Descent from Niitaka, 1941-45: First Flag over Japan

Here are the thoughtful, detailed memoirs of an WWII Air Corps meteorologist converted to an air traffic and air defense controller who latterly became a member of the unique "Flying Circus." MacArthur's leap-frog campaign took the author from New Guinea to Japan in three amphibious and three airborne operations and included his detached service as a lieutenant in the Air Force who stood daily watches conning a Navy destroyer on combat patrol in mined waters during an invasion. In these capacities he dealt with air raids, red alerts, distressed aircraft, etc., and ultimately with the initial occupation of Japan. Extracts from a detailed journal and letters to his wife (a Naval officer of superior rank), augmented by commentary from the vintage of 60 years later, and from cited sources, present an intensely personal story of the Pacific Campaign, wihich peaks when the author, one of an advanced party of "technicians," hoisted the first American flag over mainland Japan, two days before combat troops began the actual armed occupation on August 30, 1945. This historic flag is now on permanent display in the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans, LA.