Fred Matsumura oral history interview, January 25, 2003

Matsumura discusses his family background in Hawaii and hearing about the attack of Pearl Harbor on the radio. He volunteered to defend water and power installations as a civilian in the aftermath of the attack, and later enlisted into the Army. He…

Matsumura recounts his harrowing experiences of close range combat on Italian soil with the 442nd Infantry Regiment. He was wounded several times in various campaigns and witnessed the injuries and death of much of his fellow servicemen. He details…

Matsumura discusses the friendships he made in the field during the War - one friend who was killed in action towards the end of the War, and another who he remained friends with for decades. He then lists the numerous decorations and medals he…

Matsumura discusses his wife and children, education at Northrop Aeronautical Institute and work at an airline. He also discusses recreational activities he has enjoyed throughout his life, storytelling with fellow servicemen at reunions, music and…