Iwasaki talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had been deferring his induction, he would have no choice this time around, and would be inducted at Fort Lewis in Washington. He would be assigned first to the armored…
Before Iwasaki would be shipped overseas, he would be able to get a furlough to head back home to Oregon, where he would have a very emotional time with his family. After that, he talks about his first experiences while overseas, going first to…
Iwasaki talks about his involvement with the Lost Battalion campaign. There, he would endure cold weather, including snow, and shooting mortars through heavy forested areas. Following this, they would head to the French Riviera, where they would…
Iwasaki talks about his return to Hillsboro, going back to the farm and meeting his future wife. He would get married and have children, continuing on with his career in farming, growing vegetables and flowers and even experimenting with wasabi later…
Tagami discusses his childhood. He details the forced removal and his experiences in Fresno, California. Tagami also discusses his in the Fresno Temporary Detention Facility and Jerome Concentration Camp.
Tagami discusses the anti-air cannon that was behind his house, his experiences at Jerome Concentration Camp, and being drafted. He details Japanese units and his military experiences. Tagami also discusses basic training, his experiences in Italy,…
Tagami discusses his journey overseas, arriving in France, and joining his unit. He details his experiences in France. Tagami also discusses his experiences in Italy.
Tagami discusses his experiences in Italy. He details his experiences in post-war Japan. Tagami also discusses his post military life and reflects on his military experiences.
Tagami discusses his nickname and his squad mates. He details his post-war experiences. Tagami also discusses his family and give a message to future generations.
Arakaki provides an explanation of the meaning of Nisei and Issei, and discusses his parents immigrating from Okinawa to Hawaii, where they worked on a plantation. He then talks about his upbringing-discussing discipline and household chores,…
Arakaki discusses discrimination faced by Japanese Americans in Hawaii in regards to employment before World War Two, and his employment as a hoist operator at a trucking company. He then talks about his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor…
Arakaki discusses his experiences at Camp Hood and what it was like being a replacement for the 100th Infantry Battalion. He then talks about his assignment on KP (kitchen patrol) duty, going to Chicago while on a furlough, and what it was like…
Arakaki discusses being five points short of being able to go home at the end of the war, so he stayed in Europe and visited Switzerland, Venice, and Rome. He then talks about going to the Mainland and his experiences in New York before going back to…
Sato discusses how he got his name, his parents immigrating from Japan, and his first memories growing up in Idaho. He then talks about his childhood home, moving to Utah, and his childhood chores on a farm. Next, Sato discusses more of his childhood…
Sato discusses religion, school, and recreational activities growing up such as swimming and skiing. He then talks about a close friend; chores on the farm; holidays; and his experiences after he quit high school and worked at a labor camp in…
Sato discusses his attempt to volunteer for the Air Force, but getting enlisted in the Army instead. He then talks about reporting to Fort Douglas, traveling to Camp Shelby, and his experiences witnessing segregation in Mississippi. Next, Sato talks…
Sato discusses attending USO shows and seeing Frank Sinatra perform; talks about his experiences at the Gothic Line and seeing his first casualties; and describes shoe-mines. He also talks about getting wounded and receiving a Purple Heart; discusses…
Sato discusses his worst memories at Camp Shelby, and tells a story regarding witnessing an act of heroism in which a sergeant sacrificed himself. He then talks about the achievements of the 100th and 442nd; discusses commanding officers; and talks…
Miya discusses his prefecture origin and changing his last name from Miyagishima to Miya. He feels that Miya would be easier for his friends to pronounce. Growing up, his family are Christians. The Miya family does not tend church regularly due to…
Miya discusses hearing about Pearl Harbor on the radio on December 7, 1941. During this time, Miya is 18 years old attending Senior year of High School. He did not feel racism or prejudices from his classmates. However, he does experiences racism…
Miya discusses his experiences going overseas to Italy. Aboard the ship there 200 Japanese American soldiers out of 5,000 troops. Among his peers, Miya says the accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team…
Miya discuses after the war staying with a provisional company until he gets assign to another company. Among his peers he is treated well by the original soldiers and did not feel any discrimination. Miya recalls his being a parameter guard at…
Miya discusses discharge in 1946 in Chicago. In Chicago Miya is reunites with other Nisei soldiers who serve in the Military. He describes the contribution of the Nisei soldiers to World War Two.
T. Yoshihashi talks about his youth growing up in Pasadena, CA. He talks about his childhood home life with his parents and siblings. He shares anecdotes regarding: growing up in the Great Depression, school days, and racial segregation in Pasadena…
T. Yoshihashi discusses the political climate before the outbreak of WW2. He also shares his recollections of the Pearl Harbor attack, and the aftermath events that affected him and his family. He shares anecdotes regarding: President Roosevelt's…
T. Yoshihashi discusses his thoughts and experiences regarding the loyalty questionnaire. He also talks about getting drafted in the military. He shares anecdotes regarding: his father's death; "no-no boys"; and how brother's military service was…
T. Yoshihashi discusses his participation and recollections of the European Theater in France. He talks about the battles he was in, and military assignments in between battles. He also shares anecdotes regarding: amenities at his command post; his…
T. Yoshihashi discusses his military assignments in Italy. He describes several incidents enduring enemy fire and talks about guarding German POWs. In addition, he shares recollections of when he heard of VE Day and receiving advice from seasoned…
T. Yoshihashi talks about his final military experiences and his discharge. He discusses his affairs when he returned to the United States. He also talks about his wife and children.
T. Yoshihashi discusses his recollections event immediately before, and after, the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about the reactions of his parents and friends. He describes travels to, and experiences at, an assembly center and internment camp.…
Don Miyada is born on May 21, 1925, in Oceanside, California. Don's parents are Raiju Miyada and Masu Miyada, who both emigrated to the United States from Japan. Don shares his childhood memories working on the farm, school, holiday, and morals and…
After Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 is issued and calls for the evacuations of Japanese Americans. Don describes the preparation his family makes before going to Poston, Arizona. At Poston, Don outlines life at camp and the living conditions of…
After completing basic training at Camp Blanding and Camp Shelby, Don goes overseas on the Queen Mary. Don describes traveling in France to join the 100th and 442nd at the holding line.
Don is in holding a position in France for four months. This…
Don discusses his last duties towards the end of the war are marching and holding positions. Don mentions the dangers of minefields and German Schu-mines. Two weeks after the Gothic Line breaks, he recalls encountering friendly fire and witnessing…
Miyagi discusses his youth in Hawaii and early adult experiences before his military service. He talks about being orphaned in early adolescence; working at a young age; and being rejected by the military when he volunteered. He also describes how…
Miyagi discusses his military experiences and life after discharge. He shares stories regarding: Mainland and Hawaiian Nisei relations; basic training with Caucasians; and being a replacement soldier for the 100th Battalion. He also talks about his…
Horino discusses about his shyness, childhood, and schooling. He details about moving to Hollywood and life after high school. Hornio also discusses about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath.
Horino discusses about getting drafted and his early military career. He details about communicating with his family and visiting Heart Mountain Concentration Camp. Horino also discusses about the trip overseas and his experiences in Europe.
Horino discusses about his experiences in Italy and France. He details about the Lost Battalion and his medals. Hornio also discusses about the Champagne Campaign.
Horino discusses about German weaponry and German prisoners. He details his experiences in Italy. Horino also discusses about the wars end and his post-war life.
Horino discusses about post-war life and working for the Apollo program. He details the sweetest thing in life. Horino also discusses about some photographs and gives a message to future generations.
Nukuto discusses about his family. He details about moving to Japan and his experiences while there. Nukuto also discusses about his educational experiences.
Nukuto discusses about more growing up in Japan. He details about returning to the Untied States. Nukuto also discusses about his life once returning to the United States.
Nukuto discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor, being drafted, and his experiences in Kansas. He details about his parents incarceration. Nukuto also discusses about his experiences at Camp Shelby, in Italy, and going to Japan.
Nukuto discusses about his experiences in Japan. He details about meeting his wife and living in Chicago. Nukuto also gives a message to future to future generations.
Ishida discusses his parents and his father's employment; his siblings; and attending Japanese language school. He then talks about his mother; discusses the loyalty questionnaire he was given while incarcerated; getting drafted; his childhood home;…
Ishida discusses traveling to Tanforan temporary detention facility and Topaz Concentration Camp; the security at Tanforan and Topaz; and his experiences at Topaz including living conditions, recreational activities, and Kibei. He then talks about…
Ishida discusses traveling overseas to Europe and his first experiences there; meeting up with the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team; and his first combat experiences. He then talks about his guard duty assignment during the…
Ishida discusses his hospital stay for an ingrown toenail which caused him to miss combat duty during the Gothic Line. He then talks about his experiences at Leghorn; his guard duty assignment; visiting Switzerland while on leave; getting discharged;…
Ishida discusses receiving a Purple Heart and other awards and medals; and shows and describes his honorable discharge papers and a document from President Truman praising him for his service. He then shows a Certificate of Recognition; and shows and…
Kawamoto discusses his youth and early adulthood in Kaimuki, Hawaii. He talks about his family's living conditions and his recollections of the Pearl Harbor. He also talks about how his mother was widowed before his birth and how his older half…
Kawamoto discusses why his parents moved back to Japan before the Pearl Harbor attack. He also talks about his experience being drafted in the army. He shares anecdotes regarding: basic training, battle experiences, and his post-war life.
Kawamoto discusses his post-war life: family life and employment. He talks about the lives of his children. He also discusses his longevity. He concludes with a message to future generations.
Yoroku Ito is born on January 31, 1922, in Puunene, an island of Maui. Yoroku and his family live in camp five on a sugar plantation. The house is comfortable for five children and two adults. Yoroku explains the camps are segregated and sectioned by…
Yoroku's family has feelings of loyalty and patriotism to America. For the nation and the country, Yoroku volunteers for the Army. Yoroku is stationed at Schofield Barracks for a short time before leaving for the mainland for basic training at Camp…
Yoroku Ito discusses the German soldiers surrendering and the end of the war. At the end of the war, he is the Company Mail Clerk. Yoroku discusses helping the Lieutenant mail German items back to the mainland. The Lieutenant also gives Yoroku a few…
Robert Sato begins the interview talking about his family and how they came from Kagoshima prefecture in Japan and settled in Washington state. He gives more in depth background on his father and mother, telling of the discipline they had, the foods…
Sato first talks about how he came to get the name Robert and how he and his siblings chose their names during grade school. He also talks about how his parents were able to keep them involved in Japanese culture, including Japanese language school…
Sato and his family would be evacuated from their farm, and moved to a temporary detention center in Puyallup, called Camp Harmony. He talks about the lack of privacy and the barbed wire that surrounded the area. After this, they would be moved…
Sato talks about proving his loyalty to the United States, and the various ideals of the Japanese Americans. On his way to Camp Shelby, he would make a stop in Jackson, Mississippi and notice the segregation and prejudice that was prevalent…
After his arrival in Italy, Sato would join up with the 100th Infantry Battalion as a replacement. He talks about various war experiences, including the breakthrough of the Gothic Line, getting shelled and the Red Cross. Next, he talks about seeing…
Following the end of the war and guarding prisoners in Europe, Sato would get his chance to return to the United States. He would first stop at Fort Myer, where he would be asked to march to the White House, as President Truman gave his famous…
Sato discusses his parents and his father's reason for immigrating to the United States, as well as his father's employment in Japan. He then talks about his father's jobs in the United States which included truck farming and a flower shop business.…
Sato discusses attending UCLA including the housing situation, studying, his experiences with discrimination, and friendships. He then talks about how he met his wife, discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor and aftermath including his experiences with…
Sato discusses the latrines in incarceration camps; talks about his wife's childhood growing up in Hawaii; and discusses Gila River incarceration camp including the living conditions and his job. He then talks about leaving Gila River to go to school…
Sato discusses traveling overseas and spending time at a replacement depot before meeting up with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and getting assigned to the 100th Infantry Division. He then talks about his experiences during his overseas duty…
Sato discusses his medical practice; talks about his parents' flower shop; discusses his children; and talks about his wife's post-war employment. He then talks about his nickname; visiting Japan and seeing his relatives post-war; and provides a…
Tom Tsuda reveals his parents backstories. He talks about his early life in Wyoming. He describes his relationships with his siblings. He discusses how he spent quality time with his family. Tsuda talks about Japanese language school and childhood…
Tsuda describes what fishing in Wyoming was like when he was younger. He talks about his father's job with Union Pacific Railroad. He describes his community's ethnic makeup. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and being drafted. Tsuada talks…
Tom Tsuda continues to discuss being drafted. He briefly talks about Marseilles, France. He explains how he would help the wounded while overseas. He talks about landing in France and his first combat experience. Tsuda describes what life was like on…
Tom Tsuda continues to talk about his first combat experience. He described what it was like to work with the 100th Infantry Battalion. He briefly discusses the Gothic Line. He talks about his military leaves. Tsuda explains how he interacted with…
Tom Tsuda talks about the end of World War Two and his return to Wyoming. He discusses his accounting career and his marriage. He describes the changes he has witnessed in Cheyenne over the years. He gives his reflections on the 100th Infantry…
Tsuda begins the interview with a brief introduction of himself and his parents. After this, he talks about what it was like to grow up in Honolulu, living in Haleiwa on a pineapple cannery. He would enjoy attending Japanese language school and would…
Tsuda discusses his family religion and the untimely death of his father while he was away in Kahuku. He also talks about his brother that was already in the 100th infantry and his progressions to get there. After this, he talks about his journey to…
Tsuda discusses meeting up with the 100th Infantry Battalion once arrived in Italy. He would be assigned to a rifle company, even though he was trained as a heavy weapons expert. After this, they would march to Anzio. While there, he would get his…
Tsuda talks about his campaign experiences, starting with Anzio, where he would experience his first combat, and was involved in a very difficult barrage in a wheat field. The unit would move up from Anzio to Civitavecchia, and then to Belvedere.…
After the campaigns in Italy, Tsuda's unit would move into Southern France, where they would be involved in more combat, including a mortar barrage that wounded him with shrapnel into his hip. He would head to the hospital and stay there for a short…
Tsuda talks about the Po Valley campaign and where he was when he hard that the war was over. During this time, he would get hepatitis and be forced to spend a month in the hospital before being able to leave and come back to the United States. Once…
Matsui discusses about growing up in Elko, Nevada and his family. He details about thew family business, neighborhood, and religion. Matsui also discusses about high school, friends, and holidays celebrated.
Matsui discusses about his home life, schooling, and neighbor. He details about going to college and living in a boarding house. Matsui also discusses about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath.
Matsui discusses about his experiences surrounding forced removal, going back to Elko, Nevada, and being drafted. He details basic training and experiences before shipping off. Matsui also discusses about his combat experiences in Italy.
Matsui discusses about his experiences in Europe, coming home, and the reception they received. He details about serving meant and his post-war life. Matsui also discusses about his family, cap and gown, and gives a message to future generations.
Tamura discusses his parents' separate backgrounds coming from Hiroshima to the United States and the lives they established in Idaho. He and his older siblings assisted in the family's truck gardening business which was very demanding. Other topics…
The segment begins with Tamura discussing the Christian church that he and other Nikkei attended during wartime in Idaho, playing football, and life in his agricultural community. He discusses the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and…
Tamura recounts the arrival in Menton France and eventual combat experience in Livorno, Italy at the German Army's Winter Line. He provides a detailed description of the heavy weaponry he operated and the features of the assault against the Germans…
