During World War II, a former aircraft hangar at Crissy Field in San Francisco’s Presidio served as a secret school where the U.S. Army trained Japanese American soldiers as linguists. The Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, now a museum open on weekends, tells the story of these brave Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) soldiers and their vital contributions to the war effort.
In This Article
Key Points
- The Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center in San Francisco’s Presidio tells the story of Japanese American soldiers who trained as linguists during WWII
- MIS linguists provided vital intelligence in the Pacific Theater, saving countless lives and hastening the end of the war
- Around 6,000 Japanese Americans graduated from the rigorous six-month training program at the Military Intelligence Service Language School
A Vital Role in the Pacific Theater
The MIS linguists served in combat units throughout the Pacific Theater, providing crucial intelligence that saved countless lives and hastened the end of the war. They worked as interpreters, interrogators, instructors, propaganda specialists, and signal technicians. Collectively, the graduates of the MIS earned the Presidential Unit Citation for their service.
The school, originally named the Fourth Army Intelligence School, was established in November 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the first class of 45 Nisei graduated in May 1942. Ironically, that same month, the U.S. government began the mass incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans on the West Coast, with the orders issued from a nearby Presidio building.
Relocation and Expansion
Due to the exclusion orders, the school was moved to Camp Savage in Minnesota in June 1942, where it was renamed the Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). Many of the students at Camp Savage came directly from the American concentration camps where their families were confined.
As the school expanded, it outgrew Camp Savage and relocated to Fort Snelling in August 1944. At its peak in early 1946, the MISLS had 3,000 students and 160 instructors in over 125 classrooms. In total, around 6,000 Japanese Americans graduated from the rigorous six-month training program.
Visiting the Museum
Today, visitors to the MIS Historic Learning Center can explore exhibits highlighting the personal stories of the Nisei soldiers and their wartime experiences. Admission is $10, with free entry for veterans and children under 12. The museum features a reconstructed classroom and a 10-minute introductory video.
The center also serves as a community space, available for rent by non-profits and families. It is operated by the National Japanese American Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve this vital part of American history and pay tribute to the Japanese American experience.
Nearby Attractions and Memorials
While at the Presidio, be sure to visit these other points of interest:
- Battery Bluff: Enjoy a picnic with views of the bay and Presidio history
- Korean War Memorial: Honor those who served and sacrificed in the Korean War
- San Francisco National Cemetery: Final resting place for 30,000 soldiers and their families
- Presidio Officers’ Club: A historic event venue and former gathering space for U.S. Army officers
FAQ
What were the main responsibilities of MIS linguists during WWII?
MIS linguists served as interpreters, interrogators, instructors, propaganda specialists, and signal technicians. They provided vital intelligence that saved lives and contributed to the war effort.
How long was the training program at the Military Intelligence Service Language School?
The rigorous training program at the MISLS lasted six months.
Where was the MISLS originally located before moving to Minnesota?
The school was initially established at the Presidio in San Francisco, California, in November 1941. It was originally named the Fourth Army Intelligence School.
How many Japanese Americans graduated from the MISLS during WWII?
Approximately 6,000 Japanese Americans graduated from the MISLS throughout the course of the war.
What is the mission of the National Japanese American Historical Society in operating the MIS Historic Learning Center?
The National Japanese American Historical Society aims to preserve this crucial aspect of American history and honor the Japanese American experience through the MIS Historic Learning Center.
