- Mark Harmon is an American TV superstar
- He is best known for 'NCIS'
- THIS is the actor's new book
Instead of spending his days on the golf course, Harmon has been sifting through piles of World War II research for his latest passion project. The father of two and husband to actress Pam Dawber has been hard at work on his first historical nonfiction book, 'Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.' The book has taken quite a lot of the actors time and he is now happy to share the details with the world.
Mark Harmon is now an official author as well
What is it all about? The book delves into the true story of Douglas Wada, a Japanese American born in Hawaii who became a spy for the U.S. Navy. Harmon reveals that Wada's story is the precursor to the birth of the real NCIS, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. "These agents are really a different breed," Harmon says, hoping that his book will reveal a story that many don't know.
Co-written with Leon Carroll Jr., a former NCIS special agent and the CBS show's longtime technical advisor, 'Ghosts of Honolulu' is a labor of love for Harmon. Carroll Jr., who was the agency's top interrogator, was a crucial part of the project. "I said I wouldn't touch this without him," Harmon admits.
This has always been on the actor's radar. Harmon's interest in naval spy history was sparked by his role as Gibbs in NCIS. His father, a broadcaster, also fought as a pilot in WWII, further piquing his interest. Now, Harmon is using his free time to explore this passion. "I always find things to do," he says, expressing gratitude for the freedom he now has to pursue his interests.
Mark wants to bring an important story to light
'Ghosts of Honolulu' connects the lives of Douglas Wada, the first Japanese American Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) agent, and Takeo Yoshikawa, a Japanese spy assigned to gather information on the United States. Both men had crucial roles in "the world-changing cat and mouse games" between Japanese and U.S. military agents in Hawaii before World War II, which climaxed during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.
The book also details the moral conflict many Japanese American officers faced as they were torn between defending their country and their communities during the war.
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Harmon and Carroll Jr. were not only inspired by the story’s historical significance, but also ONI’s impact on the real life Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Previously called the Naval Investigative Service, the NCIS was developed by ONI, and changed its name in 1992 to "emphasize the criminal mission of the agency," according to Harmon. For 18 years, he famously played "Special Agent Gibbs" on a fictional team within the organization, before leaving the role in 2021.
'Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor' has already been released and some producers have tipped it for a potential movie deal, although that is unlikely.
As far as Mark goes, he may not be done writing just yet. Pick up your copy of the book today!
