Ichikawa talks about his time at Camp Shelby. He then talks about preparing to go overseas by learning about weapons and how to listen for artillery. Before heading overseas, Ichikawa received a furlough and spent time in New York and Baltimore,…
Ichikawa discusses the different roles and weapons used within an Anti-Tank Company including the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR); and also describes the sounds of the German soldiers’ guns, bazooka training, and keeping in contact with Anti-Tank…
Ichikawa discusses the purpose of an Anti-Tank Company, and recalls stories of other soldiers having to dig foxholes during a battle in Vosges, as well as their experiences with glider invasions with airborne units. He then talks about his parents,…
Katagiri discusses a story about his birth; and talks about his father including discussing his employment and immigration from Japan. He then talks about his childhood in Kent, Washington and discusses his experiences growing up within a Japanese…
Katagiri talks about his interest and employment in aviation including discussing building model airplanes while in Tule Lake Concentration Camp. He also talks about learning how to fly an airplane while working for Boeing, joining a sailplane club,…
Katagiri discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor and aftermath including his parents' reactions; his experiences with bullies and discrimination; and his family's experiences prior to forced removal which involved having to turn in weapons and radios,…
Katagiri discusses the loyalty questionnaire he was given at Tule Lake Concentration Camps; and getting his draft notice and his parents' reaction. He then talks about basic training, weather, and friendships at Camp Blanding; preparing to ship out…
Katagiri discusses communicating using Hawaiian slang [pidgin] for codes; and talks about the messages that were being sent and received. He then talks about some of his duties with the communications section, getting wounded, and his assignment…
Katagiri discusses returning to the United States, seeing his family for the first time, and his post-war employment. He then talks about getting married, divorced, and remarried. Next, Katagiri talks about his children and grandchildren; and…
Katagiri discusses how he got drafted after release from internment camp. He talks about becoming a replacement soldier for the 442nd regiment and being sent to Europe, eventually participating in the Gothic Line combat. Katagiri shares anecdotes…
Katagiri talks about his combat experiences in Italy. He talks his experiences at Mount Grugola; how he got injured and his recuperation. He also talks about: Medal of Honor recipient Yukio Okutsu; his recollections of Captains Hill and Keegan; U.S.…
Katagiri talks about working with German prisoners at the end of the war, and his life post war. He discusses his career in aeronautical design. He also talks about his father's background and ancestral lineage.
Tsukahara discusses his family and childhood. He delivers newspapers to help the family. In high school he is in Reserve Training Officer Corps. After high school graduation he attend junior college for 2 years before moving to Los…
Tsukahara discusses what Little Tokyo is like in the 1930's. He details about December 7 and its aftermath. Tsukahara discusses forced removal and going to Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center.. He illustrates the living conditions and the…
Tsukahara discusses being inducted in to the Army and basic training. He explains the difference in the types of mines and his mission. Tsukahara discusses about his travel overseas and landing in Europe.
Tsukahara discusses being a glider and supporting the ground troops in combat. Tsukahara discusses getting injured and being hospitalized. He details about rescue of The Lost Battalion and the casualties. Tsukahara discusses about coming home.
Tsukahara discusses his experiences in Europe and being injured. He details about his post-war life, employment, and family. He also has a few words for the future generation.
Takamine discusses replacements and the end of the war in Europe. He details about his discharge and life afterwards. Takamine also discusses about Japanese Americans, his homecoming experiences, and gives some closing remarks
Nishikubo discusses his family, and talks about his father’s work as a tennant farmer. He then talks about his childhood including his duties helping out on the farm, chores, discusses high school, his neighborhood, playing sports, and his…
Nishikubo discusses traveling to Tule Lake Concentration Camp, and what life was like there including his job in the fire department. After leaving Tule Lake, Nishikubo went to Cleveland and discusses his experiences there including his job at a…
Nishikubo talks about his time at Camp Blanding, including getting passes into town, his experiences with discrimination, and basic training duties. He then talks about getting his assignment to go overseas and traveling to Europe, discusses a friend…
Nishikubo discusses the Gothic Line, including experiences with enemy fire during combat; and seeing casualties of war and wounded soldiers. He then talks about his experience getting wounded, how he got his Purple Heart; and tells a story regarding…
Nishikubo tells a story regarding a found cognac truck; and talks about sightseeing in France, staying in Europe after the German surrender, receiving awards and medals, and returning to the United States. He then talks about writing to his family…
Taketomo gives an overview of his early life in Hollywood, his family and his school years. He also speaks about his relationship with Japan, his army service, and the discrimination against Japanese Americans. Later on, he describes the city of…
Taketomo reveals how the California Alien Land Law of 1913 affected the family business. He talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He explains how his family ended up in the Manzanar Concentration Camp. Taketomo discusses his…
Taketomo discusses landing in Italy. He explains why it was difficult to disembark ships while in Europe. He talks about his journeys through Europe. Taketomo describes meeting up with the 100th Regimental Combat Team. He talks about his first combat…
Shuji Taketomo continues to explain communication during wartime. He goes into further detail about the Lost Battalion. He discusses his last campaigns and going on leave. Taketomo talks about the replacement of troops. He describes segregated…
Taketomo talks about mementos and an assault on the Italian coast. He describes the Italian city of Carrara and the horrors of war. Taketomo explains how he got injured. He also discusses his time in recovery. He talks about the difficulties he and…
Taketomo talks about his wartime experiences. He reflects on how his children opinions differ from those of his generation. He gives his final thoughts and he describes photographs that are captured on video.
Furuto discusses his childhood through early adulthood. He talks about his family moving from northern California to southern California before they settled in the Los Angeles. He also talks about his family going to Manzanar after the Pearl Harbor…
M. Furuto talks about his recollections of Pearl Harbor and events he and his family went through in the aftermath. He discusses being evacuated and moving to Manzanar, and some activities he did while incarcerated. He also talks about his receipt of…
M. Furuto discusses his military service. He talks about his basic training as racially integrated and how in Europe he was assigned to the 442nd CRT. He talks about his battle experiences and mentions some childhood friends who were KIA. He also…
M. Furuto talks about the end of the war and his life after the military. He talks about waiting in Europe to ship home after V-E Day. He also talks about his experiences traveling to the U.S. and his military discharge. He shares anecdotes regarding…
Nakabayashi discusses growing up in Riverside, his brothers, parents, going to Poston incarceration camp, high school, his stamp collecting hobby, and fishing. He then talks about getting drafted into the Army and his assignment, describes Riverside,…
Nakabayashi discusses his brother, grandfather, fishing, golfing, and what it was like growing up as a Japanese American in Riverside. He then talks about Japanese American community events, attending school in Poston and his job in Poston drafting…
Nakabayashi discusses a good luck charm he received from his parents, a close call in combat, an artist he knew of in Poston, and family friends in Riverside. He also talks about marching for President Truman after the war, post-war experiences such…
Nakabayashi shows and describes documents and images from a scrapbook including newspaper articles, photographs, and drawings. Images featured include Frank Sinatra, President Truman, and a welcome home parade. Lastly, Nakabayashi shows his Army…
Fujimoto discusses how he got his nickname; and talks about growing up in Bell, California including talking about his family, his father’s occupation on a farm, and his own duties helping out on the farm. He then continues to talk about his…
Fujimoto tells a story regarding a whiskey distillery and Al Capone, discusses his father getting arrested by the FBI, and talks about his family and friends’ forced removal experiences. He then talks about his life and the living conditions at Santa…
Fujimoto discusses life experiences and luck, meeting his wife, working while at Rohwer Concentration Camp; and going to the hospital for pleurisy. He then discusses taking an Army questionnaire, getting his draft notice, and basic training at Camp…
Fujimoto discusses going to Camp Kilmer, traveling overseas; and going to the hospital for measles after landing in France. He then talks about being assigned to G Company and describes the terrain traveling to meet up with them with his squad. Next,…
Fujimoto talks about his combat experiences, discusses the end of the war, and tells a story regarding going to hospital for food poisoning. He then talks about receiving a Bronze Star, provides his thoughts regarding military service and the 442nd;…
Osaka discusses his family and childhood. He details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Osaka also discusses about his experiences at Puyallup Temporary Detention Center, Minidoka Concentration Camp, and his early experiences in the military.
Osaka discusses about his experiences in Southern France as a part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about his squad mates and their friendship. Osaka also discusses about his experiences during The Gothic Line and chasing the…
Osaka discusses his luck during the war, returning home, and his pen pal. He details about his post-war life, including his employment and meeting his wife. Osaka gives his closing remarks.
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…
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 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 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 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 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…
Deguchi discusses growing Kealakekua, Hawaii and his family. He details values taught, childhood, the Japanese language. Deguchi also discusses about his high school graduation, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.
Deguchi discusses about volunteering for the Army and his early experiences in the Army. He details about the journey to Mainland and experiences at Camp Shelby. Deguchi also discusses about going to Italy, first combat experiences, and getting…
Deguchi discusses about his experiences in France and Italy. He details about joining becoming an officer and joining the reserves. Deguchi also discusses about his family and his career.
Hamasaki begins by giving a background of his family, as well as a sense of what it was like growing up in Maui. Next, he talks about the Pearl Harbor attacks and the effects that it had on the community, the ministers and the Japanese language…
Hamasaki discusses his time overseas fighting in the war. To begin, he talks about his combat experience at Hill 140, Bruyeres, and the Vosges Mountains. Next, he talks about the Champagne campaign in France, which would be his final campaign before…
Kurihara discusses growing up in Visalia, California, family, and his high school experiences. He details about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath from it. Kurihara also discusses about his family experiences with forced removal and their experiences…
Kurihara discusses leaving Poston Concentration Camp and about his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about heading overseas and landing in Naples. Kurihara discusses about his first combat experiences in Italy, becoming a runner for the 442nd…
Kurihara discusses about his experiences during the Lost Battalion and Champagne Campaign. He details about a mine accident, The Gothic Line, and his post-war military service. Kurihara also discusses about his best and worst experiences during the…
Kurihara discusses about traveling to back to California upon returning to the United States and his reunion with his family. He details about how he met his and their children. Kurihara also discusses about the legacy of Nisei veterans and gives a…
Sasaki discusses about his family, home life, schooling, and childhood. He details about college and his experiences with discrimination. Sasaki also discusses about Pearl Harbor, the aftermath, his experiences Puyallup Temporary Detention Center and…
Sasaki discusses about the relationship between Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers, being assigned to the Antitank Company, and going overseas. He details his combat experiences, the realities of war, and his experiences in France. Sasaki also discusses…
Shintani begins the interview giving an in depth description of his family background. As his father passed away when he was only 1, most of his childhood was impacted by his mother and siblings. Moving from Seattle to Chicago, his mother worked at a…
After graduating from high school, Shintani joined the Army, going to basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. It was here that he saw firsthand, the segregation throughout the South. At the same time, he would see fighting between Hawaiian and…
Shintani speaks about the various weapons that the German soldiers used and more of his combat duties, including the Gothic Line push. Next, he talks about his various combat duties in France, including the rescue of the Lost Battalion. Once the war…
Sugimoto talks about his birthplace in Yuma, Arizona. He shares his parents backstories. He explains how his father immigrated to the United States. He describes his parents marriage. He discusses his siblings. He talks about high school. He…
Sugimoto talks about his friendship with Marvin Smith. He discusses the people who supported Japanese Americans amid their forced removal. He describes his family's forced removal. He explains what happened to his family's property after they were…
Isamu Sugimoto talks about what it was like spending time with other Nisei soldiers. He discusses being discharged. He describes his life in Kansas City, Missouri. He talks about his employment after the war. He discusses reuniting with his…
