Across the Pacific (1942) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Rick Leland was court-martialed and discharged from the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps after being caught stealing. However, this was a cover for his real role as a secret agent for Army Intelligence, he deliberately built a reputation as a disloyal, mercenary soldier to infiltrate Japanese spy networks. His criminal record made him appear like someone willing to sell secrets to the enemy.

• rick leland
• court martial
• secret agent
• army intelligence

Leland joined the Japanese liner Genoa Maru as part of his undercover mission. His court-martial and discharge made him appear as a disgruntled American willing to sell secrets, which attracted the attention of enemy agents like Dr. Lorenz. By gaining their trust, Leland could gather intelligence on Japanese plans to attack the Panama Canal.

Foreshadowing: His earlier attempt to join the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was refused, pushing him toward his covert mission.

• rick leland
• japanese ship
• undercover mission
• intelligence

The second man who returned as T. Oki was revealed to be a Japanese prince in disguise. He was being transported to Bountiful Plantation to pilot a torpedo bomber in the planned attack on the Panama Canal. The real T. Oki was Lorenz's loyal servant, while the prince assumed his identity to move undetected through the Americas.

Foreshadowing: Early hints about 'a prince' being among the passengers preceded this revelation.

• japanese prince
• tori oki
• torpedo bomber
• panama canal

Alberta Marlow was initially suspected of being a spy because she was revealed to be a buyer for Rogers Fifth Avenue in New York City, a cover that could easily serve as a front for intelligence activities. However, she was ultimately revealed to be the daughter of Dan Morton, whose weakness for alcohol was exploited by the Japanese to establish their base at Bountiful Plantation. Her loyalties lay with her father and ultimately with Leland.

Foreshadowing: Colonel Hart specifically warned Leland to watch Marlow's loyalties during their New York meeting.

• alberta marlow
• spy
• rogers fifth avenue
• dan morton

The Japanese plot involved using Bountiful Plantation as a secret base to launch a torpedo bomber attack on the Panama Canal locks. Dr. Lorenz needed accurate U.S. air patrol timetables to time the assault and avoid detection. The plan required a Japanese prince to pilot the bomber, with Dan Morton's plantation serving as the launch point.

Foreshadowing: Lorenz's demand for 'up-to-date air-patrol timetables' and his interest in Panama defenses revealed the scheme early.

• panama canal
• japanese plot
• torpedo bomber
• air patrol timetables

Joe Totsuiko shot Dan Morton when Morton staggered and appeared to be reaching for a weapon or trying to escape during the confrontation at the plantation. This impulsive act actually worked in Leland's favor, as it caused Totsuiko to lower his guard, allowing Leland to overpower him and turn the tide of the battle.

Foreshadowing: Morton's status as a 'wealthy dipsomaniac' whose weakness had been exploited foreshadowed his vulnerability.

• joe totsuiko
• dan morton
• shooting
• plantation

A.V. Smith was Leland's contact in Panama who provided real air patrol timetables to the spies under Leland's persuasion. After Leland warned him to change the patrol schedule, Smith was killed, likely by Lorenz's agents, to prevent him from alerting authorities. His death underscored the danger of the mission and the ruthless efficiency of the enemy operation.

Foreshadowing: Smith's role as the 'late informant' and the need for 'real timetables' as opposed to fake ones established the stakes.

• a.v. smith
• panama contact
• killed
• timetables

After Leland shot down the torpedo bomber and eliminated most of his henchmen, Dr. Lorenz attempted seppuku, the traditional Japanese ritual suicide, as a way to preserve his honor in the face of complete defeat. However, when the time came, his nerve failed him. He then begged Leland to kill him, but Leland refused, stating Lorenz 'has a date with Army Intelligence' to face proper justice.

Foreshadowing: Lorenz's earlier display of confidence and ideological conviction made his eventual breakdown more striking.

• dr lorenz
• seppuku
• suicide
• defeat
• army intelligence

After being captured at Bountiful Plantation, Leland waited for his opportunity during the chaos of the confrontation. When Totsuiko shot Morton, Leland seized the moment to overpower Totsuiko. He then grabbed a machine gun and shot down the torpedo bomber as it attempted to take off, destroying the aircraft and killing Lorenz's remaining henchmen. This single act prevented the attack on the Panama Canal.

Foreshadowing: The earlier mention of a 'torpedo-bomber being prepared for launch' set up this critical moment.

• rick leland
• bomber attack
• machine gun
• panama canal

When Leland refused to kill Lorenz, he told him he 'has a date with Army Intelligence,' meaning Lorenz would be taken into custody and face interrogation and trial rather than a quick death. This represented a harder fate, Lorenz would have to answer for his espionage and terrorist plot against the United States, his pro-Japanese activities, and his role in multiple murders, including A.V. Smith and Dan Morton.

Foreshadowing: This line echoed Leland's earlier commitment to his duty as an American secret agent.

• army intelligence
• lorenz
• capture
• justice

Dr. Lorenz required accurate air patrol timetables to plan the timing of the torpedo bomber attack on the Panama Canal. Without knowing when U.S. patrol planes would be in the air, the bomber could be detected and shot down before reaching its target. Lorenz was sophisticated enough to detect fake schedules, making A.V. Smith's real timetables essential to the operation's success.

Foreshadowing: Lorenz's explanation that he would 'detect fake ones' proved his experience and made obtaining authentic schedules critical.

• air patrol timetables
• lorenz
• panama canal attack
• espionage

After Leland handed over the air patrol timetables to Lorenz in Panama, he was brutally beaten, likely by Lorenz's men, to ensure he couldn't alert authorities or interfere with the operation. This violence also served to keep Leland incapacitated while Lorenz and Marlow fled the scene. Leland revived hours later and managed to warn Smith to change the patrol schedule before it was too late.

Foreshadowing: The beating occurred immediately after Leland completed the key intelligence exchange, ensuring his temporary removal from the operation.

• rick leland
• beaten
• panama
• timetables