Abe describes his regiment's role in penetrating The Gothic Line. He briefly talks about the end of World War Two. Abe goes on to talk about his experiences while in medical school. He discusses his medical practice in Long Island. He talks about…
Abe talks about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team's involvement in rescuing the Lost Battalion. Abe discusses the types of medical procedures he performed on the battlefield. He also explains the importance of medics. He describes the trips that he…
Mukai describes his journey to Europe. He talks about landing in Glasgow, Scotland. He discusses traveling trough England. He talks about his arrival in LaHavre, France. He explains how he joined M Company. He describes the conversations that he had…
Konno discusses meeting his wife while in graduate school; and tells stories regarding their interracial relationship, including experiences with prejudice. He then talks about his children and grandchildren, and passing on Japanese culture and…
Konno discusses receiving visitors while at Pomona temporary detention facility, then volunteering to go to Heart Mountain incarceration camp to build barracks, as well as his interactions with the armed guards. He then talks about his desire to…
Konno discusses his parents and talks about his brother’s involvement with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He then talks about growing up on an orange grove in Azusa, California, his experiences with prejudice in high school, going to Japanese…
Kikuyama discusses about his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about his combat experiences. Kikuyama also discusses about his best and worst experiences during Word War Two.
Saito discusses his experiences on the front lines as a mail clerk. He shares recollections of other 442nd soldiers and describes what it was like for non-combatant soldiers: medics, mail clerk, drivers, etc. He also talks about recreational…
Saito starts this segment discussing mass media communication differences between two rival newspapers in Honolulu. Saito also discusses his military basic training and how his military assignment changed from rifleman to mail clerk. He talks about…
Siato discusses his experience working for Joseph Rider Farrington. He also talks about social stratification in Hawaii pre and post the attack on Pearl Harbor; with an emphasis on the newspaper industry in Honolulu. In addition he shares his…
Tanna discusses about the lighter sides of war and the Lost Battalion. He details about the Champagne Campaign. Tanna also discusses about his experiences with an Italian family, his squad mates, brother, and returning home.
Kuniyoshi discusses the action he saw throughout Europe, including battles which liberated the city of Bruyeres, France and helped rescue the "Lost Battalion." Shortly after fighting in the Gothic Line, the war ended in Europe and he was discharged…
Mr. Kuniyoshi describes his time at Camp Shelby, discussing his role as a squad leader and discusses some of the former members of his squad. He next talks about being shipped to the frontline in Italy and describes a situation in which his platoon…
Mr. Kuniyoshi discusses how he received the nickname "Lefty" and shares his memories from the morning of the Pearl Harbor attack. After the attack, he decided to serve his country by first enlisting in the Hawaiian Territorial Guard and later the …
In this video clip, Frank Mizufuka talks about life after being discharged from the Army. He relocated to Chicago, where he met and married his wife. They soon moved to Los Angeles to be closer to his family. He describes his participation in the Van…
Frank Mizufuka was assigned to F Company within the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. F Company, along with L Company, were a part of the O'Connor Task Force, which carried out secret missions during the Battle of Bruyeres. He describes the journey…
Frank Mizufuka describes his visit to the Amache concentration camp, where he visited his girlfriend at the time. He also visited his family at the Rohwer Relocation Center, and describes the living conditions there. He talks about Yuri Kochiyama,…
Mukai discusses about coming, medal received, and his post-war life. He details bout his family and gives a message to future generations. Mukai also discusses about his on President Roosevelt and souvenirs picked up.
Mukai discusses about being assigned to a company, first combat experiences, and his experiences towards the end of the war. He details his relationship with other soldiers. Mukai also discusses about Lecco, Italy, good luck charms, and a friend.
Mukai discusses about experiencing discrimination, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. He details about working outside of camp, being drafted, and basic training. Mukai also discusses about the journey to and arriving Italy.
Roy Yokote shares photos of his time in Europe serving with the 442nd. In particular, he shares photos and experiences of his time working and traveling in Italy.
Roy Yokote reflects on the German POWs he guarded towards the end of the war and the difference between German and American weaponry. He also describes his experiences working as an x-ray technician both in Naples and in the US after his return.…
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Yoshiaki Fujitani joined the Hawaii Territorial Guard, which later became the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). Because his father was a Buddhist minister, he was blacklisted as a "potentially dangerous enemy…
In this video clip, Genro Kashiwa describes the Rescue of the Lost Battalion. He was a member of L Company in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was one of three companies (I Company, K Company and L Company) that was sent to rescue the Lost…
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team met up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy. Genro Kashiwa describes his first battle experience in Italy, and how the 100th Infantry Battalion looked out for the new recruits of the 442nd RCT in combat. The…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido talks about his time serving in the military, starting with details from his experiences in basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. He also takes a moment to reflect and speak about the loyalty…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku begins by recalling the intense, year-long training that he endured with the 442nd. Besides training, Kaku also discusses many memories and experiences from his days in the Army. He briefly talks about traveling overseas…
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was sent to the Gothic Line, which was the backbone of German defense during World War II. Rudy Tokiwa describes how the 442nd made the advance at night, and it took them two days to overtake it. He talks about his…
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, K Company was ordered by General Dahlquist to rescue the 141st Texas Regiment, who had been surrounded by German forces in the Vosges Forest. They were led by Colonel Pursall. Rudy Tokiwa discusses his close…
Rudy Tokiwa describes his experience overseas to fight in the European Theater. After 27 days aboard ship, he and the rest of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team landed in Italy, where they met up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Rome. He describes…
In this segment, Matsuji "Mutt" Sakumoto first recalls meeting Jack Wilson, a member of the "Lost Battalion," at a military hospital. He elaborates, stating that he and Wilson had remained in touch for several years after the war ended. Sakumoto…
Surh begins the interview by discussing her visit to Jerome to see her best friend Nish and her family. She expresses confusion and disappointment at the fact that the U.S. government would incarcerate its own citizens. Surh also talks about the…
In this segment, Rose Uriyu talks about her husband, George. She talks about the activities George participated in and how they met through working together. She describes their trips to Tokyo to see the sights of Japan while also visiting family.…
In this segment, Kimura talks about the closeness of his family and how his daughter sacrificed for her sister to have a child. He states the importance of 442nd by describing the privileges the 442nd allowed future Japanese Americans and how rough…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori recalls his time working as a military citations clerk, as well as the qualifications for earning a Congressional Medal of Honor. Next, recalls meeting his wife and he explains why he felt she…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori talks about finishing his education, enlisting in the Army, and joining the 442nd. In addition, James recounts becoming a military citations clerk, as well as other military experience. Next, he…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori gives a brief introduction of himself and his familial background. In addition, James recounts growing up in Pasadena, California and he recollects the segregation system that was in place at the…
Tsukiyama describes his feelings toward Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about his efforts to volunteer to join the US Army, starting with his participation in the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV) and describes the formation of the…
Akaki writes this letter to his sister about his latest excursion to Brenner Pass, stopping at different cities along the way. Some of these cities included Oberammergau, where they have the Passion Plays, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, home of the 1936…
Akaki writes that he has not had much to do since the fighting ended in Europe. He went on a trip to see Adolf Hitler’s "hideout", and went swimming for the first time since his arrived in Italy. He writes that he has been considering applying to the…
Since the war had ended in Europe, Akaki writes to his sister about the work he has been doing in the occupied military areas in Germany. His time has been spent in basic training, travels to some of Germany’s cities, and movie watching. He received…
Akaki updates his sister about his time in Germany. Since being in Germany, he has had the luxury of bathing in hot water - instead of taking cold baths using only his helmet. He mentions hearing from his younger brother, who has taken up some bad…
In this letter, Akaki apologizes for not writing as often since being in Germany. He writes about Easter Sunday, the houses they are occupying in Germany, and about the women there. He complains about eating K rations, but eating off of the land…
Akaki writes this letter to his sister from Germany. He describes the area that he is currently residing, about his bad case of sunburn on his face, and asks for an update about how everything has been at home. He writes that spring is arriving due…
This letter was written on Valentine’s Day when Akaki was “somewhere in France.” He writes about his mail, writing a letter to his parents, chopping wood, and catching up with an old friend from home. He writes that another movie was being played…
In this letter to his sister, Akaki writes that he is glad to hear that she received the perfume he sent to her, as well as the news that his family was planning to move to St. Paul. He goes on to talk more about the camera that he asked to be sent…
Akaki received his back-mail the previous day, so he wrote this letter in response to the most recent letter from his sister Hatsume. He asks her if she could send over some Japanese food essentials (rice, soy sauce, etc.) in his next care package.…
Akaki writes this letter a day after New Year’s Day. He describes what he did for the holidays, about the Red Cross girls, what he received for Christmas, and what he did to celebrate the New Year. He inquires about events at Granada (Amache)…
Akaki apologizes to his sister for not writing sooner – he had been waiting for her permanent address. His brother is getting drafted and only has a few months left to spend at home. He writes that he sent packages home for his family and Tsugime,…
In this short letter to his sister, Akaki wishes his sister a Merry Christmas. In light of the holiday spirits, he hopes that there will soon be “Peace on Earth” and that the war will be over by next Christmas so he can be home with his loved ones.
Akaki tells his sister, Hatsume, that he was writing this letter next to a warm stove and electric lights, and was enjoying the luxury of sleeping on a comfortable cot at night. He writes that he received another package of goods (soap, handkerchief,…
Akaki thanks his sister for sending him a pocket knife, asks about her friend Peter, and tells her about the faulty mail system. He continues on to talk about the first fall of snow in France and about the surrounding trees in the area. At the end of…
Akaki writes this letter not too long after his previous letter to his sister dated October 22, 1944. He finally received the mail that he had been waiting for. He mentions to his sister that he has been corresponding with their younger brother. He…
Akaki describes the surrounding area of France and its harsh, rainy weather. He writes that the views in France are more appealing than those he experienced in Italy. He comments on slow mail service, and hopes to receive mail soon so that he can…
Written to his sister from somewhere in France, Akaki describes his impressions of France in comparison to Italy. He tells her of the places he went to visit. He writes that although the weather is harsher, he prefers France to Italy.
In this letter to his sister, Akaki breaks the news of his promotion to Technical Sergeant. There was a little ceremony, in which some of the men received Silver Stars and other recognitions. Akaki expresses his pride in his promotion. He also asks…
Akaki wrote this letter to his sister during one of his shifts on duty in Italy. He wishes his sister luck in moving to Detroit. He goes on to discuss the feelings he gets whenever one of his friends dies in combat. He also writes about how he craves…
In this letter to his sister, Akaki writes about losing track of the days while in Italy. He tells her that it is a good idea that she and their family move elsewhere to start anew. He continues to complain about the bugs and the misery of their…
Akaki writes what happened the previous day in Italy: he had his picture taken by the Army Picture Service; what the weather was like; and he ate rice for the first time since leaving the states. He writes about his financial earnings, and about the…
Akaki writes to his sister Hatsume about his site-seeing in Italy. He described the different places that he visited and the famous architecture he saw. He asks if the camp is going to do anything for Fourth of July (Independence Day)- he hopes to be…
Akaki thanks his sister for new underclothes and socks. He describes everyday activities including formal retreats and evening shows. He describes washing clothes and bathing using his helmet. He describes his first time swimming in salt water and…
In this letter to his sister Hatsume, Akaki writes that he and his company had arrived safely in Italy. He complains about the insects there, saying they are worse than those in Mississippi.
Akaki writes of his time aboard a ship heading overseas to a classified location. He describes life aboard the ship including food quality. He asks if she received his broken watch so that she could take it in for repairs.
Akaki writes from “Somewhere in Italy” – he is not allowed to disclose their location due to military regulation. He describes the weather in Italy, and about the Italian natives who try to barter with the American soldiers for cigarettes and…
Akaki writes to his sister from Camp Shelby about the wedding he attended, his time spent with his friend Tsugime, and about his friend Terry Adamiya who was sent to Camp Savage. He also writes of the field and physical tests that he had to complete…
Akaki describes his new training regiment with longer and more strenuous exercises. He writes about a check for Hatsume Akaki to cash. At the end of the letter, he writes about a dance held by the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Letter was started…
Akaki writes to his sister in the Granada, (Amache) Concentration Camp from Europe. He discusses the weather, his leisure activities including watching an American film, the current book he is reading and other daily activities. He writes of his…
This interview picks up mid-story with Edward Ichiyama discussing details about his friend, Tsaneshi Naruo, as well as the eulogy of his friend, [Shimizu]. Next, Ichiyama moves on to recall his first time entering Germany and chasing the German Army…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls volunteering for the 442nd, his military training, and the racial discrimination he witnessed during his time in Hattiesbug. This part of the interview concludes with Ichiyama discussing when…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls his time spent in the Army and his experiences during the war. He gives details in regards to witnessing the bombing of Pearl Harbor and his family's experience after the attack. This part of…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama discusses his family's emigration to the United States, as well as his familial makeup. He also recalls specific events during his adolescence, such as spending time in his father's barbershop,…
Minori Sueda talks about his job post-war and how he met his wife. He explains why he thinks it is important for people to know the role of Japanese-America soldiers in World War II.
Sueda explains the importance of having good officers for keeping trouble out of the company and for saving lives. He also recounts the end of the war, being stuck in Italy, and finally going home.
Sueda tells of how he was injured by shrapnel and his recovery. He also recounts the difficulties in getting gasoline and fuel for the company and the Bruyeres-Biffontaine campaign.
Tsubota discusses his first days of combat during World War II. He proceeds to speak about a gruesome injury he suffered that ended up taking the life of a fellow officer. He then discusses his recovery and his role as a counterintelligence agent…
Nishimura discusses the 442nd, the "Go For Broke" motto and its origins, Bruyeres and the mission to rescue the "Lost Battalion", and his relationship with the Army Generals. Later, he talks about his life after World War II and his life after…
Furumoto discusses his efforts to enlist and his experience in Military Intelligence Service Language School. He goes on to talk about his experiences in basic training at Camp Shelby.
Furumoto discusses his decision to attend veterinary school at Kansas State University. He recounts his feelings during the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. He also discusses his decision to join the army.
