Hunt for the Bamboo Rat

Zenji was born in Hawaii from Japanese parents. He was a teen during WWII. His ROTC instructor recommended him for an intelligence position in the military. He was sent overseas in Manilla. He was essentially a spy. He was to gather information about the Japanese.

Eventually the Japanese overtook the area he was in. He was afforded an air ride out for safety. But he gave up his spot to another American who wanted to return to his family. Eventually Zenji was captured by the Japanese.

Zenji's cover story was that he was a civilian hired by the Army to translate for them. Unfortunately, the Japanese seemed to think he was a spy. They tortured him to confess. He never did. He was turned over to work for a general. He did translation, office work, and house work.

Eventually the Americans were taking back the area where Zenji was imprisoned and working. He used this opportunity to escape. He fled into the bush. He had trouble finding water and food. He was taken in by some primitive tribe. He left them after a month or so.

Zenji tried to start up a fire at night. He was bombed and got injured. He eventually pulled out the shrapnel and walked with a limp. He came upon US troops searching for stragglers. He walked into a camp, and after his story was verified, was sent home.

The title came from his code name - The Bamboo Rat.