Michael Doi was born on May 25, 1920, in Camarillo, CA. Later the family moved to Oxnard, CA, when Michael was five years old. On December 7, Michael went to Los Angeles to watch a movie, and news of Pearl Harbor was announced. During this time,…
When Jimmy Doi was classified as an enemy alien, he found a job working at a defense plant. Then his status changed to 1A, he was sent to Camp Blanding. A few weeks later, Jimmy’s brother, Michael Doi, left Camp Blanding to go overseas.
Michael and Jimmy Doi’s parents are from Yokohama, Japan. After eloping, they went to Oxnard, CA. In Oxnard, Michael and Jimmy's father was a farmer, and their mother was a housewife. There were four sons (Dick, Sam, Michael, and Jimmy) and one…
Kawahara discusses getting married, basic training, and his trip overseas. He details about his combat experiences and his post-war life. Kawahara's son (Sheldon) discusses about his relationship with his father and discusses about the legacy of the…
Kawahara discusses his prom experiences, life after high school, and his college studies. He talks about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath, including his experiences with forced removal and at Poston Concentration Camp. Kawahara also discusses about…
Kawahara discusses his father and home life. He details his childhood, hobbies, and life during the Great Depression. Kawahara also discusses his high school years and more about aviation.
Henry Gary Shiota's primary duty is to work on the war crime trials at Sugamo Prison. He discusses war crime trials in Japan and the atrocities in the Philippines and Dutch East Indies.
On Gary's days off, he visits Tokyo and relatives who live…
After Germany, Henry Gary Shiota is discharged from the Army. Later he re-enlists and goes to Military Intelligence Services Language School (MISLS). Gary goes through intense training to learn about Japan. At MISLS, Gary is one of the oldest…
Henry Gary Shiota is 19 years old when he is inducted into the Army. Then Gary goes to Camp Maxey, TX, with 25 other Nisei. Gary learns the war is over during his third week at basic training. After eight weeks of basic training, Gary goes to Camp…
At Rohwer, the Issei parents help organize a school structure for their children. Part of the school structure is to encourage social activities and clubs. Later learns about the opportunities of leaving camp to attend school outside Rohwer or…
On the day of the evacuation, Henry Gary Shiota recalls the check-in process by the JACL and going to Stockton Assembly Center. At the Assembly Center, the Japanese Americans are assigned Barrack numbers and given medical shots.
Janet and Janice discuss Sadao's medal and where it is now at Fort DeRussy, Hawaii.
Janet and Janice go to Italy for the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Italy. They say the locals are appreciative of the Japanese American soldiers from…
When the war happens, Janice's mother goes to Manzanar. Janet recalls her memory of uncle Sadao. Sadao likes sports (football), eating, and has a close relationship amongst the siblings are very close. Janet describes how her mother learns of Sadao's…
Archilla discusses providing supplies via aircraft to The Lost Battalion and some of his other experiences in Europe. He details the awards he received and his accident reports. Archilla also discusses about his post-military life, family, and…
Archilla discusses his childhood in Puerto Rico and New York. He details about his family and Pearl Harbor. Archilla also discusses about enlisting into service, basic training, and his pilot combat missions in Europe
Tso discusses revisiting Iwo Jima several times years later. He details about his post-war life and employment. Tsi also discusses about post-war Japan and South Korea. Lastly, Tso ends the interview by giving a message to future generations.
Tso discusses about his journey home during and after the war. He details more about his experiences during survival training. Tso also discusses about his experiences in Iwo Jima and gives his thoughts on the atomic bombings.
Tso discusses his family, childhood, and growing up on a Navajo Reservation. He details about his educational experiences. Tso also discusses about being drafted and all his training experiences.
According to Willie Tanamachi, there are two ways Japanese Americans joined the military. One way is being drafted before the war. Another way is enlisting. Willie’s brothers Goro, Saburo, Walter, and himself served in the military. Unfortunately,…
Willie Tanamachi discusses life on the farming Texas with his 12 siblings. Growing up in the 1920's there was no electricity and he cherished opportunities to go to the county fair and movies.
