CPB Debuts 'Military Intelligence Service' Display

Central Pacific Bank debuts a new display on Nov. 7 focusing on the Military Intelligence Service of World War II, in observance of Veterans Day. The new display is part of its ‘Honoring the Legacy’ exhibition at its Main Branch (220 S. King Street, Honolulu). Branch hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, the public can call (808) 544-0500.The Legacy exhibit honors the World War II veterans from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), Military Intelligence Service and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Earlier this week, the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, was awarded to recognize the service of more than 33,000 veterans, 13,000 of them from Hawaii, who fought in Europe and Asia during World War II.

“Our Legacy exhibit honors our World War II war heroes and shares their story of courage, loyalty, and perseverance,” said John Dean, President and CEO of Central Pacific Bank. “We hope this exhibit educates and reminds our community of this special part of history.

”The new display honors the thousands who served in the Military Intelligence Service during World Ward II. MIS linguists served as interpreters on the front line, interrogated prisoners, translated documents, cared for civilians and served as combat infantrymen. After World War II, thousands of MIS linguists played a vital role in forging an alliance between Japan and the United States that endures to this day.

The exhibit will include historic photographs and mementoes, a katana (sword), a captured Japanese flag and sash obtained by MIS veterans and supporters. It will also include personal items from the collection of the late Honolulu businessman Kazuo Yamane, an MIS linguist who scored a major intelligence coup during World War II.