The converted Crissy Field airmail hangar just received a $1M appropriation to develop the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Historic Learning Center. The MIS school was responsible for training the Army’s Japanese-American linguists and intelligence specialists before and during World War II. From the Nichi Bei Times:

Attached to every combat unit in the Pacific War, these MIS soldier linguists translated documents, intercepted intelligence, impersonated the enemy in battle, gathered key intelligence from prisoners of war, and ultimately helped American and Allied forces win the war in the Pacific. Their intimate knowledge of the language and culture helped gain a tactical and strategic advantage over their opponents.

Presidio Building 640, Crissy Field

More info can be found at the National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) site and this National Park Service page.

 

 

Photo courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation