Uncle Vernon in WW2 (part 9)

The Defense Language Department at the trials hired many people for translation work.  There were three official languages plus more on certain occasions.  One of the defense translators was a Japanese man who had lived in the U.S.A. for many years and was a medical doctor.  The Japanese medical people didn’t recognize his American medical accreditation, so worked as a translator.  He spoke perfect English.  We bummed around together.  He wore the official translator arm band.  All transportation was free to us, so it was free to him, Dr. Kobashi, also.  Once he brought his daughter out to see me.  She was a nice looking young lady–a school teacher—and he asked me in front of her, if I would marry her.  I don’t think fast on short notices.  I just never said anything –yes or no.  I guess I was too shocked.

General Douglas McArthur during WWII and after was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers.  His office was in the DiechieBuilding in downtown Tokyo.  I t was quite an attraction when he entered or left the building.  I saw him many times.  His wife and son attended the trials on several occasion while I was in the court room and saw them.   A friend that I took Basic Training with at Ft.Knox worked in the DiechieBuilding.  We also had church services in the large theater in the building.

Transportation was easy.  There was a train station near the front gate.  There were eleven judges and each had an American car with an American driver. The drivers were more than willing to drive us around because they got bored sitting around waiting for the court to adjourn so they could take the Judge home.