Introduction

In the mid-1930s, high-schooler Joe Sullivan, slightly crippled by a childhood accident and therefore ineligible for enlistment in the US Armed forces feels his future is very dim. Befriended by a Japanese maritime radio officer, Takeo Okada, Joe decides to become a ships radioman.

Early Radio Career

After obtaining an amateur radio operators license and a commercial ops certificate, Joe maintains radio contact with his Japanese benefactor until he hears from another Japanese amateur that Takeo was lost in a ship wreck. Applying for a shipboard radio job just before his 18th birthday, Joe meets and is seduced by Kate Nelson, the company president's secretary. He becomes involved in a continuing feud with Bull Taylor, the ship's first mate. He learns that both his parents are killed in an auto accident.

Personal Loss and Relationships

Joe, despondent over the loss of Takeo and his parents, turns to whiskey and women. In a stop-over in Hawaii, he meets and falls in love with a nisei, Myoshi. After a short-lived affair, Joe departs Hawaii.

Shipwreck and Rescue

When his ship strikes a Japanese mine near Makin Island, Joe is the sole survivor. Rescued by native fishermen, he is taken to a hospital on a French-controlled island. Regaining his health, he is taken to Australia where he is induced by the officer in charge of coast watchers to serve a half-year stint on an isolated island.

War and Friendship

After reporting enemy ship movement during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Joe is unnerved when he sees a one-armed man put ashore on the opposite end of the island by Japanese navy men. He later discovers that the one-armed man is his old friend. Takeo had lost an arm when attacked by sharks, and was no longer an asset to the IJN as a fighting man. The two renew their old friendship even though their countries are at war — friend and foe.

Conclusion

They enjoy their island life even though alarmed by several incidents that threatened discovery. When the time comes for Joe to be relieved of his duty, he sadly leaves his friend alone on the island.