Yoshitake talks about meeting his wife; discusses his children; talks about sharing his war experiences with his grandson; and discusses his participation in veterans associations. He then talks about sharing war stories with the public, provides a…
Yoshitake talks about the Army's regulations for height and the height of Japanese American soldiers; weapons; duties while overseas; getting injured; and discusses the Champagne Campaign. He then talks about his experiences near Monte Carlo,…
Yoshitake discusses the Gothic Line; talks about training and combat experiences; discusses navigating minefields; and talks about soldiers who were killed in action including Sadao Munemori. He then talks about his experiences with enemy fire…
Yoshitake talks about his life in Ohio, getting inducted, and the differences between Hawaiian and Mainland military service. He then talks about going to Camp Blanding for infantry training, seeing his parents prior to going overseas, and traveling…
Yoshitake talks about his family's forced removal and having to leave belongings behind. He then talks about his experiences going to Santa Anita temporary detention facility and the living conditions there; discusses Executive Order 9066; and talks…
Yoshitake talks about his parents including his father's business, discusses growing up in east Los Angeles, and talks about the differences between Issei and Nisei. He then talks about his childhood including experiences with discrimination, high…
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.…
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 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 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 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 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 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…
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…
Yokote continues talking about his experiences in the 206th band, including raising morale for the unit as a whole and helping soldiers deal with the harsh conditions of war. After the war, he would return home and be discharged at Beale Air Force…
Yokote talks about a photograph that shows members of the band he was involved in. After this he talks about the advantages of being in the band as opposed to an infantryman. As he wasn't involved in much front line duty, he was stunted in his…
Yokote talks about his induction into the Army, getting his draft notice and heading to Presidio Monterey. He talks about the activities they did during their first basic training at Camp Grant, including inspections and KP duty. After this, he would…
Yokote talks about his musical background, getting a trombone at a young age and learning the importance and discipline of instruments. He then begins to talk about his time at basic training at Camp Blanding and the unit that he was a part of. While…
Yokote has an in depth discussion on his family's time in the American concentration camps. As he was angry about the way Japanese Americans were being treated, he at first refused to visit his family while at the Tule Lake concentration camp. His…
Yokote begins the interview discussing what it was like to grow up in Placer County in California, which is a more rural area. His parents would come from Wakayama prefecture in Japan and settle there, having a small farm. After this, he discusses…
Lawrence Yatsu gives advice to veterans who are contemplating sitting for a oral history interview. He also gives more advice to the next generation. Yatsu explains the affect of his war time injury on his psyche. He contrast his intellectual nature…
Yatsu talks about his sense of humor. He talks about his humorous life experiences. He discusses enrolling in college. Yatsu describes the work he did while in college. He also talks about his post-graduate studies and work experiences. He describes…
Yatsu talks about what happened on the Gothic Line. He also describes what happened during the Champagne Campaign. He explains what "living for the day" means. Yatsu discusses interactions with locals and the European countryside. He explains how he…
Yatsu describes how he would leave Poston to go to the Colorado River. He continues to talk about being drafted. Then he describes basic training and life at Camp Blanding. He explains what he knew about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team before he…
Yatsu continues to talk about the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He also describes a friendship that he made in the military. He explores his forced removal experiences. Yatsu talks about the time that he spent at Poston Concentration Camp. He discuss…
Yatsu describes his parents and his experiences in school. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discuss the role of religion in his upbringing. He describes what Upland and Pasadena were like when he was young. He briefly…
Yano discusses his near death experience from surgery, Army Day Parade, and going to the East Coast. While visiting the East Coast, Yano experience discrimination. He details about being discharged, education, and adjust to civilian life. Yano…
Yano discusses basic training, weather conditions and getting measles before heading out overseas to the European Theater. He details about his experiences in France. Yano also discusses about his experiences in Italy
Yano discusses moving to Ontario, Oregon because his Issei Father finds work as a farmer there. Yano plays sport and experiences racism in high school. After December 7, 1941 Yano's Mother is arrested and he visits her. He recalls the treatment of…
Yano discusses his prefecture origin and familial description. Yano grows up in a rural community in Canada. As a young child his parents divorce and Yano and his brothers live with their father. He describes his childhood activities, daily routines,…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
When the news of the war is over, Masato Yamashita hears that they might go to the Pacific, and soldiers from I Company sign up for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
Masato Yamashita and Lloyd Fujitani recall hearing the news about Pearl Harbor on the radio. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, anyone who is a leader of a Japanese Organization is taken away by…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
Masato Mauch Yamashita is born on December 27, 1924, in Lodi, CA. Lloyd Katsuto Fujitani is born January 1, 1917, in Lodi, CA. Both Masato and Lloyd are with 442nd Company I. Masato, and Lloyd's…
Yamaguchi discusses about starting his own business. He details about his family and the first house he built. Yamaguchi also discusses about his squad mates and gives a message to future generations.
Yamaguchi discusses about his experiences in France and Italy. He details about Sadao Munemori, his family's experiences with forced removal and living in Heart Mountain Concentration Camp.
Yamaguchi discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and infantry training. He details about going overseas and arriving in Italy. Yamaguchi also discusses about his experiences in Italy and France.
Yamaguchi discusses about his family and visiting his parent's hometown. He details about his schooling and getting drafted. Yamaguchi also discusses about his pre-war military service, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.
Watada discusses how the legacy of 442nd Regimental Combat Team proves that the Japanese Americans are Americans. After the contribution of the Nisei soldiers there is better treatment of Japanese Americans for the future. Watada can see the…
Watada discusses how the aerial tactics is helpful in clearing the grounds for the United States soldiers to advance forward in combat. Whereas the German soldiers did not have planes to assist them.
Watada discusses life at camp consist of working during the day, meals in the mess hall, and socializing in the recreation hall. Watada works in the warehouse and working in the silk screen shop printing silk screen posters with slogans. Watada's…
Watada discusses his Father's personality. Synonymous with Japanese identity and values, there are responsibilities; however, Watada's Father different. As an Issei he speaks English and associates with younger people. This is culturally…
Watada discusses his prefecture origin and familial description. Watada is born on December 21, 1923 in Los Angeles, CA. Watada's Father, Jay Watada is from Japan and immigrates to the United States with his Father. They both come in hopes to make…
Coolidge Wakai guarded thousands of POWs in the Po Valley when the war ended. Later, Coolidge was transferred from guarding the POWs to Headquarters Company as a cleric.
After the war, Coolidge returned to the United States. He participated in a…
Dr. Coolidge Shiro Wakai was part of the 100th Company B. He was born December 2, 1925, in Kappa, Kauai, Hawaii. Coolidge's father was a missionary for Japanese Immigrants and established the first Christian church in Kappa, Kauai. Coolidge has six…
Unoura continues to talk about his multicultural extended family. He briefly talks about his high school experiences. He list the people that he knew in his youth that he is still in contact with. He shares additional memories he has about his time…
Unoura explains how he communicated with his family while he was stationed overseas. He describes his family home and his community in South Central, Los Angeles, California. He talks about his parents lives after World War Two. He discusses his…
Unoura talks about his friendships with the other men in his unit. He also talks about what some of those men did after World War Two. He shares his memories of Germany, including his guard work. Unoura discuses being discharged. He describes his…
Unoura talks about traveling to Europe on the Queen Mary. He explains his role as a replacement soldier. He describes his military duties, including guarding rail yards. He explains how a soldier's last name determined what unit he was placed in.…
Unoura describes the schooling he received while living in a Concentration Camp. He continues to describes his journey to Camp Blanding. He talks about what his daily life was like while stationed at Camp Blanding. Unoura explains an interaction he…
Unoura shares his parents backstories. He talks about the churches that his father started in Los Angeles, California. He discusses his knowledge of the Japanese language. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He briefly talks…
Umeda finishes the interview talking about passing on his personal history to future generations. Next, he talks about the legacy of the Nisei and what they've done. After this, he discusses his thoughts of what freedom is, and what makes freedom of…
Umeda talks a little bit more about his time in Seoul, translating newspapers during the occupation. He would return to Japan, where they gave him the option of staying in the military or heading home and a friend convinced him to go home and…
Umeda continues to talk about his language training at Fort Snelling with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), talking about the living conditions of the barracks and being classified as a translator. After this, he would be sent overseas, first…
Umeda talks more about the Gila River Concentration Camp and the living conditions in Arizona, surrounded by barbed wire but being able to go outside of the camp occasionally. He would end up leaving the camp and working at a cannery and living in a…
Umeda talks more about the aftereffects of Pearl Harbor, as the Army no longer accepted Nisei soldiers, they would be reclassified as enemy aliens. Shortly after, they would be forced to evacuate their home, taking their only what they could carry…
Umeda gives more background on his siblings, and what it was like to grow up on a farm, picking grapes and saving money to go to junior college. He talks about the other recreational activities he did with his siblings, including skating and swimming…
Ben Umeda begins the interview talking about his family, his father and mother being from Hiroshima and their journey to get to Selma in California. Next, he talks about growing up in California, picking grapes to make raisins for work and doing…
Dan Uchimoto discusses the effects of war and the atomic bomb. He shares his opinion of having a military career for future generations. Dan feels going to college and educating yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself.
In Iowa, Dan Uchimoto receives a draft notice from the Army and leaves Loras College. Dan's parents leave camp voluntarily and resettle in the East. However, some people stay in camp until World War Two ends. A family friend tells Dan's parents about…
Dan Uchimoto explains the meaning of his last name "Uchimoto" in Japanese. In Japan, "Uchimoto" means original home. "Uchi" means a kind of home, "Moto" means original home or basic home. Besides farming, Dan's parents have two additional businesses.…
Dan Uchimoto is born October 9, 1921, in Loomis, California. Dan's Issei parents immigrated to the United States from Japan for better opportunities. His parents are sharecropped farmers, raising canning tomatoes. People of Japanese descent are not…
Tsuneishi discusses Bronze Star for Valor, good conduct medal and Japanese American organizations. Tsuneishi feels it is important to share the stories of Nisei who serves in the war. He reflects back on Japanese language school and how his career…
Tsuneishi discusses his sister Florence in Japan and his other sister Frances works for the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS). Tsuneishi recalls the ranking of the Military Intelligence Service and his promotion. The emotional impact…
Tsuneishi discusses the Okinawa Campaign. When landing on the beach, he comes across his first casualty. His duty for this campaign is to translate and he recalls the documents capture. When the war ends, Tsuneishi goes to Korea for occupation and…
Tsuneishi discusses a diary he leaves behind in Hawaii before going overseas. Tsuneishi's first campaign is in the Philippines, he helps translate capture documents that the GI found on the front line. Another duty is translation and interrogating…
Tsuneishi discusses discrimination and civil rights. After high school he goes to University of California Los Angeles and major in Political Science and minor in English. Then he transfers University of Berkley for Asian Studies in 1941 when the…
Tsuneishi discusses his name, birth date, and birthplace. Tsuneishi grows up in Duarte, California and there is only another Japanese family in the area. He is more integrated with Caucasians. During the Great Depression, Tsuneishi's Father is a…
Tsuida discusses about his schooling, religion, and values. He details about not getting married and how he spends his retirement. Tsuida also gives a message to future generations and discusses going to Japan for the 1964 Olympics.
Tsuida discusses family and leaving Poston Concentration Camp to work in Chicago. He details about being drafted, basic training, and his experiences post-war.
Tsuida discusses what it was like growing up in San Diego. He details about his friendship with Don Larsen. Tsuida also discusses about Pearl Harbor, his experiences with forced removal, and being sent to Poston Concentration Camp.
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…
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 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…
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 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…
Toyota discusses General Dahlquist's leadership and his Second Lieutenant getting killed during the rescue of the Lost Battalion. In the course of wartime, Toyota's regret is that he did not correspond with his family as much as he…
Toyota discusses family religion, secondary school, and going overseas for the European Theater. In Japan Toyota's Issei parents are Buddhist. However, when migrating to the United States, Toyota's parents believe their children should follow the…
Toyota discusses his parents immigration to the United States, his childhood and his military service. Toyota's Father is a trained as a carpenter in Japan and when he migrates to America, he becomes a barber and a farmer. During the Great…
This interview segment records color photographs taken of Mitsuo Tominaga's squad during WWII in southern France, and a number of certificates that he possesses.
Mitsuo Tominaga describes his personal feelings about WWII and serving during the war. Next he recounts some post war racial discrimination and meeting family in Japan. Lastly he discusses the immigrant experience in America and the importance of…
Mitsuo Tominaga begins this interview segment by discussing his transfer to the ordnance unit, the end of the war, and working with German POWs. Next he talks about returning back to the US and his discharge from the Army. Lastly he discusses his…
Mitsuo Tominaga discusses arriving in Italy, and then his unit shipping out to France. Next he recounts his first combat experiences during the time of the Lost Battalion incident, and then suffering a serious noncombat foot injury. Lastly he…
Mitsuo Tominaga discusses his feeling about about being reassigned to an all Nisei unit, and their interactions with civilians while in Michigan. Next he describes his unit's time at Fort Shelby conducting weapons training, and the racial conditions…
Mitsuo Tominaga talks about the duties performed while in an infantry regiment prior to WWII. Next he describes the Pearl Harbor attack and what it meant to his unit. Lastly he recounts patrols along the California coast looking for a potential…
Mitsuo Tominaga begins the interview by recounting his childhood experiences with family and school mates. Next he discusses his American identity growing up in a community that was mostly Caucasian. Lastly he talks about volunteering for the Army…
John Togashi concludes the interview by giving advice to future generations about his and the Japanese American experience during WWII, as well as his general feeling of satisfaction in overcoming all the challenges he was confronted with during that…
John Togashi discusses his ambulance ride to the field hospital with Daniel Inouye. Next he describes the end of the war in Europe and the feelings he had about the atomic bombs being used on Japan. Lastly he describes his discharge and return to…
John Togashi describes witnessing combat for the first time and experiencing enemy artillery fire. Next he recounts the 442nd move into Italy and fighting along the Gothic Line. Lastly he describes assaulting a hill in which he gets wounded by mortar…
John Togashi talks about his basic training experiences and shipping out of the United States. Next he describes his military travel to Europe and joining the 442nd in northern France. Lastly he talks about his experiences with the 442nd while they…
