About the Book
A boy born of humble roots in Hawaii describes his life journey to play a key role in serving America and its allies against terrorism and extremism. A Japanese American boy born just before Pearl Harbor joins the Army and is thrust into the maelstrom of Vietnam. Drawn to intelligence work, his watchword is "Intoku," Japanese for "good done in secret." Ishimoto is recruited by the legendary Colonel Charlie Beckwith to be a founder of Delta Force, the legendary elite Special Operations unit. He is on the ground in Iran for the Desert One disaster during Operation Eagle Claw, the ill-fated bid to rescue American hostages in Tehran. Part memoir of a remarkable life, this book will also be a valuable addition to Special Operations history as well as a practical guide to navigating extreme situations. AUTHOR: Wade Ishimoto was born in Hawaii shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He enlisted in the US Army in 1961and retired 20 years later. His military career saw him serving as a Military Policeman, a counterintelligence agent, a human intelligence case officer, and 14 years in Special Forces. Among his notable assignments were as the Project Gamma Operations Sergeant during the Green Beret Murder case in 1969, Special Force School Instructor of the Year in 1974, a founding member of the Delta Force, and leading a roadblock team on the fateful 1980 attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran (Operation Eagle Claw). After his military retirement, he served on the investigation of the Branch Davidian incident, the Khobar Towers bombing, was the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and a Special Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow with the Joint Special Operations University, a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment, and was inducted into the Special Operations Command Commando Hall of Honor. He has been written about in Delta Force, The Guts to Try, Best Laid Plans, Those Gallant Men, Killer Elite, Never Surrender and A Murder in Wartime. 60-80 photographs
About the Author :
Wade Ishimoto was born in Hawaii shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He enlisted in the US Army in 1961and retired 20 years later. His military career saw him serving as a Military Policeman, a counterintelligence agent, a human intelligence case officer, and 14 years in Special Forces. Among his notable assignments were as the Project Gamma Operations Sergeant during the Green Beret Murder case in 1969, Special Force School Instructor of the Year in 1974, a founding member of the Delta Force, and leading a roadblock team on the fateful 1980 attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran (Operation Eagle Claw). After his military retirement, he served on the investigation of the Branch Davidian incident, the Khobar Towers bombing, was the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and a Special Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow with the Joint Special Operations University, a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment, and was inducted into the Special Operations Command Commando Hall of Honor. He has been written about in Delta Force, The Guts to Try, Best Laid Plans, Those Gallant Men, Killer Elite, Never Surrender and A Murder in Wartime
Review :
"... this is a fascinating, insightful, and important account of history as it happened. More than that, it offers a code to live by--and what could be better than that?"-- "Inter Populum"
"This is the story of a real American special operations legend, well worth the time for anyone who wants to know the origins of the modern U.S. Special Forces or anyone who is interested in the tactics, techniques and procedures of special operations in combat."-- "The Journal of America's Military Past"
"Ish takes the reader on a tour of his memorable life, not only for the amazing things he has done, but his ability to recreate the scene in incredible detail. His insights into Operation EAGLE CLAW, the Iran hostage rescue mission, along with the creation of JSOC and the U.S. response to terrorism after 9/11, are details recounted nowhere else. Ish has lived the life of a Warrior, one who has practiced Intoku at the highest level. Highly recommended for warrior priests, historians, and anyone who is interested in a true behind the scenes look at America's war against terror. Eye opening."--James Stejskal, author of "Special Forces Berlin", "Mission Iran" and The Snake Eater Chronicles
"This is a story of one of America's great warriors that served at every level from combat soldier to Cabinet-level staff. He has a unique perspective having served in our most elite units. Ishimoto provides lessons for all level of leaders, and what Americans need to understand about some of our country's darkest periods from Vietnam, through the failure of the Iranian hostage crisis, into the War on Terrorism. A remarkable story as he blends his story of service, family, friendship, leadership."--Command Sergeant Major Glenn Nickel (USA Ret.)
"Wade Ishimoto has long been a legend in the Special Operations community, and now the readers of his memoir will see why. Ish is a revered warrior who embodies what SOF calls quiet professionalism, which parallels the concept of the Intoku Code. Throughout the entire book the reader will keep wondering: did one man really do all that? Yes, he did." --Colonel Lee A. Van Arsdale (Special Forces, Ret.)
"If one aspires to live a noble and meaningful life, you'll find an exemplar here. Of the many marvelous American traits, Ish's notion of 'Intoku' or "good done in secret" is the answer to so many of our current challenges as families, communities and Nation. Read on!" --General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF (retired)
"In his book Mr. Wade Ishimoto shares an unprecedented dedication to the American people, constitution and service to his country. A lifelong military career in Special Forces is brilliantly portrayed by Mr. Ishimoto, and by sharing his unmatched experience he enables the reader to understand the complexity of warfare and sacrifices. Freedom is not free, and sacrifices made on battlefields globally must never be forgotten. One day future generations will be called to action, and Mr. Ishimoto's experiences will provide vital knowhow and motivation for how to endure and succeed."--Colonel Magne Roedahl (Norwegian Army, Ret.)
"The Intoku Code is well-written, thoroughly researched, and highly detailed in providing insights into a life committed to service to country. It is an excellent read for those interested in U.S. military Special Operations, as well readers of autobiographies, who will appreciate the dedication to heritage and call to duty that are integral to Wade Ishimoto, an exceptional individual who I have known for almost 50 years."--Brigadier General Richard (Dick) Potter, (U.S. Army, Ret.)
"Wade 'Ish' Ishimoto is one of the giants who built our Nation's exquisite Special Operations and Intelligence capabilities. In The Intoku Code, Ish tells us his story of the early and challenging post-World War II days of protecting the Nation during increasingly complex and turbulent periods. This book is a riveting read--insightful, inspiring, and entertaining. Most importantly, however, this book will leave the reader with an appreciation of how the quiet professionals of this small community do 'good done in secret' every day for America." --General Joseph L. Votel (U.S. Army, Ret.), former commander of JSOC, U.S. Specials Operations Command, and U.S. Central Command
