Tochihara discusses a couple of soldiers that he knew and talks about the various medals he received for his time overseas, including a Purple Heart. Next, he talks a little bit more about his war experiences, including going AWOL, but not getting…
Following the American concentration camps in Idaho, Tochihara would volunteer for the Army, wanting to fight for the country he was born and raised in. After a 30 day furlough, he would begin his basic training at Camp Shelby as a replacement for…
Tochihara discusses his whereabouts when first hearing of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had dropped out of high school, he was working and he would continue working until the very last second when he would be forced to leave to Puyallup assembly…
Tochihara begins the interview talking about his family and how they came from Kumamoto prefecture in Japan to Seattle, Washington. He would work as a school boy for a family near his school and would be sent to Japan for a short time to learn…
Hagiwara discusses his whereabouts during the end of the war, and his route to get back home. He would get on a plane and take a long trip home, stopping along the way in Puerto Rico, then Miami, before taking a train to Chicago where his wife and…
Hagiwara talks more about his war experiences, starting with the Bruyeres-Biffontaine area, which included the Lost Battalion campaign. He also talks about the dense forest of the Vosges Mountains and getting into fights when other soldiers used…
Hagiwara discusses his shipment overseas, taking a U-boat through the Strait of Gibraltar and ending in Oran. There, they would train some more and prepare to join the rest of the men in Italy. He also talks a bit about various members of his unit…
Hagiwara talks more about seeing his parents and gives background on how he met his future wife. While at Fort Sheridan, he would often visit his wife but would get word that he would get transferred. After moving around to a couple of places, he…
Hagiwara continues talking about his experience in the National Guard and the times leading up to Pearl Harbor, as they worried more about Russia invading than Japan. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing…
Hagiwara continues talking about his time growing up in Ketchikan, Alaska. He would take an interest in basketball, and even be able to travel to different areas for competitions. Next, he talks about the population of his neighborhood and the…
Hagiwara begins the interview talking about how his parents came from Nagano and Shiga in Japan and both settled down individually in Ketchikan, Alaska. He talks more about his family, such as his family learning how to cook and becoming a baker and…
After getting wounded during the Lost Battalion campaign, Ota would return to the United States to recover and rehabilitate for about a year and a half. He discusses the recognition he received from other members of the military after the war and the…
Ota continues his recollection of going to Camp Shelby for basic training. He talks about the rivalry between the Hawaiian soldiers and the mainland soldiers and seeing segregation in the South. He would spend a year at Camp Shelby before being…
Ota talks more about his childhood in Washington and being able to travel around the state playing sports. He would enjoy playing basketball at the YMCA the most and would continue to help his dad working at the hotels they owned. During the summers,…
Ota begins the interview talking about his family and how his parents came from Nagasaki to Washington. His father would work his way up from being a janitor to owning hotels and restaurants while Kenneth and his siblings went to school and played…
Miyamoto continues his recollection of growing up on Hilo, where his pidgin English was heavy and his normal English was inconsistent. After graduation from high school, he and his family would move to Kalihi on Oahu. It was there that he would see…
Miyamoto continues speaking about his various experiences overseas, including interactions with German prisoners-of-war. He also talks about Ted Tanouye and the difference between American and German weapons. Next, he would be discharged from the…
Miyamoto begins the interview speaking about his background and his life growing up in Hilo, Hawaii. He would help his grandfather run a bathhouse and spend his free time going down to the beach to catch crabs. Next, he talks about his family…
Shiozaki discusses getting wounded, Champagne Campaign, The Gothic Line, and his post-war experiences in Europe. He details about coming home and his post-war life. Mrs. Shiozaki gets interviewed and Shiozaki discusses about photographs.
Shiozaki discusses going overseas, landing in Italy, and life as an infantryman. He details about the Lost Battalion, The Gothic Line, and what made Nisei soldiers great. Shoizaki also discusses about General Clark and getting wounded.
Shiozaki discusses about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. He details about being drafted and his early experiences in the Army. Shiozaki also talks about the time he visited Japan in his youth.
Shiozaki discusses what it was like growing up in Westport, Oregon and his family. He details about his home life . Shiozaki also discusses about his schooling and father's job.
Tamashiro discusses the medals and awards he received and his experiences during post-war guard duty of German Soldiers. He details about his discharge, homecoming, and his brother's military service. Tamashiro also discusses his post-war life.
Tamashiro discusses his experiences at Camp Shelby, visiting Jerome Concentration Camp, and traveling on the Mainland. He details about food and some of his early experiences in the war. Tamashiro also discusses his combat experiences.
Tamashiro discusses about his family and childhood.
He details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Tamahiro also discusses about photography, joining the Army, going to the Mainland, and experiences at Camp Shelby.
Westdale discusses about his experiences in Germany and his homecoming. He details about his post-war life and employment. Westdale also discusses about the legacy of Japanese American Soldiers.
Westdale discusses about camaraderie and his experiences in Germany. He details about the horrors of war, Adolf Hitler, and Benito Mussolini. Westdale also discusses about his experiences in France and in post-war Europe.
Westdale discusses his family, childhood, and friends. He details about traveling to and his experiences in Italy. Westdale also discusses about his experiences in combat, German Weaponry, The Lost Battalion, and religion.
Westdale discusses his experiences at Camp Shelby and his interactions with other Japanese Americans. He details about the letter his sister wrote that got him transferred to the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Westdale also discusses about weaponry…
Westdale discusses more about December 7, 1941 and its aftermath. He details about why he joined the army and his family's reaction to it. Westdale also discusses about some of his time in the Army Air Corps and about some of his experiences at Camp…
Westdale discusses his family and upbringing. He details about joining the Army Air Corps and his experiences in the Corps. Westdale also discusses about December 7, 1941 and the sentiment towards the Japanese in America.
Serikaku touches on a multitude of topics, including his rehabilitation, remembrance through the years and the various commemorations throughout Europe. For Stanley, it's important to keep the legacy of the 442nd alive and continue documenting and…
Serikaku finishes up recollection of the Rome-Arno campaign and speaks about various other aspects of the war including what it's like to be shot, german guns, and uphill battles. He also talks about his feelings towards his men and keeping tabs on…
Serikaku gives his first-hand fighting experience throughout Europe. To begin, he speaks briefly of the differences between "buddha heads" and "kotonks". Following that, he discusses first arriving in Europe, training and guarding items on ships…
Stanley goes in depth on the training that was received prior to going to Europe. The training began in Mississippi, where Hawaiians and mainland soldiers were first introduced to one another, resulting in slight attitude from both sides. Serikaku…
Serikaku begins by discussing his early life living in Libertyville, Hawaii in Oahu (present day Kahaluu). He speaks about his parents background and their thoughts on American loyalty even before Pearl Harbor. Next, he talks about his experiences…
William Yoshito Thompson arrives in France and lands in Marseille. William's unit is the 2nd Battalion Head Quarters, which services the Rifle Company. In the Rifle Company, there is E Company, F Company, and G Company (the heavy weapons company).…
William Yoshito Thompson discusses going to Schofield and going overseas to the Mainland to Camp Shelby. At Camp Shelby, William is assigned to the 2nd Battalion Head Quarters and later to the Antitank Company.
William Yoshito Thompson is a World War Two veteran who volunteered for the 442nd (Head Quarters 2nd Battalion). He is born March 15, 1924, in Hilo, Hawaii. His father is from Scotland, Ireland, and moved to Hawaii. He remains a British subject and…
Masunaga discusses about his combat experiences as a medic. He details being reassigned, being discharged, and the horrors of war. Masunaga also discusses about post-war discrimination, his career, and his family. The interview closes out with…
Masunaga discusses his family, the family farm, and growing up in Colorado. He details growing up during The Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. Mansunaga also discusses about joining the service, becoming a medic, and basic training.
Nunotani talks about the Champaign Campaign and the Gothic Line. He reflects on his experiences while in the 442nd. Nunotani describes the end of World War Two. He also discusses rations and his post-war activities. He talks about his military…
Nunotani describes Earl Finch. He talks about his trip to the Jerome Concentration Camp. He talks about his unit, cannon company, and their journey to Europe. Nunotani describes his combat experiences with the 442nd. He list the campaigns he…
Nunotani discusses the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. He goes on to explain how his college education was interrupted by the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Nunotani talks about how he decided to enlist despite discrimination against Japanese Americans. He…
Wallace Nunotani talks about his family and siblings. He discusses his childhood hobbies. Nunotani describes secondary school and Japanese language school. He talks about his time at University of Hawaii. He discusses his religious background and…
Masuda talks about the end of World War Two. He discusses searching German Soldiers at the Getty Airport. He briefly talks about returning to the United States. He talks about the first time he met his wife. He describes their courtship and marriage.…
Masuda continues to talk about his first combat experience during the Bruyeres-Biffontaine campaign. He also discusses his work as a Assistant BAR. he describe his unit's efforts to rescue the Lost Battalion. He talks about replacement soldiers. He…
Masuda talks about being stationed in Salina, Kansas. He discusses his family's forced removal. He describes his visits with his family while they were living in Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. He talks about his experiences at Fort McClellan.…
Masuda talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He describes his journey to Arkansas. He explains a negative experience he had while on guard duty. He briefly discusses a protest march that his unit conducted. He describes his…
Masuda talks about his experiences while in high school. He discusses Japanese language school. He explains what he did in his childhood leisure time. He shares his aspirations after high school. Masuda talks about being drafted and inducted. He…
Masuda talks about his early life in Pleasanton, California. He talks about his father and mother. He discusses his father's immigration to the United States. He describes his visits to Japan. He talks about his siblings. Masuda explains why his…
Miyamoto describes learning about the War's end while in Italy when a military aircraft dropped leaflets on his Jeep convoy. He then recounts searching and dispossessing the many German Prisoners of War and waiting for a long time to leave Europe for…
Miyamoto finishes the story of joining the 442nd two weeks behind schedule because of a mistake in communications. He and his platoon narrowly avoided being sent into the Battle of the Bulge, and then, due to late arrival in Italy, they were spared…
Miyamoto describes his survival strategies at various military bases on the U.S. Mainland. He was valued for his skill as payroll and personnel officer and then he transferred to Camp Hale from Camp Carson. He did not encounter discrimination for…
Miyamoto recalls his experiences at various military encampments including Camp Robinson in Arkansas, and Camps Carson and Hale in Colorado. His family was incarcerated at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp, and he recalls being denied access to…
Miyamoto describes his childhood in Merced County, California. His recollections include playing with neighbors and busing to school, and helping out with family farming and participating in the Cortez Growers' Association. In high school he took an…
Kirihara discusses about the Champagne Campaign and the Gothic Line. He details about German weponary, the end of the war, and coming home. Kirihara also discusses about settling back into civilian life and meeting his wife.
Kirihara discusses about his experiences at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp, joining the army, and basic training at Camp Blanding. He details about going overseas and arriving in France. Kirihara also discusses about his duties and experiences…
Kirihara discusses about the Alien land law and the racial problems he once encountered growing up. He details about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and dealing with forced removal. Kirihara also discusses about his experiences at Merced Temporary…
Kirhiara discusses about his family and farming. He details about his childhood and educational experiences. Kirhiara also discusses about buying a farm, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.
Yoshihara talks about his involvement with the 100th/442nd Veterans Association and discusses the proposal for a monument; duties during his tenure as president of the association; and tells a story regarding the donation of a sculpture and the…
Yoshihara talks about his post-war life including attending school and getting degrees in microbiology; and his employment as a researcher and laboratory technician. He then talks about learning Japanese and how it affected his experiences in Japan,…
Yoshihara talks about combat experiences including firing against German soldiers; getting wounded and taken to the hospital; and guarding the France/Italy border. He then talks about encounters with Daniel Inouye; wartime friendships with other…
Yoshihara talks about his experiences at Camp Blanding including his first impressions, his platoon sergeant, and basic training. He then talks about preparing to go overseas, and visiting his parents at Minidoka incarceration camp and his…
Yoshihara talks about his experiences at Minidoka incarceration camp including the weather, living conditions, school, size of the camp, and working as a lab technician at the camp hospital. He then talks about his parents' thoughts and reactions to…
Yoshihara talks about the Japanese American community during his childhood; learning about Japanese culture from Japanese language school and Japanese movies; and discusses racism in Washington state. He then talks about his feelings regarding his…
Yoshihara discusses growing up in Washington state in a saw mill community and talks about the Japanese population there, as well as the living conditions. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses attending Japanese language…
Kunihiro discusses his post-war life. He talks about returning home to his wife, raising his children, and his career. He also talks about his participation in veteran organizations.
Kunihiro talks about his experiences in combat and how he had to be reassigned due to Bronchitis. He shares anecdotes about sight seeing he did in Europe; his experience supervising German and Italian POWs laborers; and his being hospitalized. He…
Kunihiro discusses his experiences in Europe during World War 2. He talks about how illness with Bronchitis affected him. He shares anecdotes regarding: when he got married, his experiences with Hawaiian Niseis, and battle scenes he witnessed.
Kunihiro discusses his youth working and attending school in Southern California. He also talks about getting drafted before the Pearl Harbor attack and how the attack impacted his family. He also discusses the different basic training camps he…
Kunihiro discusses his early years growing up in southern California: Imperial Valley and Sierra Madre. He also talks about his father's immigration to the U.S. and how he became established in farming. Kunihiro shares anecdotes regarding: childhood…
Charley discusses the opportunity to visits, Jerome and Rohwer. When traveling to New York after the war, he meets a mutual friend of Eva's who he corresponds with during wartime. During wartime, he describes how the soldiers' shower on the…
Charley learns about the different mines at Camp Shelby. He contributes the veteran outfits for helping his company with learning about other German mines. There are different German-made mines such as the bouncing betty, schu-mines, and teller…
Charles “Charley” Touoji Ijima goes to Schofield Barracks before going to the mainlands. He receives his basic training at Camp Shelby. He learns how to build different types of bridges and lay mines. At Camp Shelby, Charley describes his first time…
Charles "Charley" Toyoji Ijima is born on January 8, 1925, in Makaweli, Kauai, Hawaii. His family lives on a sugar cane plantation. His parents are from Niigata Prefecture of Japan. Charley's father, Shozo Ijima, comes to Hawaii by himself first.…
Oda discusses his experiences in World War II with an emphasis on the many military camps he was stationed at, and his experience receiving a field commission. In addition he talks about what his life was like just prior to U.S. participation in the…
Oda discusses growing up in Portland, Oregon circa 1920-1940. He shares memories from youth and adolescence. Oda also talks about how his parents settled in Portland and his father's business dealings.
Sumio Frank Shimada was in the Regimental Reserves and carried the BAR. He recalls moving up to the combat zone, and on the side of the road, he saw blanket-covered bodies. Frank could not help but wonder who they were and who they left behind. Those…
Sumio Frank Shimada recalls being under artillery fire from the German soldiers in Italy several times. Frank said the German 88 was a scary weapon. Besides the German 88, the Germans also used bouncing betty and minefields as their defensive assets.…
Sumio Frank Shimada shares his experience with the Hawaiian soldiers at Camp Shelby. Frank had a good experience with them and learned how to speak pidgin.
At Camp Shelby, the summer was hot, and the winter was cold. The winter was chiller,…
After Executive Order 9066, Sumio Frank Shimada was forcibly removed to Santa Anita Assembly Center. Frank describes the living conditions and life at the Assembly Center. He found a job in camp making camouflage nets.
