Tahara begins the interview talking about the origin of his name and the background of his parents. His father would come to Hawaii and begin a general store, his mother was born in Hawaii and would help out at the store, while all of his brothers…
Tahara discusses his father's incarceration at Sand Island and the living conditions that he had to deal with there. Next, he talks about his induction into the Army and the processes of getting uniforms and equipment at Schofield Barracks. Following…
Tahara discusses his time at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, training with other Nisei soldiers, including some Nisei officers that had come from Fort Benning. After this, he discusses the American concentration camps and how the Hawaiian soldiers felt…
Tahara gives an in-depth description of the rescue of the Lost Battalion in France. He talks about tree bursts and the German soldiers and weapons that he dealt with throughout the war. His duty during the battle would be to carry around a carbine as…
Tahara discusses the casualties that the regiment experienced, including one of his closest friends and how the regiment was able to keep it's morale high despite heavy casualties. Next, he discusses the his free time in Nice, and the Champagne…
Tahara talks about the end of the war, as they were marching through Europe, a plane flew overhead and threw leaflets out to them. He would return to Hawaii, seeing his mother and hearing about the death of his father. He also talks about seeing his…
Nakagawa discusses about his family and growing up in California. He details about being drafted into the Army and his early military experiences. Nakagawa also discusses the action that led to him receiving an accommodation.
Nakagawa discusses about his relationship with Hawaiian soldiers and being drafted. He details about his experiences with prejudices and the Lost Battalion. Nakagawa also discusses about his post-war experiences, wife, family, and how the war…
Nakagawa reflects on life and changes over time. He details about the action that led to receiving an accommodation and the realities of war. Nakagawa also discusses about loyalty and his views towards war.