Delivery Man: The Enemy-Alien Nisei Translator Who Saved his Battalion

by Rory Laverty

The American battalion was trapped, under siege and under fire, and one man was their best, last hope.

Delivery The Enemy-Alien Nisei Translator Who Saved His Battalion in World War II is the suspenseful, tragic and true story of a combat translator in a pioneering American special operations force, sent into the heart of a forgotten jungle war in which he fought soldiers of his own ancestry and put his life on the line to save hundreds of his brothers.

U.S. Army Sgt. Roy Matsumoto was born in Los Angeles and lived for seven years in Hiroshima. His family remained in Japan in 1929, when he returned to Southern California alone and took a job delivering groceries. Like all Japanese-Americans, Roy’s life was upended by Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, followed by his internment by his own country – first at the Los Angeles horse-racing track on which Sea Biscuit had triumphed two years before, and then at another concentration camp in Arkansas.

In exchange for his freedom, Roy volunteered to join the U.S. Army, which trained him and sent him into northern Burma. That’s where the American commando force known as Merrill’s Marauders braved a malarial jungle to engage a tenacious enemy force on a winning streak. 

Though contact with his family in Japan would be impossible for the duration of the war, Roy took comfort that their home city of Hiroshima, sheltered by an inland sea, was considered relatively safe from attack.

 

376 pages, Hardcover

Published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[Dawn Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, 'Delivery Man' had me completely engrossed. Rory Laverty has a gift for turning historical events into a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat narrative. Roy Matsumoto’s story reads like a thriller: an American Nisei translator navigating a deadly jungle in Burma, facing an enemy who shares his ancestry, and risking his life repeatedly to save others. The tension is palpable throughout the book, from every combat scenario to the ethical dilemmas Matsumoto faces. Laverty’s attention to detail makes the jungles, diseases, and challenges of warfare come alive. Yet, what makes this book truly exceptional is the balance between action and human emotion. You are not just following a soldier; you are experiencing a man confronting injustice, loyalty, fear, and courage simultaneously. Each chapter kept me turning pages, but I also found myself reflecting on the broader implications of war, identity, and sacrifice. 'Delivery Man' is a rare gem that delivers both heart-pounding suspense and profound emotional resonance. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who loves history, thrillers, or inspiring true stories.

[Alice Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history enthusiast, I am always searching for stories that shed light on overlooked corners of the past, and 'Delivery Man' exceeded every expectation. Rory Laverty masterfully brings to life the story of Roy Matsumoto, a man who fought not only against an enemy abroad but against prejudice at home. The details about Merrill’s Marauders, the challenges of jungle warfare, and the unique experience of Japanese Americans during World War II were eye-opening. I had never known how Nisei soldiers navigated their loyalty to a country that had imprisoned them, and this book presents that complexity with nuance and depth. Laverty’s prose is clear, engaging, and accessible, making complex historical contexts understandable while keeping the narrative compelling. This book is a combination of education and inspiration: readers learn about an important but often forgotten part of WWII, and they are also reminded of the resilience and courage of individuals like Roy. By the end, I felt enriched and moved. This is an essential read for anyone who wants to see history from a deeply human perspective.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes 'Delivery Man' stand out is its profound emotional resonance. Roy Matsumoto’s life is marked by extraordinary challenges: internment in America, separation from his family, and the moral complexities of fighting soldiers of his own ancestry. Rory Laverty captures these emotional landscapes with incredible empathy, showing not just the physical dangers of war but the ethical and emotional dilemmas faced by those who live through it. Each chapter is a meditation on courage, identity, and humanity under pressure. I found myself reflecting on how loyalty, fear, and compassion intertwine, and how one man’s actions can save hundreds of lives. The book is gripping, but it is also deeply moving, making it impossible to read without feeling a personal connection to Roy’s journey. 'Delivery Man' is a story that lingers in your mind, a reminder of the sacrifices made by unsung heroes, and an exploration of what it means to truly serve others. For anyone who appreciates historical biographies that resonate emotionally, this book is a must-read.

[William Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Matsumoto deserves to be remembered alongside the most celebrated heroes of World War II, and Rory Laverty ensures that his story is told with the honor it deserves. 'Delivery Man' is a celebration of courage in the truest sense not just the kind that is measured by battlefield feats, but the kind measured by moral fortitude, determination, and loyalty. Matsumoto’s bravery is evident at every turn: navigating deadly jungles, engaging in life-threatening missions, and enduring the injustice of internment camps while never losing his humanity. Laverty’s writing brings each moment to life with vivid detail and emotional depth, immersing the reader in both the physical and psychological challenges of war. This book is inspiring on so many levels. It reminds us that true heroism often exists quietly, away from the spotlight, and that even in the darkest times, individuals can make extraordinary differences. 'Delivery Man' left me feeling uplifted, grateful, and motivated to learn more about the countless unsung heroes of history

[Bettina Dobrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivery Man’ is a remarkable exploration of resilience, identity, and heroism. Roy Matsumoto’s journey from internment camps in America to the perilous jungles of Burma is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Rory Laverty’s meticulous research and empathetic storytelling illuminate not only the events of war but the human spirit behind them. The book provokes deep reflection on what it means to serve, sacrifice, and remain true to oneself in the face of injustice. I was moved by the complexity of Roy’s decisions, the loyalty he showed to his comrades, and the sheer courage required to navigate such impossible circumstances. Laverty does an extraordinary job of weaving historical accuracy with emotional depth, creating a narrative that is both educational and profoundly affecting. By the end, I felt a mix of awe, gratitude, and contemplation about the countless unsung heroes whose stories deserve to be told. 'Delivery Man' is an essential read for anyone seeking a powerful, human centered account of courage in the darkest of times

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivery Man is not just a war biography; it is a deeply emotional tribute to a man who had every reason to walk away but chose to stand up instead. Roy Matsumoto’s life is filled with challenges that would break most people being separated from family, being targeted because of his ancestry, being imprisoned unjustly and yet he emerges with dignity, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. Laverty writes with a balance of heart and precision, giving readers both the emotional reality of Roy’s life and the historical detail of the Marauders’ mission. Roy’s actions in Burma are described with gripping intensity. Every intercepted message, every warning he gives his battalion feels like a moment where fate hangs by a thread. Beyond the battles, what touched me most was Roy’s internal struggle fighting men who looked like him but serving a nation that didn’t fully accept him. It’s a powerful reminder of the depth of sacrifice made by Japanese American soldiers

[Zoey Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a long overdue spotlight on a hero forgotten by mainstream history. Rory Laverty writes with incredible compassion and respect, showing Roy Matsumoto not just as a soldier, but as a son, a young man shaped by two cultures, and a human being torn by the contradictions of wartime America. The Burma campaign is written with intense realism starvation, disease, exhaustion, and constant danger are portrayed so vividly that you can imagine yourself in the thick jungle with the Marauders. Roy’s intelligence work becomes the backbone of the battalion’s survival, and with every page, you grow more amazed at how one man’s skill and bravery shifted the fate of hundreds. What makes this book stand out is how Laverty acknowledges the emotional toll of Roy’s dual identity especially having to fight soldiers who shared his ancestry. This is a story that deserves to be known across the world

[Bella Jasdron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivery Man is a gripping, emotional, and deeply inspiring story of a man whose courage defied every expectation placed upon him. Roy Matsumoto’s early life, marked by cultural displacement and wartime prejudice, sets the stage for a journey that is both heartbreaking and heroic. Laverty brings extraordinary detail to the Burma campaign, showing the unimaginable conditions the Marauders endured. Yet through all the chaos, Roy stands out as a calm, intelligent, and selfless force warning his battalion of ambushes, translating intercepted messages, and putting his life at risk again and again. What makes this book so impactful is how personal it feels. Roy isn’t portrayed as a myth or symbol; he is portrayed as a real human being who fought for brothers who once doubted him. This is a powerful, memorable tribute to an American hero who deserves far more recognition than history has given him

[Felicity Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading 'Delivery Man' felt like watching a meticulously crafted war film unfold, only with the added depth of knowing every word is true. Rory Laverty has an exceptional talent for creating a cinematic experience with words: the jungle of Burma feels suffocating, the threats omnipresent, and Roy Matsumoto’s courage palpable. The story balances intense action with rich character development, allowing readers to connect deeply with the man behind the heroics. I could feel the stakes in every decision Roy made the tension of combat, the weight of responsibility, and the internal struggle of fighting against an enemy tied to his heritage. This is not just a historical recounting; it is a masterful narrative that places readers in the heart of the events, making every moment feel immediate and real. 'Delivery Man' is a gripping, immersive, and unforgettable read for anyone who loves history, war stories, or tales of extraordinary courage

[Suzan Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a remarkable blend of history, biography, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Rory Laverty uncovers a chapter of WWII that most people have never heard about the Burma campaign and he brings it to life with stunning clarity. Roy Matsumoto’s journey from internment camp to heroic combat translator is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever read. What makes Roy so extraordinary isn’t just his skill it’s his resilience, loyalty, and humanity. Even after being imprisoned by his own country, he volunteered to serve, not to prove anything, but because he believed in helping the men beside him. The jungle warfare scenes are tense and immersive, showing the hardship of soldiers who fought not only an armed enemy but the brutal environment itself. This book opened my eyes to a forgotten corner of WWII and introduced me to a hero whose bravery deserves worldwide recognition

[Ananika Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivery Man is a powerful and deeply human account of courage in its purest form. Rory Laverty doesn’t just tell the story of Roy Matsumoto he brings readers into the emotional, historical, and moral complexity of his life. What hit me hardest is how Roy’s journey shows both the cruelty and the possibility of America. From being torn from his home and labeled an enemy to becoming the lifeline of a battalion trapped in a deadly jungle, Roy’s life feels like a story that shouldn’t be real yet it is. The Burma scenes are intense, atmospheric, and incredibly vivid. Laverty shows the choking humidity, the exhaustion, and the razor-thin line between life and death that the Marauders walked every day. And in the middle of all this brutality stands Roy, whose ability to translate, intercept enemy plans, and stay calm under lethal pressure saved countless soldiers. This book is gripping, emotional, and unforgettable, reminding us that some of history’s greatest heroes never got the recognition they deserved