It seems at the end of World War II three Japanese soldiers drifted ashore the island in their small skiff. They were in terrible condition; nearly dead from exposure. The Nunivak people, of course, brought them ashore and fed them, then fixed up a small hut for them to stay in.

Not knowing quite what to do, the islanders sent a letter to the U.S. government, explaining the situation. Five months later an official ship of some sort, perhaps the Coast Guard or maybe the Navy, appeared and took the soldiers away. Nothing has been heard since.

Rinehart, who has spent many years in South Central, feels the story rings true.

Anyone who wants to comment is welcome to write me.