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.…
Nishimura describes his recovery time in a hospital. He explains what happened as he awaited transport to the hospital. He talks about the fruits and vegetables in Italy. He discusses his time in a field hospital. He briefly describes the 100th…
Nishimura describes F Company reunions. He briefly talks about the F Company motto. He discusses his friendships. Nishimura tells a joke. He explains how he met his wife. He describes what it is like to live with his adult children. He talks about…
Oda begins the interview talking about his childhood in Maui, as his father and mother would come from Kumamoto prefecture to work on the sugarcane fields. He would grow up on the plantation, playing with friends and attending regular and Japanese…
Oda continues his recollection of his time with the 3 Year Swimming Club, in which they would get to travel throughout Hawaii and the United States for tournaments, and would be known as some of the best swimmers. It was thanks to this, that he would…
Oda discusses his time in Mississippi, doing his basic training with the 442nd Regiment. There he would marvel at the amount of pine trees and the humidity of the South and would see the color segregation that was evident in the South. He would…
Oda discusses his time in Europe and the experiences he had while there. He discusses the religions he grew up with and being a boy scout for a short time and how that taught him to give respect to elders. Next, he talks about the things that were…
Oda talks about his career work after graduating from University of Hawaii with Pan-American Airlines. Next, he talks about the recreational activities he did as a child, including fishing and going to the movies. After getting married, he would…
Ozaki begins the interview with an introduction of his family background, his family coming from Wakayama prefecture in Japan and eventually settling in Eau Gallie, Florida. After this, he talks about his whereabouts when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor…
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…
Ozaki discusses hearing about Executive Order 9066 and the evacuation of all Japanese from the west coast. Being on the east coast, he never had to deal with an evacuation, but felt sympathy for those who did. Next, he talks about the members of his…
Ozaki talks more about his marriage background and a little bit about the discrimination that he faced from sailors in Florida. Next, he talks about his inherited farmland and his children and grandchildren. After this, he speaks about what it was…
Ozaki talks about his correspondence with other members of the Army and supporting their legacies. Next, he speaks about his projects, rebuilding his in-laws home on an island, and being able to rebuild his own home later. After this, he speaks about…
Saiki begins the interview with an introduction and talking about how his family came from Yamaguchi prefecture to Kauai, Hawaii. After this, he speaks about growing up on a rice farm in Hawaii and all the intricacies of how to plant the seedlings…
Saiki discusses more about his childhood years, including festivals where the local children would be able to try sumo wrestling and win prizes. He would attend Kauai High School and talks about his whereabouts during the Pearl Harbor attacks. His…
Saiki continues his conversation about being in Camp Shelby and they would be given the chance to take a furlough to the American concentration camps where he had cousins living. After that, he would be shipped out to Europe, joining up with the…
Saiki discusses the senninbari belt that his mother made for him as he was being inducted into the Army. He also talks about his time before the war, including Camp Shelby and meeting Earl Finch. Next, he talks about the values that he learned as a…
Saiki answers some final questions about where his family went after the war had completed and some of the war experiences that he had overseas. After this, he gives a message for future generations and some final notes. Finally, he narrates various…
Charles "Charley" Toyoji Ijima is born on January 8, 1925, in Makaweli, Kauai, Hawaii. His family lives on a sugar cane plantation. His parents are from Niigata Prefecture of Japan. Charley's father, Shozo Ijima, comes to Hawaii by himself first.…
Charles “Charley” Touoji Ijima goes to Schofield Barracks before going to the mainlands. He receives his basic training at Camp Shelby. He learns how to build different types of bridges and lay mines. At Camp Shelby, Charley describes his first time…
Charley learns about the different mines at Camp Shelby. He contributes the veteran outfits for helping his company with learning about other German mines. There are different German-made mines such as the bouncing betty, schu-mines, and teller…
Charley discusses the opportunity to visits, Jerome and Rohwer. When traveling to New York after the war, he meets a mutual friend of Eva's who he corresponds with during wartime. During wartime, he describes how the soldiers' shower on the…
Fukuhara talks about growing up on Twitchell Island in California, his father’s farming occupation, and moving around to different islands as a child. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses school; working on farms; his family’s…
Fukuhara discusses getting drafted and going to Camp Blanding for basic training; traveling overseas; weapons he carried; Army friendships; and his relationship with Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about landing in France and traveling to…
Hada discusses growing up in Hawaii, living on a sugar plantation, and his hobbies. He also talks about his parents, and discusses having to take care of his siblings and help out with household chores after his mother passed away. After high school,…
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…
Hada discusses his relationship with Spark Matsunaga, receiving the Silver Star medal, and what it was like being out on the ridge alone during his forward observer assignment. He then talks about getting trench foot and being sent to a hospital in…
In this interview, Oka describes begins by describing his experience as a school-aged Japanese-American boy growing up in Okayama Japan. When he was a teenager, he longed to return to the United States as his brothers had, and was opposed to the idea…
In this short segment, Oka is asked to provide a few details about stories told earlier in the interview. He also recounts the death of his younger brother in an air raid on Christmas Eve, 1944. The final minutes of the interview ask Oka to speak…
Shimabukuro discusses his childhood growing in a plantation camp on Kauai. He details about his high school experiences and briefly his family life. Shimabukuro also discusses being drafted, his experiences at Schofield Barracks, and the events Pearl…
Choichi discusses his journey to the Mainland and his experiences at Camp McCoy. He details about going to the World Series and his experiences in Mississippi and Camp Shelby . Choichi also discusses how he spent his free and his friends.
Choichi discusses the voyage overseas and landing in Italy. He details about his experiences in Africa, his first combat experience, and the realities of war. Choichi also discusses his duties as the 1st Sergeant and the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Choichi discusses about of his experiences in Italy. He details about passes, medals, and fishing. Choichi also discusses about his experiences in France and heading home.
Choichi discusses being discharged, his journey back to Hawaii and how he met his wife. He details about his admiration for Nisei veterans and gives a message to future generations. Choichi also discusses about his life and career after the army.
Keegan discusses his youth growing up in New York and Ohio. He talks about his parents' family backgrounds, and social conditions he observed growing up. He also discusses how growing up in the Great Depression impacted his adolescence; and his early…
Keegan discusses his trajectory becoming a commissioned officer assigned to the 442nd. He shares his recollections of the Pearl Harbor attack. He also talks about some of the hardships Nisei soldiers faced.
Keegan provides background details of how he was assigned to train the 442nd at Camp Shelby. He talks about his impressions of the facilities at Camp Shelby and working with Japanese Americans. He also provides anecdotal information of his First…
Keegan describes the temperaments of some of the commanding officers of the 442nd. He also describes the temperament of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team as a unit. He discusses traveling overseas with the 442nd and his first combat experiences with…
Keegan talks about combat experiences and related anecdotes regarding fellow soldiers and situations. He provides details regarding the Pink House operation, and shares recollections about the Lost Battalion. He also talks about the aid station on…
Keegan discusses the special bond he formed with all members of the 442nd. He describes how the bonds became developed from training through the end of the war and beyond. He also talks about his participation in Japanese American community…
Matsumoto discusses his family and childhood growing up in Maui. He details about social activities and childhood activities he participated in. Matsumoto also discusses Pearl Harbor and the aftermath from it.
Clarence Matsumoto discusses his birth date and birth place, He recalls his childhood in Paia on plantation camp and used by products of sugar cane to build his house. Matsumoto is given the nickname Matt.
Clarence "Matt" Matsumoto discusses growing up, he isnot close with parents because out playing with friends. Matsumoto says his values and morals are learned by going to church every Sunday. In 1940, he graduates high school and goes to Community…
Clarence "Matt" Matsumoto discusses basic training and learning about relocation camps. Training with K Company is rough because it is day and night training. He recalls going overseas takes over a month and lands in Italy. On the journey overseas,…
Clarence "Matt' Matsumoto discusses a time when he encounters German soldier during battle that is non-combative. Matsumoto recalls raising their hands to each other and walking away. During the war, Matsumoto serves in the K Company mortar squad as…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is a Nisei veteran of K Company, 3rd Battalion 442nd, is born June 18, 1921, in Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii. His parents are Matsuki…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their employment after graduating high school. Clarence works at a lumber mill and Robert is employed at the Hawaiian cannery. Later,…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their experience leaving Hawaii and going to the Mainland. They arrive in Oakland, CA, and go to Mississippi. On the train ride to…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss being in basic training for almost a year before deployment overseas. Both men go to France and share their first time seeing action and…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their duties during the Champagne Campaign. After the Champagne Campaign, Clarence is in Germany and works at a train station with the…
Yonemoto talks about his early years in Hawaii. He details about how his father worked on a plantation, and gives some insights of plantation life. He also discusses being drafted in the military and his first assignments.
Yonemoto discusses his experiences in the Marianas Islands during the Japanese surrender. He was on the Saipan and Tinian islands. He talks about how he was assigned to Japan during the occupation after his work in Marianas was completed.
Yonemoto talks about his work in the Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) during World War 2 as an interpreter. He was in occupied Japan and discusses his assignments and some of his off duty activities.
Yonemoto discusses his experiences working in Japan during the post-World War Two occupation. During his assignment he worked in Korea monitoring North Koreans, he also worked in Marshall Island. He also discusses his life after his military in…
Takekawa talks about his father and his various occupations, and discusses his mother, siblings, and growing up in Hawaii. He also talks about some of the recreational activities and games he played as a child, friendships, and discusses attending…
Takekawa discusses memorable teachers from his school days, playing sports, and high school activities including becoming class president. He then talks about going to college and studying to become a physical education teacher and his experiences…
Takekawa discusses getting kicked out of the Hawaii Territorial Guard and the formation of the Varsity Victory Volunteers. He then talks about incarceration camps in Hawaii, volunteering for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and traveling to the…
Takekawa talks about Earl Finch, discusses his participation in the 171st Training Battalion, going to Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning; and his assignment at a training regiment in Fort McClellan. Next, Takekawa went to Military…
Takekawa discusses his assignment in Okinawa training police officers in the Provost Marshal’s office; and talks about his wife, life in Okinawa, getting discharged, and returning to Hawaii. He then talks about working as a sales manager in…
Kurahara discusses his name, birth place, and birth date. His parents are Issei and his Father passes away from an accident. at an early age His Mother remarries a Filipino and Kurahara remembers the intercultural prejudices they face when they take…
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…
Kurahara discusses getting discharged from the hospital and being sent to a reconversion unit for training. Shortly after, Kurahara finds out the war is over and is assign to guard the Prisoners of War. Post-war, Kurahara graduates from Columbia…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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 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.
Atagi discusses his childhood house growing up in Oregon, his siblings, and his parents immigrating from Japan. He then continues to talk about his childhood including discussing working on his family’s farm, watching movies, going to grade school,…
Atagi discusses signing up for the Air Force and going to Biloxi for basic training, attending technical school for mechanics training, and his experiences being confined in barracks due to being Japanese. He then talks about going to Camp Shelby and…
Atagi describes trench foot, being near tree burst artillery fire while in France, interactions with German soldiers during his time as a medic, and his thoughts about the war in regards to Japanese Americans and discrimination. After the war, Atagi…
Kawagoye discusses his parents including his father's employment and death; and his mother's remarriage. He then talks about his childhood chores; siblings; attending high school; childhood friendships; and some of his post high school employment…
Kawagoye talks about his assignment at Fort Riley working with a butcher; discusses rations; and talks about his brothers' military service. He then talks about reporting to Camp Shelby and the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team; discusses…
Kawagoye discusses the civilians and countryside in Italy; talks about his first combat experiences in Italy; and discusses what it was like to experience artillery fire. He then talks about his duties as part of an Antitank Company; discusses his…
Kawagoye discusses getting wounded in France; talks about being awarded a Purple Heart; and discusses his combat experiences in Bruyeres. He then talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion; discusses the different types of mines German soldiers…
Kawagoye discusses corresponding with his family while overseas; talks about his assignment processing German POWs post-war; and discusses the Army point system. Next, Kawagoye talks about traveling back to the United States and his stopover in…
Kawagoye discusses his grandsons; talks about his friendships with veterans; and discusses his involvement in community groups and the 100th/442nd Veterans Association. He then talks about the Go for Broke monument; provides some thoughts regarding…
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 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 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.…
