Tateishi talks about his shipment from Hawaii to the mainland, where he would land in San Francisco and head to Wisconsin, and then Camp Shelby for his basic training. Next, he talks about his shipment to Oran in Africa, passing the time with fellow…
Tateishi continues to talk about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, including the weather during that day. He also talks about his various experiences in the war, starting with Anzio and moving up through Rome, where they would…
Tateishi discusses more about his war experiences, missing out on Cassino because of trench foot. He also talks about interacting with local Italian civilians, including delivering mail from Rome to Livorno for a family and eating rabbit. He would…
Sakaji discusses his encounters with French civilians; talks about the black market trade; and discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign. He then talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion and General Dahlquist; discusses General Mark…
Nishimura describes shipping out the Big Island. He talks about his journey to Wisconsin. He discusses Camp McCoy. He describes his life in Wisconsin. He talks about his interactions with civilians. He shares his experiences with discrimination. He…
Nishimura talks about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He describes his journey overseas and landing in North Africa. He talks about being stationed in North Africa. He discusses his first time in combat. He describes the weather in Italy.…
Tanaka discusses a submarine washing ashore and the formation of the 100th Infantry Battalion. He details about his experiences at Camp McCoy and Camp Shelby. Tanaka also tasks about heading overseas and his experiences in North Africa.
Tanaka discusses more about his time in North Africa and landing in Italy. He details about his first day in Italy and other combat experiences. Tanaka also discusses about the mindset during combat and crossing the Volturno. River
Tanaka discusses the 3rd crossing of the Volturno River,close calls and his good luck charm. He details about getting diagnosed with stomach ulcers. Tanaka also discusses coming home, how others treated him once he was back, and meeting his wife.
Izumigawa talks about playing sports; discusses his interest in watching and following sports; and talks about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor including experiences with blackouts. He then talks about his post high school employment; volunteering for…
Izumigawa talks about his first experiences as a replacement soldier in Europe; discusses his knowledge of the 100th Infantry Battalion prior to shipping out; and discusses the advice he received from fellow soldiers. He then talks about his…
Izumigawa describes a close call in combat and talks about getting wounded. He then discusses his hospital stay and talks about his assignment in Northern Italy after rejoining his unit. Next, he talks about his combat experiences at the Gothic Line.…
S. Takahashi talks about life his right before the war breakout and his early military experiences. He discusses his job, motivation for joining the military, and his cultural identity. He also shares anecdotes regarding participating in a Judo…
Hashimoto discusses his first combat experience in Anzio; and describes experiences in combat including the living conditions, being under attack, witnessing the death of soldiers and fellow comrades, going on patrols, liberating Italian cities, and…
Hashimoto discusses his experiences liberating Bruyeres, Biffontaine, and the rescue of the Lost Battalion. Hashimoto describes the rescue of the Lost Battalion, recalling the many casualties and what it was like fighting against German soldiers. He…
Nohara talks about family friends, his thoughts about the war in Europe prior to the United States' involvement, his duties while employed as a warden; and volunteering for the Army and being sent to Camp Shelby. He then talks about volunteering for…
Nohara discusses visiting Rohwer and Jerome incarceration camps, his assignment guarding German POWs who were in Georgia harvesting peanut crops, volunteering to travel overseas to Europe; and his thoughts and reactions to landing in Italy and…
Nohara talks about his friendships, tells a story regarding a soldier killed in action; and talks about receiving Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. He then talks about getting wounded, returning to the United States, and his experiences during his…
Akamine reveals the effects of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses the Big Five companies in Hawaii, his electric work, and the draft. Akamine talks about his basic training experiences and the journey to Europe. He elaborates on his struggles…
Akamine revisits the topic of basic training. He describes racial divisions within B company. He elaborates on the first assignments that he had while overseas. He describes how B company eventually bonded. Akamine talks about how he communicated…
Akamine continues to describes his end of war duties. He talks about his wartime injury. He describes an encounter he had with two Italian women. He explains the relationship between Hawaiian soldiers and reading. Akamine talks about weapons…
Ota discusses his thoughts about Pearl Harbor and experiences after including talking about discrimination and restrictions he experienced, and life at Jerome incarceration camp. He then talks about volunteering for the Army, basic training at Camp…
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…
Kurahara discusses about camp experiences at Tule Lake Concentration Camp. During this time his Mother is ill and passes away after visiting the children in camp. Only Jan, Kurahara's brother is allow to leave camp to attend their Mother's the…
Kurahara discusses the campaigns and the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. Kurahara explains the motivation of the Japanese soldiers during war is bravery and loyalty. No matter if the soldier is an original and replacement, they…
Toda discusses growing up in Los Angeles, California. He details about volunteering for the service and his early impressions of in the Army. Toda also discusses about his experiences his experiences in Illinois and heading overseas.
Toda discusses about his experiencs in the Champagne Campaign. He details about his experiences in Italy. Toda also discusses about his role as a Mess Sergeant.
Kimura discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor; describes Japan’s airplanes and the Japanese flag; and talks about how his father was picked up by the FBI. He then talks about volunteering for the Army; his brother’s employment at Hickam Air Force Base;…
Kimura talks about his first impressions of the 100th Infantry Battalion and his first day as part of Charlie Company; discusses his experiences crossing the Rapido and Arno rivers; discusses the Italian countryside; and talks about his combat…
Kimura discusses his combat experiences at Biffontaine which earned him the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; and discusses how he got wounded, as well as experiences with enemy fire during the battle at Biffontaine. He then continues to talk about his…
Nakashima discusses basic training and the cultural difference between Mainlanders and Islanders. He shares stories about dominance of power and resentment of authority at Camp Shelby. Before going overseas, Nakashima sees his Mother and receives a…
Nakashima discusses the different battles he fights in. He shares his experience in Anzio, Italy and his first combat. One of his duties in Italy is being a first scout and then acting Sergeant. Nakashima never feels he is going to die even when he…
Nakashima discusses encountering a tank and seeing human flesh. Nakashima recalls the worst part of being a soldier is casualties of friends and enemies. Rather than remembering the negative, Nakashima prefers to think of the positive experiences.…
Kuga speaks about how he was drafted into the Army and began his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. While there, he made friends with many Hawaiian soldiers, visited Rohwer concentration camp, and boxed. Next, he discusses various Japanese…
Nakamura discusses his experiences at Camp McCoy, including making a skating rink, and then describes going to basic training at Camp Shelby; and what the weather and scenery was like, as well as his relationships with commanding officers and the…
Kamiya discusses his life before the war as an orphan, with siblings, on a sugar plantation in Kekaha and as a young adult in Honolulu. He also gives an account of being drafted and his experience during the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition he…
Kamiya discusses his experience being an army runner and radio man until he got injured and had to be reassigned; and how his two brothers also got drafted in the war. He also discusses the impact of Japanese American soldiers becoming commanding…
Koyama talks about his teachers. He describes his basic training. He explains how Japanese American soldiers were grouped together. He discusses his journey to Europe and travels through Europe. He talks about the wild boars that he encountered. He…
Mitsunaga discusses some of his combat experiences: Salerno Beach and Cassino. He also talks about being in a racially segregated military unit; and his impression of Colonel Turner. He also discusses Nisei veterans he knew who got into politics in…
Mitsunaga discusses his experiences at: Cassino, Anzio, and Bruyeres. He talks about casualties, award recipients, and members KIA. He also shares anecdotes regarding a childhood friend he ran into on the battlefield; and an Italian child he…
Yamane continues to describe the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He talks about guarding Hawaii after the attack. He explains how the 100th Infantry Battalion was formed. He discusses his travels through Europe. He describe the journey to…
Yamane describe his journey to Europe. He lists the injuries and casualties in his unit. He talks about medals and awards. He discusses the recognition of Japanese American soldier's accomplishments. He describes his location in Europe and his…
He continues to talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He discusses the rescuers who survived the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He briefly describes a rest period. He talks about the Champagne Campaign. He explains how he was injured for the…
Yamane continues to talk about the end of World War Two. He describes his journey home. He discusses his friend's injuries and his friendships. He explains the extent to which he has shared his war stories with the public. He talks about the ways in…
Aoki discusses his experiences in Mississippi. He details about his combat experiences. Aoki also discusses about getting demoted, injured, and his experiences in Cleveland.
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
Nakashima discusses the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack including his experiences with restrictions, blackouts, and discrimination. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor, volunteering for the Army, discusses his dual citizenship, and…
Nakashima discusses his experiences and training at Camp Shelby; discusses traveling overseas and his first impressions of Europe; and talks about his combat experiences in Italy after meeting up with the 100th Infantry Battalion. Next, Nakashima…
Nakashima discusses fighting against German soldiers; talks about German weapons and ammunition; and discusses a close call in which he was almost captured. He then talks about combat experiences; getting wounded; his hospital stay; and his family’s…
Ozaki talks more about what it was like to grow up in Florida, including the segregation that he saw, being in the South and how that compared to the segregation at Camp Shelby. Next, he talks about his assignment while in Italy, which was to guard…
Hoashi discusses his reasons for joining the Army, and the process of induction, getting assigned to a company and getting shipped over to Mississippi. While at Camp Shelby, he would experience segregation in the South while doing his basic training.…
Hoashi talks about his first combat overseas at Anzio Beach and moving up to the Mussolini canal. After this, he talks about his other experiences throughout the war, including the leadership of Thomas Takei, getting German soldiers to surrender, and…
H. Shibata talks his military experiences regarding training and combat. He shares anecdotes regarding: interactions with Hawaiian soldiers; leadership of K Company; and shipping out overseas. He also talks about being a replacement unit for the…
Akama discusses barefoot football league and rival teams. He details about his educational experiences. Akama discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, joining the military, and basic training.
Akama discusses being in a segregated unit and experiencing discrimination. He recalls going overseas and shares his wartime experiences in the European Theater. Akama discusses about his time in Italy.
Akama discusses the difficulties of battle, his duties, and replacements. He recalls the Italian language, native foods, and the civilians. Akama also discusses about his post-war experiences in Italy.
Yoshimura talks about getting drafted, and getting sent to Camp Shelby for basic training. Yoshimura discusses his duties at Camp Shelby laying and clearing mines as part of an anti-tank company, his interaction with Hawaiian soldiers; and the types…
Furukawa talks about his work in the car repair industry. He also discusses college and being drafted. He describes preparing for deployment and his time at Camp Shelby. He explains the different types of military training that he received. Furukawa…
Furukawa discusses the Champagne Campaign. He describes his leaves in France and Switzerland. He talks about the end of World War Two. He explains how he got back to California. Furukawa reflects on his time in work camps. He talks about joining the…
Shimizu discusses about Nisei units and the war's end. He details about coming home, meeting his wife, and his life after the war. Shimizu also discusses about his family.
Hayakawa talks about his father’s reasons for going to Japan and Manchuria; discusses his childhood trip to Japan; talks about his post-high school employment working at a coal mine; and talks about his life after Executive Order 9066. Next, Hayakawa…
Hayakawa discusses preparing to go overseas, getting passes to visit his mother, arriving in Europe, and joining up with the 100th Infantry Battalion. He then discusses his Company A assignment, the Champagne Campaign, soldiers who were killed in…
Hayakawa describes getting assistance from a Kibei when writing letters home due to his lack of knowledge regarding the Japanese language; discusses combat experiences at Po Valley; and talks about getting sick and his hospital stay near Livorno. He…
Muroshige describes growing up in Hawaii and his conscription into the United States Army. He is suffers a leg wound during the Allied invasion of Italy and is left stranded for a day before being evacuated to military hospitals and eventually…
Muroshige recounts his parents' encouragement of his service in the U.S. military despite their own allegiance to Japan. He describes the use of various nicknames and racialized terms for Japanese Americans such as "Buddhahead" and "Kotonk". He…
Takashige continues to talk about working during the Great Depression. Following the pineapple cannery, he would find a job as an elevator boy at Royal Hawaiian Hotel, eventually moving up to a position of bar boy. While working there, he would be…
After arriving at Camp McCoy, Takashige would be chosen to be part of a secret experiment at Cat Island in Mississippi. The Army was testing and training dogs to track down Japanese soldiers and would use Japanese Americans to help train the dogs and…
Takashige continues talking about his first day in combat in Salerno, he would immediately be hit with a tree burst that would embed multiple pieces of shrapnel into his back, wounding him and necessitating medical attention. He would rejoin B…
Turner talks more about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, and the formation of a provisional Battalion, that would end up being the 100th Infantry Battalion. He talks about the various local leaders, competing to be the commander of the 100th and his…
Hamasu discusses his role and duties as staff sergeant in F Company, leaving Hawaii and being assigned to the 100th Infantry Battalion, and what it was like traveling to the Mainland and going to Wisconsin for basic training at Camp McCoy. Hamasu…
Hamasu discusses his first day in battle and combat experiences in Italy, provides his thoughts about war experiences, and talks about witnessing wounded soldiers and how they were medically treated. He then talks about his trench foot condition…
Oura discusses about his family, childhood, and growing up in Hawaii. He details about the coffee farm and his schooling. Oura also discusses about Pearl Harbor, Its aftermath, and his experiences in the National Guard. Oura discusses about his…
Oura discusses about his experiences in In Italy and France. He details about his family and post-war life. Oura also discusses about his hobbies and gives his closing remarks.
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 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,…
Akira Ishikawa discusses his prefecture origin and his nickname "Jockey". His nickname comes from the love of horses and horse racing. Ishikawa recalls the Pearl Harbor attack, being drafted, and going overseas. He also shares his wartime experience…
Akira Ishikawa discusses wartime experiences such as using mules to carry military equipment in Italy, Mainland soldiers and being injured in battle. When Ishikawa is discharge, he learns of Germany's surrender. Post-war he gets married and has…
Nishihara discusses about his family and growing on Hawaii. He details about his childhood , joining the Hawaiian National Guard, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. Nishiara also discusses about traveling to the Mainland, his experiences on the…
Nishihara discusses about his experiences during the Lost Battalion and his other war experiences. He details about coming home and his pos-war experiences. Nishihara discusses about various photographs.
Iwasaki talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had been deferring his induction, he would have no choice this time around, and would be inducted at Fort Lewis in Washington. He would be assigned first to the armored…
Before Iwasaki would be shipped overseas, he would be able to get a furlough to head back home to Oregon, where he would have a very emotional time with his family. After that, he talks about his first experiences while overseas, going first to…
Iwasaki talks about his involvement with the Lost Battalion campaign. There, he would endure cold weather, including snow, and shooting mortars through heavy forested areas. Following this, they would head to the French Riviera, where they would…
Makino talks about basic training, tells a story about an officer who was killed in action, and discusses meeting up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy. He then talks about some of his combat experiences overseas; his interactions with…
Tagami discusses his journey overseas, arriving in France, and joining his unit. He details his experiences in France. Tagami also discusses his experiences in Italy.
Tagami discusses his experiences in Italy. He details his experiences in post-war Japan. Tagami also discusses his post military life and reflects on his military experiences.
Tagami discusses his nickname and his squad mates. He details his post-war experiences. Tagami also discusses his family and give a message to future generations.
Kimoto discusses his experience with Japanese Language School. Kimoto details about finding out about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He also discusses about his experiences with the Kibei.
Akita continues to explain what life was like on a sugar plantation. He talks about his plans after high school. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He shares his experiences with discrimination after the attack. Akita…
Akita describes his basic training experiences and joining the 100th Infantry Battalion. He talks about his basic training photograph. He discusses his journey to North Africa and landing in Casablanca. Akita explains how people responded to Japanese…
Akita talks about his involvement in the Bruyeres-Biffontaine campaign. He describes his interactions with locals. He explains how he went from transporting prisoners of war to becoming a prisoner of war. He briefly talks about how prepared he felt…
Akita continues to describe what everyday life was like for a prisoner of war. He also describes how prisoners of war escaped from his prisoner of war camp. He talks about political prisoners in his camp. He discusses the end of World War Two,…
Hada discusses getting drafted into the Army and basic training at Schofield barracks. Hada was at Schofield Barracks during the attack on Pearl Harbor and describes seeing airplanes flying overhead. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hada had…
Hada discusses going to Camp Shelby, and not traveling into town because he felt there was discrimination against Japanese Americans. After Camp Shelby, Hada went to Louisiana Maneuvers, where he had an assignment making dog tags. Hada then talks…
Anzai discusses his assignment with the Hawaiian National Guard in Maui during the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as his feelings regarding Japan after the attack, and his brother getting drafted into the Japanese Navy. Anzai details about traveling…
Arakaki discusses his experiences at Camp Hood and what it was like being a replacement for the 100th Infantry Battalion. He then talks about his assignment on KP (kitchen patrol) duty, going to Chicago while on a furlough, and what it was like…
Sato discusses his family and remembering December 7, 1941. He reflects on his early Army experiences and training. Sato also discusses his experiences in Europe.
Sato discusses his experiences in Europe. He details his fondness for chess and his educational experiences. Sato also recalls his experiences in post-war japan and reflects on various aspects of his life.
Sato discusses his attempt to volunteer for the Air Force, but getting enlisted in the Army instead. He then talks about reporting to Fort Douglas, traveling to Camp Shelby, and his experiences witnessing segregation in Mississippi. Next, Sato talks…
Sato discusses attending USO shows and seeing Frank Sinatra perform; talks about his experiences at the Gothic Line and seeing his first casualties; and describes shoe-mines. He also talks about getting wounded and receiving a Purple Heart; discusses…
