Much has been written about the incredible contribution made by Japanese Americans or Neisi ( born in the USA )during WWII. Specifically we tell stories of the 442 Infantry Regiment that fought their way through Italy and became the most decorated unit in United States Military history.
What we do not hear about however is those Neisi that served in the Pacific Theatre. Their’s was a dangerous game delicately played between allegiance of the new against those of their ancestors. A moment of confusion, of recognition on either side could mean instant death by M-1 carbine or cold samurai steel.
The Divine Arrows ( Kami-Ya) unit was one such group. Recruited for their engineering degrees across American Universities, this select body of men were flight trained by the War Department and then sent to the Pacific. Their task? To fly and evaluate captured Japanese aircraft and to report back to the US Army Air Corps on performance, handling and combat tactics of Nippon fighter groups.
Their efforts closed the gap and allowed American Squadrons advantage in the skies and backed the attack all the way to Tokio.
Each man who served in this unit wore a patch emblazon on his cap, a design featuring the tail feathers of four arrows arranged in an ancient sigil of another time and another culture. The Papa Nui Cap Company from their forward operating base on the Atoll crafted these iconic patches to celebrate a legend of courage as mighty as the reputation of these brave individuals.
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Blake B.
Impressive
Everyone at the airport loved it
B-52 T-shirt
Jean-pierre
Watch cap
Nice watch cap. Thanks John.
PAPA NUI
Hanno K.c.R.&.B.
Lakebed lightning
The best cap for the right stuff, now in the right place - the county of origin of rocket-powered flight - Germany ! 😁 Love it
X-1 Crew Cap.
Daniel
From the Atoll to Me – An Unforgettable Journey
Meeting the Papa Nui cap changed my life once and for all — nothing will ever be the same again. Papa is truly unique in his philosophy, in the quality of what he creates, and in the heart he puts into every piece.
Many thanks,
Daniel
Atoll Flyers Jacket.
Chris L.
The Real Deal.
What can be said that hasn't been said already. Papa airdropped this beaut and managed to get my mits on it before the CO noticed. The Shinki horsehide ain't a joke neither. You could go for a bimble through the jungle, get caught in a downpour, and this thing would probably come out looking better than you. It's stiff mind, took a bit of hard yakka to break it in, but now it fits like it was made for my scone. It's a civvy bit of kit, make no mistake. The Sergeant Major gets a bit cross-eyed when he sees it, thinks it's not uniform. But listen, when you're stuck in a foxhole and the rain's bucketing down, this leather lid is a bloody sight better than a piece of wet wool.
It's a fair dinkum bonzer bit of gear. If you can get one, get one. Just keep it out of sight of the brass.
This one is my 3rd hat from Papa et al. Fits better that the standard baseball cap. Great fabric selection, seams stitched straight, and the bill is just the right length.
All the things you expect from Papa NuI. Now where did I park my F6F?
Amazing! Beautifully crafted jumper made from 1st class wool. Unique military style and a lovely shade of olive green. I will be wearing this jumper for a very long time, especially on cold British winter jeep off roading adventures with my Maine watch cap. Papa Nui always manage to perfectly capture the essence of times gone by.
