Damian Nesmith

Damian Nesmith is a character in the Eden Pond Series.

Biography

Inspiration image for Damian's appearance. Given the different hair color, for example, it is not intended as an exact likeness.

Damian Nesmith was a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who served in Tillamook County during the first months of World War II. Among other duties, he was tasked with assessing Tillamook Bay and Cape Meares for possible placement of defensive installations and making necessary improvements to transportation infrastructure. He was also assigned to investigate the murder of Harry Pond, found dead near the site of a possible defense project. During his investigation, he showed interest in Jonah Shibuya, one of the few people of Japanese descent in the area. Many locals were quick to suspect Jonah, and Nesmith seemed willing to consider the possibility despite the fact Harry and Jonah were best friends going back years.

Personal Details and Appearance
His round, cherub’s face was at odds with the sharp creases in his uniform, his lean limbs, and his prominent Adam’s apple. Red-haired and freckled with a small mouth and pale blue eyes, he could be aloof, though capable of bursts of merriment at unexpected moments. He often appeared to be on the verge of a wry smile, even during serious moments. He rarely lost his temper, and then only when driven to it. Physically, he handled himself well, and was capable of taking on multiple opponents in a fight—though he preferred to avoid doing so. He was good at keeping secrets. He was also a non-smoker, unusual for the time—something that appealed to Eden Pond.

He was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. He attended the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (today Iowa State University) for his Bachelor's degree and Cal Tech for his Master's. After graduating at age 24, he joined the U.S. Army. His assignment in Tillamook marks his first visit to Oregon.

His interest in Jonah Shibuya grew not out of suspicion that Jonah was a killer, but from a friend who was a member of the U.S. Counter Intelligence Corps. He knew there was interest in identifying and recruiting Nisei Japanese to serve as linguists. Eden's passionate defense of Jonah made Captain Nesmith wonder if he might be suitable for such a role.

Appearances

• Tillamook Guerrillas (working title), Eden Pond Book 1