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In the early 1950's the US established a radar site on the beautiful island of Kume Jima for the protection of the Ryukyu Archipelago. This web site is about the experience of the officers and men that served there as members of that force. It is also a pictorial history of the Island and it's citizens.

Every GI that I have spoken with who served there said the same thing; "It was the best tour of duty I ever had."

My tour was 1957-58.

The island of Kume is about seven miles long by three miles wide, and lies 50 miles due west of Okinawa. 

It is a place of stunning beauty; white sand beaches caress the eastern and southern shores while mountains lie to the west and north populated by Sago palm, Okinawan Pine and scarlet native Hibiscus.

But what made Kume special for many of the veterans was the Kume people. During the 'American years' we enjoyed a friendly relationship with Kumejima citizens.  The Okinawan people are among the most gracious people in the world. Their forbearance and courtesy and the good behavior of the GI's made for a comfortable co-habitation of the island. Indeed, some men made marriages with Kume ladies and life-long friendships with others. And some of us have made valued new friends among the current residents.  

So then, this web site is dedicated to the men and women of the US Military who served and continue to serve in the air defense of Okinawa and around the world;

and to the men and officers of USMC, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, Company "A" who secured the island of Kumejima, June 30, 1945;

and the men and women of all American Armed Services who endured and prevailed in the terrible battle for Okinawa. Never Again;

and the warm and gracious people of Okinawa and Kume who allowed us to share for a time their beautiful homeland;

and to world famous 'EJ the Wonder-Dog.'

John London, WebMaster.

Vivian said;"Excellent Kumegoose!! While my mother, great aunt, and second cousin, all natives of Kume Jima, were visiting, I showed them your site. They were all amazed and excited. It brought back many happy memories oftheir homeland.

The Matsumoto and Miyagi family ask that I write and thank you for sharing your photos and site with them, we've all enjoyed it. P.S. It's a small world after all!"

Asako Said; When I found the web site Kumejima Okinawa Japan three years ago I was so excited. I couldn?ft believe my eyes to see those old photos. I felt I was riding in a time machine going back to the 50?fs and 60?fs in Kumejima. I wanted to tell you guys thank you very much for being so kind to us (when we were kids) and thank you very much for love Kumejima so much!

I love you guys!"

Russel Said:" Just found this site and think it's great!  The pics bring back a flood of memories.

"Squeege" the cook's native helper, the dinky that was always conking out, the housemaids that kept everything clean, the nightly village runs, and especially the Armed Forces Radio Station playing "Midnight Sun" every (surprise) midnight.

I often think of the people I was stationed with and have tried on several occasions to track them down on the 'net, but without success. Maybe by joining the Association I'll be able to find some of them. Thanks for giving an old man some pleasant memories!"

Clark Said:"I Never visited Kume, but communications with "Killdeer", was of a daily occurrence. I was at Miyako . . . palm trees, showgirls, bathing beauties . . . I would never have survived the hardships of Kume."

Aya Said:"My mother, who is from Kume, told me about this site, and we spent hours for look all those pictures. She has so many stories to tell while we look those pictures.
I always thought that Kume was such a small island and people won't member much about that place after they left, but I guess not. Many people still have memories of Kume and miss that island.
I'd like to thank everyone invloved this site. Your site made me want visit Kume where I haven't been for long time."

Kume Islander Said:"Hi, how's going? I knew this Web site because one of the two major Okinawan news papers introduced today this site and also exhibition of pics you took about 50 years ago in my home island, which will be held in this August in Kume. I am being really excited to see the pics. This is like time trip! I can see how my island was before I was born!

Yes, I am from Kumejima, but now I go to college in Nevada. Actually, I went to Richmond, VA, in January this year. I wish I could have known about you at that time so I may have been able to meet you."

Okinawa Girl Said:"Why don't you just get out of my grandparent's land? CAn't you see that you are bothering the lives of Okinawan people? Can't you see that that they just don't like Americans? Why are you there? Why don't you just get out of their lives and let them live in peace!!! What have they done to you? I don't know what!! They don't deserve YOU american people!! "