and our office was instrumental in setting up limits, and black market controls, on U.S. Postal Money Orders. Some of the biggest black marketeers were Sr. NCO's. In some towns (Da Nagn for one) they became known for their "Red Dollar Economy" - red was the color of the $1.00 Military Payment Coupon (MPC) or "Script," and it was readily accepted down town. Sgt Corruption would have his wife send him $100 in $20 bills. He takes a $20.00 green back down town and buys $40.00 worth of MPC. Takes the MPC and buys $200 in money orders and sends them home. Mrs. Corruption would send another $100 in $20's and the the cycle would continue until caught.
Respectfully, Garry

[Spec4]

When I was at Ord Group (61-63) the food was pretty good. My breakfast was oatmeal, eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice and milk. Yes the milk was reconstituted and a lot of guys never tried it. For me, after a few days it tasted fine. Occasionally the evening meal could be boring, so I went to the ville and would get a big plate of fried rice for .40 cents. Some of us did cave exploring when off duty. The cooks would make sandwiches and coffee, etc. to take with us for the day. Usually went in a 3/4. Of course we couldn't have any alcohol in the barracks. What we would do is buy a large jug of wine and we we'd pass it around chug a lugging so it would go quick. Had to keep a sharp eye out for NCO's that may wander in.

[toshi]

First thing I noticed uppon arriving in Okinawa was the humidity. We stayed a few days at FtBuckner, then a few more in some quonset huts adjacent to an Okinawan Cemetary. I wish I could remember the name of that area. Me and a friend explored there alot. Noticable at the mess hall was the lack of fresh milk- just powdered - yuk!
The first night in Okinawa, me and a few friends-(including 2 black GI friends), took a skochi cab to Koza...he drove us to an area called 4corners. MISTAKE!
It was an all black area which we left rather quickly after getting some very hard stares.

Does anyone remember the Playboy Club in Koza? It was on the left side of the main highway going north thru Koza, but well before BC/Gate2 st.
I believe it was an "Official" Playboy club ala Hugh Hefner

[GarryK]

Does anyone remember the Playboy Club in Koza? It was on the left side of the main highway going north thru Koza, but well before BC/Gate2 st.
I believe it was an "Official" Playboy club ala Hugh Hefner

It was located in the Shimabuku/Maromi area; I do not remember the name of the street. It was about 50 yards East of Hwy 5, and I believe that it opened in early 1961. It was in the basement of a 2 (or more) story building. I had heard about it but waited 2 or 3 months after opening before going there. The night I was there the ladies were wearing gowns and looked pretty classy. I do not recall seeing any bunny uniforms. I doubt very seriously that it was a Hugh Heffner sanctioned club. It did not cost anything to get in and if it did I would have stayed out. I was not impressed enough to be a regular and went there about 5 times in all.

Respectfully, Garry

[Oxmix]

In regards to Ox's comment about running out of food; I'd bet that the Mess Sgt's kids (and others) were eating pretty well off of Govt chow. I will admit that when Ox was on the Rock, I was living with my family in the Machinato/Naha Hsg Area (1966-1969).
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv32/GarryKoons/Miscellaneous/MachinatoHsgArea76.jpg

When I entered the Army in 1959, mess halls were periodically serving C-rations. On KP one day I asked the Mess Sgt why. His response was "They (Govt) rotate C-rats by issueing the old ones to mess halls for consumption and the depots are restocked with fresh ones from the manufacturer(s)." The Mess Sgt hated it because of all the cans they had to open - the easy part was the main meals were dumped into separate pots then heated in the ovens. A trooper was never refused seconds on C-rat day. I would tell all my friends to take the chocolate disks and I would beg for 2nds and 3rds. If I rationed byself (very hard to do), my stock pile could last 15-20 days. Loved that chocolate.

During my first tour (60-63) I was assigned to the Military Police Group then the Signal Group and the mess halls never ran out of food. During the start up of the Vietnam era (late 64) ethics of Senior NCO's started going down hill and it stayed like that for years. I was assigned to the Provost Marshal's Office, Military Assistance Comd - Vietnam (MACV) 65-66 and our office was instrumental in setting up limits, and black market controls, on U.S. Postal Money Orders. Some of the biggest black marketeers were Sr. NCO's. In some towns (Da Nagn for one) they became known for their "Red Dollar Economy" - red was the color of the $1.00 Military Payment Coupon (MPC) or "Script," and it was readily accepted down town. Sgt Corruption would have his wife send him $100 in $20 bills. He takes a $20.00 green back down town and buys $40.00 worth of MPC. Takes the MPC and buys $200 in money orders and sends them home. Mrs. Corruption would send another $100 in $20's and the the cycle would continue until caught.
Respectfully, Garry

This is the story that we were given for the food shortages.

Mess hall rations were determined by mess hall head count. During the first 2 weeks of the month mess hall attendance is low because everyone has money and eats out. During the second half of the month everyone is broke and they use the mess hall, but there are not enough rations because of the low turn out the first half of the month.

That doesn't take into account the CO backing his station wagon up to the mess hall and filling it with our chow.

We had to open our own C-Ration cans.

Regards

Ox

[GarryK]

This is the story that we were given for the food shortages.

Mess hall rations were determined by mess hall head count. During the first 2 weeks of the month mess hall attendance is low because everyone has money and eats out. During the second half of the month everyone is broke and they use the mess hall, but there are not enough rations because of the low turn out the first half of the month.

That doesn't take into account the CO backing his station wagon up to the mess hall and filling it with our chow.

Regards

Ox

IF that is what your Mess Sgt was doing, he was as dumb as a box of rocks. If I remember right, there was only a 7 day delay between head count numbers and issuance of rations. Also a Mess Sgt had a little leeway on the quantity ordered. I was Company Clerk for the MP Group and our Mess Sgt was always in the Orderly Room checking on how many folks lived in the barracks since they were not on separate rations. He would use that figure for ordering meals plus he would add in the average of the folks that were on Sep Rats that would eat lunch in the mess hall. A good Mess Sgt would be aware of upcoming holidays, etc., and order sufficient chow as he new a lot of Sep Rats folks would be eating in. On the other hand, your Mess Sgt and Cooks (and maybe the CO, etc.) did not have to do any grocery shopping at the Commissary. A formal complaint to the Inspector General's Office would have changed things. (I did a 2 year assignment in an IG Office and handled complaints - Request For Assistance - and enjoyed delving into problem areas and telling someone that he/she was not doing their job. If they were, I wouldn't be there investigating.)

Respectfully, Garry

[Oxmix]

First thing I noticed uppon arriving in Okinawa was the humidity. We stayed a few days at FtBuckner, then a few more in some quonset huts adjacent to an Okinawan Cemetary. I wish I could remember the name of that area. Me and a friend explored there alot. Noticable at the mess hall was the lack of fresh milk- just powdered - yuk!
The first night in Okinawa, me and a few friends-(including 2 black GI friends), took a skochi cab to Koza...he drove us to an area called 4corners. MISTAKE!
It was an all black area which we left rather quickly after getting some very hard stares.

I hated that (Filled Milk). No offense to your father SoCal. :D

On the return flight from Okinawa the Stewardess, non PC term, asked me if I wanted some milk to drink. I asked if it was real milk or the other. She said she thought it was real milk, that she had never heard of the other. She brought me a carton and shure enough it was real milk.

You were lucky that all you got at Koza 4 Corners were hard stares. I remember MP cruisers occupied by white MP's overturned at 4 Corners.

I remember taxi drivers were very reluctant to take me into the area. I wasn't going to the bars, but to drop off or visit a friend.

No, I didn't have a death wish. :D

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Ohka.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Sub.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Tracers.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Track.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Track2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Peace.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/LtGenBuckner.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/MarinesMoveOnBarracks.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/PlaneFlyingWounded.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/Snipers.jpg

Regards

Ox

[GarryK]

You were lucky that all you got at Koza 4 Corners were hard stares. I remember MP cruisers occupied by white MP's overturned at 4 Corners.

I remember taxi drivers were very reluctant to take me into the area. I wasn't going to the bars, but to drop off or visit a friend.

In the 60-63 time frame, 4-corners was becoming known as a black area. In 60 you saw that you were not welcome, and in 63 you would probably be asked, with a hostile look on his face, "Waacha do'n here?" It became policy that "Town Patrol Team" (RASP MPs) would consist of a black and a white which kept things calms.

In 69 & 70, race relations started getting real bad and I blame it on a few blacks that would start an altercation and pretty soon others joined in. This was not only taking place on Okinawa but in Korea and other places. I was in Korea at the time; Camp Humphery. No one was to blame (I hope), but the MP Company had a large number of blacks. When racial trouble started in our little village of Anjon-ni some of the instigators were black MPs off duty at the time. It didn't take long before there was a huge shuffeling of MPs, black and white, between units in order to break up internal problems and provide a better racial balance in all MP units in the ROK. The problems did not stop, but the MPs now had a better chance at keeping tempers and trouble down. During this same time frame, the Commander of Osan Air Base initiated a base curfew and placed the town of Osan off limits after 7 PM after a small riot started. The curfew was initiated when trouble makers from Osan AFB started coming to our little village and started making trouble.

Respectfully, Garry

[Oxmix]

IF that is what your Mess Sgt was doing, he was as dumb as a box of rocks. If I remember right, there was only a 7 day delay between head count numbers and issuance of rations. Also a Mess Sgt had a little leeway on the quantity ordered. I was Company Clerk for the MP Group and our Mess Sgt was always in the Orderly Room checking on how many folks lived in the barracks since they were not on separate rations. He would use that figure for ordering meals plus he would add in the average of the folks that were on Sep Rats that would eat lunch in the mess hall. A good Mess Sgt would be aware of upcoming holidays, etc., and order sufficient chow as he new a lot of Sep Rats folks would be eating in. On the other hand, your Mess Sgt and Cooks (and maybe the CO, etc.) did not have to do any grocery shopping at the Commissary. A formal complaint to the Inspector General's Office would have changed things. (I did a 2 year assignment in an IG Office and handled complaints - Request For Assistance - and enjoyed delving into problem areas and telling someone that he/she was not doing their job. If they were, I wouldn't be there investigating.)

Respectfully, Garry

Things were very bad in the 44th. Guys were writing their Congressmen, but the CO was pulling their mail. All of this stuff finally caught up to them and we had a change of command.

I wrote earlier about my being duty driver the night that the new CO arrived. He wanted me to bring him up to speed on the Company. I didn't hold back. One of the issues I talked about was the mess hall. After chow in the morning my new CO came to me and told me I was right about the mess hall. His first official act after breakfast was to order the mess Sgt. to move his bunk into the mess hall and to remain there until the mess hall shaped up.

Things started to improve right away. About 30 days later I was a civilian again.

Regards

Ox

[MaryAnn]

All this talk of racial tension surprises me. My experience in Okinawa not so many years later (73-77) was so different. Of course, I was a dependent not a soldier, but still. Blacks and whites and Asians really intermingled, and as far as I could tell, no one thought anything of it. I didn't really see any racial problems until we moved to Alabama after we left Okinawa.

[GarryK]

All this talk of racial tension surprises me. My experience in Okinawa not so many years later (73-77) was so different. Of course, I was a dependent not a soldier, but still. Blacks and whites and Asians really intermingled, and as far as I could tell, no one thought anything of it. I didn't really see any racial problems until we moved to Alabama after we left Okinawa.

In the late 60's the Army started "Race Relation" classes because of all the racial tension that was going on. In the early 70's it became mandatory in the Army that all personnel would attend a race relaction class - classes were 3-4 hours long. The start of a class consisted of lectures/information in order to get things going followed by different activities such as breaking into teams, get a subject from the instructor, discuss the problem and develop a solution. A team member would then tell the whole class what the problem was and what the recommended solution was. This would be followed with a round table discussion involving everyone in the class.

One of the biggest issues during all this tension was the use of negative words discribing a minority person. Of course we all know the most offensive one started with an "N." In 71-72 it was not uncommon to hear a group of blacks having a conversation and they would be using the "N" word when refering to a member of their group or a friend. But, it was offensive if a non-black were to use that word. For a couple of years this situation did not help solve racial problems. Because of this mandatory "Human Relations" training, I believe we all became more tolerant and understanding persons. It was a difficult time but we survived.

Respectfully, Garry

[toshi]

when I was stationed in Machinato-2nd Log Command in 1967-68, I was not aware of any black/white racial tensions-at least where I was stationed. I was there when Martin Luther King & Bobby Kennedy were killed. A lot of general comments about "Whitey" but nothing personal. I did notice tensions between the hispanics & blacks though. Several of us, blacks & whites, had gone to Signal School (MOS-35B20) at FtGordon and we remained friends in Okinawa.
Nor was there any drug testing or drug inspections during my time there. What I did notice were blacks bad mouthing the "gooks" (Okinawans). There I learned that prejudice was not limited to whites.(I hit the Island pretty naive about those things).

(this cherry boy did a lot of growing up overseas-haha)

[Oxmix]

Relations in the 44th among the races was not very good. To many it seemed that the Army was bending over backwards not take disciplinary action against any Black soldier, but if you were white and committed the same infraction, watch out, it was business as usual. The pampering of the Blacks did not go unnoticed by the whites in the Company. What was disturbing was the fact that if you were white you were automatically branded a racist.

There was talk about Mutiny in the company. One of the Spec 6's in my Section told me about a unit he was in in Germany. He said they all Mutinied except for one soldier. He was that one soldier. He said that the Army didn't mess around with those who Mutiny and if I had any such thoughts. which I didn't, I should avoid getting involved. He was looking out for me.

After a fire bombing of the barracks by a Black, who was trying to make it look as though racist whites had done the deed in an attempt to kill him, we had one of those so called race relation classes for the white soldiers.

The first words out of the CO's mouth was, we were all racists. He then went on to tell all of us how we were the problem and things continued to go down hill from there. Somewhere along the line he must have hit a nerve because almost everyone in attendance charged the podium and if it hadn't been for the quick work of some Sergeants I'm sure the CO may have met his maker that day.

STORY

One night Stu came back to the barracks late. The first words out of his mouth were, "All you white Mother Phukers are racist Mother Phukers". There was a brief pause, then "You're all Mother Phukers except", he then went on to name me and 3 others in the barracks. I said, "Hey Stu, what's all this about?" He said he was picked up by the MP's and beaten. I told him I thought that was terrible. He looked at me and said, "I deserved it. I would have beat me to for calling them all the names I called them." He climbed up on his bunk, dropped his pants and pissed all over the floor. Stu was a character.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/OkinawanCultureCert.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

I just finished a new video of old Okinawa photos and postcards from my collection and posted it on Youtube, the link is below if you are interested. Its called THE JUDO SONG. You can also copy and paste the link into your browser and see a larger screen version directly on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW691fvvLPY

[SnaFu]

Don's been holding out with a couple pics...:)

Great job DD!:thumbup:

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/1stAirDivision.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0941.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0942.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0943.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0944.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0946.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0947.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0948.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0949.jpg

Regards

Ox

[GarryK]

SnaFu said:

General George A. Custers last words at Little Bighorn...
"Holy crap! Where did all those f&ck'n indians come from?"

What has been omitted is:

Custer's Adjutant immediately responded with...
"Where can we buy a blanket?"

[DesertDonn]

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/itoman/img256.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/itoman/img283.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/itoman/img285.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/itoman/img570.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/itoman/img572.jpg

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0950.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0951.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0952.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0954.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0955.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0956.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0958.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0959.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0960.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0961.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Oxmix’s photo of the human rocket bomb above has an interesting history. Officially it is a MXY7 Ohka Cherry Blossom Rocket Bomb (also known as a Baka Bomb) Model 11, Manufacturer number 1049, Number I-18, captured April 1, 1945 at Yontan airfield, Okinawa.

It was put on display at 8Th Army Air Force HQ on Okinawa in 1945.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/PINETREE1-18PHOTO.jpg

It was then taken to the US for a war bond tour and ended up in a junk yard after the war. It was found and restored and is now currently on display at the Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino, California.

http://www.planesoffame.org/



http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/8th%20air%20force%20hq/i-18valleazmuseum.jpg

[Nijisan52]

Does anyone have pictures of reversion day, the riots, especially Naha in front of the police station? There was a Japanese Life-looking magazine that had a picture on the cover of the demonstration with seven protesters on the grass island on it and I would very much like to have a copy, or at least the JPEG image of it.... I was there that day. I got redeployed there 1999-2002 and almost got a copy but it had already been sold... I was with the 7th Psyops, 15th det, billeted in Sukiran and working at Kinser behind the huge wrecked vehicle dump from 'Nam. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Oxmix]

Does anyone have pictures of reversion day, the riots, especially Naha in front of the police station? There was a Japanese Life-looking magazine that had a picture on the cover of the demonstration with seven protesters on the grass island on it and I would very much like to have a copy, or at least the JPEG image of it.... I was there that day. I got redeployed there 1999-2002 and almost got a copy but it had already been sold... I was with the 7th Psyops, 15th det, billeted in Sukiran and working at Kinser behind the huge wrecked vehicle dump from 'Nam. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks.

I use to walk through that vehicle dump from time to time just to see what kind of damage was done to the vehicles. One thing that I did notice was that 7.62x39 did not fully penetrate a deuce an a half door.

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Here are some Kodachrome slides dating from 1955 to 1957, more to follow.

Ishikawa
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/55-57%20slide%20show/aIshikawa1.jpg

Ishikawa
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/55-57%20slide%20show/aIshikawa2.jpg

Ishikawa
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/55-57%20slide%20show/aIshikawa3.jpg

Shimabuku
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/55-57%20slide%20show/aShimabuku1.jpg

Shimabuku
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/55-57%20slide%20show/aShimabuku2.jpg

Shimabuku
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/55-57%20slide%20show/aShimabuku3.jpg

[toshi]

very nice! In the day when the people were grateful that we liberated them from the Japanese, before commie fueled anti-USA sentiment.
Imo, they still should be free from Japan...I'm all for an independent Okinawa

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0962.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0963.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0964.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0965.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0966.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0967.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0968.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0969.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0970.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_0971.jpg

Regards

Ox

[DesertDonn]

Here is the question of the day, I have two pictures of the Tea House August Moon that I am trying to date. I noticed in the pictures that there are two different types of “military health and safety” signs visible. In the color photo there is a “1” sign, my understanding is that before “A” signs there were “1”, “2”, and “3” signs, with “1” signs being the highest level equal to the “A” signs that came later. The black & white photo shows an “A” sign for the August Moon. I know that the color photo was 1958 or perhaps a year or two later as this was a Kodachrome slide from a group of slides that were dated 1958. The Kodak Kodachrome slide mount that the film is mounted in was only available in 1958 or later. The only information I have on the B&W photo is that the car in the photo is a 1956 Plymouth, but it has the “A” sign which came after the 1, 2, 3 signs. I am looking for any documented information that says “A” signs were required on or after some specific date.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/img895.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/p10201.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/juphoto1.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/juphotoA.jpg

[SnaFu]

very nice! In the day when the people were grateful that we liberated them from the Japanese, before commie fueled anti-USA sentiment.
Imo, they still should be free from Japan...I'm all for an independent Okinawa

Nice post Toshi. I was just hanging out with a good Okinawan friend of mine last night over a couple bottles of awamori and he was telling me how his uncle who past away a couple of years ago would always tell the younger members of the family that during the years following the war how it was the US that helped the Okinawan people rebuild. Many of the older people (WWII and post WWII era generations) who I knew years ago who are no longer with us echoed those same sentiments.

Those who served here during those early years were a credit to the ideals that the US represents. To all of you "old timers" may your days be filled with peace and happiness. My sincere thanks and gratitude!

:)

[Biru San]

Here is the question of the day, I have two pictures of the Tea House August Moon that I am trying to date. I noticed in the pictures that there are two different types of “military health and safety” signs visible. In the color photo there is a “1” sign, my understanding is that before “A” signs there were “1”, “2”, and “3” signs, with “1” signs being the highest level equal to the “A” signs that came later. The black & white photo shows an “A” sign for the August Moon. I know that the color photo was 1958 or perhaps a year or two later as this was a Kodachrome slide from a group of slides that were dated 1958. The Kodak Kodachrome slide mount that the film is mounted in was only available in 1958 or later. The only information I have on the B&W photo is that the car in the photo is a 1956 Plymouth, but it has the “A” sign which came after the 1, 2, 3 signs. I am looking for any documented information that says “A” signs were required on or after some specific date.

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/img895.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/p10201.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/juphoto1.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss189/DesertDonn/tham%20photo%20id/juphotoA.jpg



Hey D.D.... Many thanks not only for the pics, but for restoring my faith in my memory... I say this because I have gone online several times searching for mention of the Tea House, but always came up empty... I don't recall the Tea House being that large or the A signs... I do ,however, recall that when you came in the front entrance there were two doors. Beside the door on the left was a sign that read "Japanese Only". The door on the right opened into a typical G. I. bar.... This would have been 1962-63, and I thought it was in Naminoue... Hope some old timers can set me straight... Biru San :old:

[PNEUDRAULIC]

I spent 13 years in Okinawa from the late 60's on and off to the late 80's. I never enjoyed any place on earth as much as I enjoyed Okinawa. The true Okinawan people respected the American GI for all the sacrafice the American GI did form them. This site has brought back so many wonderful memories. For all the wonderful post and pictures on this site makes me think of all the wonderful people I meet there. I'll never forget a dear friend of mine who lived in Futema. His name was Mr.Yogi. He not only taught me the true meaning of friend ship, he taught me how to respect myself. I was welcomed into his home as though I was his family, It is very difficult to get that kind of respect in todays world. I wish that the military personnal and their families could come back to the states with the memories that I have.
Habu

[Oxmix]

Nice post Toshi. I was just hanging out with a good Okinawan friend of mine last night over a couple bottles of awamori and he was telling me how his uncle who past away a couple of years ago would always tell the younger members of the family that during the years following the war how it was the US that helped the Okinawan people rebuild. Many of the older people (WWII and post WWII era generations) who I knew years ago who are no longer with us echoed those same sentiments.

Those who served here during those early years were a credit to the ideals that the US represents. To all of you "old timers" may your days be filled with peace and happiness. My sincere thanks and gratitude!

:)

Much of this holds true with the older Koreans also.

Regards

Ox

[Oxmix]

Here are a couple "A Sign" pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_1067.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_1062.jpg

Koza Riots 1970

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_1063.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_1064.jpg

2nd Log in Machinato Service Area picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Army/Okinawa/IMG_1066.jpg

Regards

Ox

[YokohamaJo]

Love the Koza Riot pictures, Ox,

Next week, the Japan Times is running an article I wrote to commemorate the Riot's 39th anniversary. I'll post a link when it's up.

YJ

[DougP]

This is an Okinawan legendary rock band from the 1970s - Condition Green. The leader of the band, Katchan, is still active despite his age. He runs a small live house in Koza at the Second Gate Street, which is quite popular among the American servicemen.

The video shows Okinawan people demonstrating against the military bases in the 60s and 70s. It contains the footage of infamous Koza Riots in December 1970.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW8J_EX5uNs