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The Intoku Code: Delta Force's Intelligence Officer—Doing Good in Secret
"If one aspires to live a noble and meaningful life, you’ll find an exemplar here. Of the many marvelous American traits, Ish’s notion of ‘Intoku' or “good done in secret” is the answer to so many of our current challenges as families, communities and Nation. Read on!" — General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF (retired)
A Japanese American boy born just before Pearl Harbor joins the Army and is thrust into the maelstrom of Vietnam. Drawn to intelligence work, his watchword is "Intoku," Japanese for "good done in secret."
Ishimoto is recruited by the legendary Colonel Charlie Beckwith to be a founder of Delta Force, the legendary elite Special Operations unit. He is on the ground in Iran for the Desert One disaster during Operation Eagle Claw, the ill-fated bid to rescue American hostages in Tehran.
Part memoir of a remarkable life, this book will also be a valuable addition to Special Operations history as well as a practical guide to navigating extreme situations.
A Japanese American boy born just before Pearl Harbor joins the Army and is thrust into the maelstrom of Vietnam. Drawn to intelligence work, his watchword is "Intoku," Japanese for "good done in secret."
Ishimoto is recruited by the legendary Colonel Charlie Beckwith to be a founder of Delta Force, the legendary elite Special Operations unit. He is on the ground in Iran for the Desert One disaster during Operation Eagle Claw, the ill-fated bid to rescue American hostages in Tehran.
Part memoir of a remarkable life, this book will also be a valuable addition to Special Operations history as well as a practical guide to navigating extreme situations.
- GenresMilitary FictionHistory
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 7, 2026
A humorous and riveting memoir of a rather interesting life.
Much of the book deals with leadership and integrity, and the good and bad examples Ishimoto witnessed throughout an extensive and interesting career, from a bit part in the Green Beret Affair to Operation Eagle Claw to Waco to the Kohbar Towers bombing. There’s lots of stories, all worth reading, from the humorous to the tragic. The discussion of the origins of the modern special operations community is interesting, as is the coverage of the many challenges these new units faced.
The writing is a little dry at times, and perhaps Ishimoto could have benefited from a co-author. Some readers might find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the detailed descriptions of so many places and names.
There’s a few minor errors that probably should have been caught by an editor, especially one working for a publisher like Casemate. At one point Ishimoto writes that the Tet Offensive happened in 1966. And that the PAVN were “Viet Cong who were organized into conventional units.” He mentions members of the “Reagan administration” trying to blame the Saudis for the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996. Bill Garrison is referred to as commander of the “Special Warfare Command,” when he means the JFK Special Warfare Center and School.
Still, an engaging and insightful work.
Much of the book deals with leadership and integrity, and the good and bad examples Ishimoto witnessed throughout an extensive and interesting career, from a bit part in the Green Beret Affair to Operation Eagle Claw to Waco to the Kohbar Towers bombing. There’s lots of stories, all worth reading, from the humorous to the tragic. The discussion of the origins of the modern special operations community is interesting, as is the coverage of the many challenges these new units faced.
The writing is a little dry at times, and perhaps Ishimoto could have benefited from a co-author. Some readers might find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the detailed descriptions of so many places and names.
There’s a few minor errors that probably should have been caught by an editor, especially one working for a publisher like Casemate. At one point Ishimoto writes that the Tet Offensive happened in 1966. And that the PAVN were “Viet Cong who were organized into conventional units.” He mentions members of the “Reagan administration” trying to blame the Saudis for the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996. Bill Garrison is referred to as commander of the “Special Warfare Command,” when he means the JFK Special Warfare Center and School.
Still, an engaging and insightful work.
March 2, 2026
I gave this 5 stars out of deep respect for the author and his extraordinary service to our country. It’s definitely worth your time to read it. All of that said, it’s a bit tedious in places. Simply too many names/people mentioned that don’t seem to be entirely necessary. Some better editing could have solved this in my view. Nevertheless, I recommend this book for the insights it offers into our country’s military programs over the course of several pivotal decades.
May 1, 2025
Great look into the life of a warrior and mentor
Excellent book covering a wide variety of wars and missions over the last 60 years! Great insights on how to do good and make those around you better.
Excellent book covering a wide variety of wars and missions over the last 60 years! Great insights on how to do good and make those around you better.
August 19, 2025
Fantastic biography from a true warrior, patriot, and humanitarian. No holds bar and first person view from one who was there. As a matter of fact, one who has been there and done that.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews