Military Biography of Colonel Paul E. Duplessis' Tour of Duty at Misawa and Wakkanai, Japan (1954-1956).

On and around Det 2, Wakkanai AS, Japan

In Nov 1955, just prior to my arrival at Wakkanai, Capt Marty Spolarich (on the left), had replaced 1st/Lt Redman, the previous Det 2, 6921st RSM Commander.

At 8:00 AM on Feb 1956, I arrived at Wakkanai City by Japanese train.

From Misawa AB, I flew to Chitose AB on Hokkaido Island by military aircraft,
took a Japanese train to Sapporo and transferred to a sleeper train for the 12-hour
trip to Wakkanai. I'll never forget the beautiful sun rising in the east over the
Pacific Ocean as breakfast was served on the train.

This was the Det 2, 6921st RSM bachelor officers quarters (BOQ)
There were no dependents accompanying either the USAFSS,
nor the Det 18, 848th AC&W personnel.

One of the first things I did upon arrival was to checkout the Wakkanai
bath facilities. Notice the rubber boots worn by almost everyone.
These were also called "Wakkanai Boots".

Capt Marty Spolarich and I worked very closely dealing
primarily with my Det 2 support responsibilities.

1st/Lt Bobby Caplinger, 1st/Lt Leo Gatlin and Capt Marty Spolarich

Christmas 1955
1st/Lt Dick Simonton, 1st/Lt Bobby Caplinger and 1st/Lt Richard Lewin

Lt Caplinger's Sayonara (Farewell) Party - June 1956
L to R: Lt Caplinger, Capt Ebe, Capt Dubrow, Capt Spolarich, Roy Tatsumi.

Note: Tatsumi-san was Det-2's Japanese Interpreter and liaison with
our Japanese labor force. He and I shared the same office onsite.

Tatsumi-san, Lt Caplinger and the Wakkanai AS Fire Chief

Sakuraba-san "Sack" was the "honcho" (foreman) of the Japanese labor force.
When we needed special support from the labor force, Tatsumi-san and
I would discuss the best way to get it done and task Sack and his crew to
do the work.

Det 2 Community Support
Activities in Wakkanai
April to August 1956