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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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 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 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.
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 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…
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 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…
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 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 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…
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.
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…
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 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 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,…
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 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,…
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 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.…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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 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…
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…
Arakaki talks about visiting Japan as a toddler and remembering how poor his family was while living there, often only having a slice of bread for lunch. The family would move back to Hawaii to escape that, and would have much more opportunity and…
Asahina discusses applying for medical school, finding an internship, and knowledge of what was happening to the West Coast Japanese Americans. He details more about medical officers training, experiences with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and…
Asahina talks about her husband's participation in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and provides some of her thoughts regarding the importance of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd. She then talks about her husband's friendships with other…
Asai discusses his experiences in basic training at Camp Blanding. He details his experiences going overseas. Asai discusses his combat experiences in Italy and France.
Asai discusses being wounded and combat experiences. He details his experiences in Italy, most dealing with his non-combat experiences. Asai also discusses his homecoming experiences and the medals he received.
Asato begins the interview talking about his family background, including his parents coming from Okinawa prefecture and settling down on Maui. He talks about growing up in Paia, attending Paia School and picking pineapples at Maui Pineapple. He…
Asato continues talking about his first combat while in Italy, at the Rome-Arno area. He talks about being able to see Florence from a distance and the tree bursts that could kill a soldier instantly. While there, he would get sick and end up in a…
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…
Mr. Black talks about his trip across the Atlantic, where he landed in North Africa and was eventually deployed to Salerno, Italy. Assigned as a forward observer, Mr. Black saw his first action at the Battle of Monte Cassino and described his various…
Cunningham explains how he got the German soldiers to come out of the underground fortress. He talks about having trench foot. He discusses Prisoners of War. He explains the extent to which he interacted with the 100th Infantry Battalion. He…
Deguchi discusses about volunteering for the Army and his early experiences in the Army. He details about the journey to Mainland and experiences at Camp Shelby. Deguchi also discusses about going to Italy, first combat experiences, and getting…
Deguchi discusses about his experiences in France and Italy. He details about joining becoming an officer and joining the reserves. Deguchi also discusses about his family and his career.
Doi talks about his reasons leading up to joining the Army, including having feelings that the United States would get involved with the war, and forming the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). He would be inducted and be shipped over to the mainland,…
Endo discusses his thoughts about serving in the Army and with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team; and talks about being stationed with the 92nd Infantry Division. He then discusses a fellow medic; talks about his relationship with fellow soldiers; and…
Endo shows and describes photographs in a scrapbook during his time in Europe as a medic. Photographs depict fellow soldiers, a first aid station, medical supply truck, the 232nd Combat Engineer Company, experiences during the Gothic Line, and other…
Espineda continues to talk about his induction into the army. He describes Camp Shelby. He discusses segregated units. He describes his basic training. He talks about Hawaiian soldiers in his unit and the cultural diversity in the present day.…
Espineda continues to talk about landing in Naples, Italy. He describes his first battle. He explains how he dealt with fears of dying. He discusses the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He describes what tree burst are. Espineda talks about his rest…
Espineda talks about the military decorations he received. He describes a trip to the Vatican. He continues to talk about his injury. He discusses his friends who were also wounded. Espineda describes his scariest moments during World War Two. He…
Mr. Estes describes his life growing up in rural Georgia and his decision to join the military following the Pearl Harbor attack. Assigned as a mortarman, Estes moved up the ranks eventually becoming platoon sergeant. Estes was part of the Lost…
Mr. Estes describes his combat wound and his return trip home at the war's end. Mr. Estes discusses his career after the war and talks about his family, including what he has shared with his children and grandchildren about his military service.…
Foote discusses about Pearl Harbor and his early military experiences. He details about going overseas, being assigned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and his experiences in them. Foote also discusses about the realities of war, communication,…
Foote discusses about his interactions with the soldiers and being wounded. He details about arriving and experiences in France. Foote also discusses about the recovery process, rejoining the unit, The Gothic Line, and his career.
Foote starts the discussion recounting two Nisei Veteran reunions honoring Yuri Kochiyama and Ted Tanouye. Later he gives some details about his experiences on The Gothic Line: what German tactics were used, help from Partisans, and American tactics.…
Kazuo Fujii talks about the different tasks combat engineers perform and the conditions that they have to do it under. Next, he discusses the 232nd Combat Engineer Company's arrival in Italy, their first combat action, and the tasks they were…
Fujii talks about his birthplace in Troutdale, Oregon. He explains how he got his nickname. He discusses his hunting activities. He describes his father's appearance. He talks about his father's work. He shares his mother's role in his household. He…
Fujimoto discusses about being drafted, Pearl Harbor, and the aftermath. He discusses about his military training and being transferred to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Fujimoto also discusses about his experiences in Europe.
Fujimoto discusses about what a medic carried and seeing a friend get shot. He details about why he received the Silver Star and his experiences during the Lost Battalion. Fujimoto discusses about going back to Italy, the war ending, and returning…
Fujimoto discusses about his experiences in Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp and leaving camp. He details about getting drafted and training. Fujimoto also discusses about his experiences as a replacement in Italy.
Fujimoto discusses about his experiences in Switzerland and coming home. He details about his experiences in the Army and his family. Fujimoto also discusses about his post-war life, receiving the Bronze Star, and the values he were taught.
M. Fujita talks about his childhood experiences in San Diego county circa 1930s. He also talks about his family's experiences in Santa Anita and Poston. He shares anecdotes regarding: basic training in Camp Shelby, getting wounded in combat, and his…
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…
Fujiwara talks about his journey to Europe. He describes landing in Glasgow, Scotland. He discusses traveling through Europe, so he could join the 422nd Regimental Combat Team. He talks about his combat experiences during the Gothic Line. He talks…
Peter Fukasawa discusses on the day of Peal Harbor's attack. He learns about the news when he returns back from fishing . After Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 is announced for the evacuation of Japanese Americans. Fukasawa's parents are…
After being moved to Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho, he was drafted into the Army. He would attend his basic training at Camp Landing in Florida, where he would be trained as an infantryman until being chosen to switch over to the Military…
Fukuhara continues his recollection of the time after the Pearl Harbor attacks, and his father being taken in by the FBI. Other than that, things would go on as normal until the Executive Order 9066 was signed. With just a couple days notice, he and…
Fukunaga discusses traveling from Hawaii to the mainland to go to Camp Shelby for basic training. He then talks about some of his duties during basic training, and his interactions with other soldiers. Next, Fukunaga retells stories he heard…
Fukunaga discusses receiving the Bronze Star, his post-military employment working for the Department of Navy and State of Hawaii, and getting married and having children. He then talks about his involvement in the 442nd Go for Broke Foundation and…
Fukuzawa discusses about a friend and his experiences at Camp Blanding. He details about his family affection and his voyage overseas. Fukuzawa discusses about traveling to and experiences in France.
Fukuzawa discusses about his experiences in Italy both during and post-war. He details about his experiences in France, including the Champagne Campaign and his interactions with French citizens. Fukuzawa also discusses about the casualties of war.
Fukuzawa discusses about his fondest memory and the people he looked up to. He details about the Gothic Line, the end of the war, and his homecoming. Fukuzawa also discusses about his post-war life, going to college and becoming a teacher.
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.
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.
M. Furuto discusses his military service. He talks about his basic training as racially integrated and how in Europe he was assigned to the 442nd CRT. He talks about his battle experiences and mentions some childhood friends who were KIA. He also…
Furuya reveals that some members of his junior league went on to play professional baseball. He talks about Japanese language school and high school. Furuya describes his experiences with Kendo. He talks about his first job. He discusses what he did…
Goto describes growing up on a planation in Ewa, Hawaii and taking the train into Honolulu to go to school. After graduating from high school, Goto worked at a 7UP bottling company as a soda salesman and delivery man. He also talks about being a…
Goto begins by talking about working as a medical supply clerk and veteran service counselor; and then discusses volunteering for the Army and going to Camp Shelby for basic training. Goto talks about the differences between Mainland and Hawaiian…
Goto provides an overview of a headquarters company and all the various platoons that it is made up of. He describes his duties within the headquarters platoon, including following the battalion's executive officer. He also talks about what he…
Gustafson discusses military school and graduating from Reserve Officer Training Corps and going to Camp Shelby to be with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about discrimination in the military by sharing Lieutenant Yanamura's experiences…
Gustafson discusses Anzio Beach, first combat and casualties. He also recalls the Gothic Line, Bruyeres, and the Lost Battalion. Gustafson also discusses about getting injured and trench feet.
Gustafson discusses losing men and the restructure of the division. He details about close combat with German soldiers and when the German soldiers surrender. Gustafson discusses a story about crabs and other wartime shares, and his promotion.
Hagino talks about his experiences in school including discussing influential teachers and going to Japanese language school. He also talks about speaking Japanese at home; his parents' involvement in the Japanese community; and his experiences after…
Hagiwara continues talking about his experience in the National Guard and the times leading up to Pearl Harbor, as they worried more about Russia invading than Japan. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing…
Hagiwara talks more about seeing his parents and gives background on how he met his future wife. While at Fort Sheridan, he would often visit his wife but would get word that he would get transferred. After moving around to a couple of places, he…
Hagiwara discusses his shipment overseas, taking a U-boat through the Strait of Gibraltar and ending in Oran. There, they would train some more and prepare to join the rest of the men in Italy. He also talks a bit about various members of his unit…
Hamasaki begins by giving a background of his family, as well as a sense of what it was like growing up in Maui. Next, he talks about the Pearl Harbor attacks and the effects that it had on the community, the ministers and the Japanese language…
Hamasaki discusses his time overseas fighting in the war. To begin, he talks about his combat experience at Hill 140, Bruyeres, and the Vosges Mountains. Next, he talks about the Champagne campaign in France, which would be his final campaign before…
Hashimoto discusses growing up in Santa Cruz, California and recalls helping his father with farming duties; and playing sports, including being a part of a Nisei baseball league. He then talks about his whereabouts during the attack on Pearl Harbor,…
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…
Hayakawa shows and describes 442nd Regimental Combat Team patches; campaign ribbons; his dog tags; induction papers; an issue of Stars and Stripes newspaper; and a letter from his mother. He also shows and describes photographs from Camp Shelby and…
Hayashi discusses Menton and leisure periods. He details about his experiences in Italy and the end of the war in Europe. Hayashi also discusses about returning home and reflects on his time spent in Europe.
Hayashi discusses the voyage to Europe and food. He details about R&R, friends, and reunions. Hayashi also discusses about holding a position in a European town and the most useful equipment. He also discusses the voyage home and moving back to…
Mr. Hayashi opens by discussing the dissolution of his first marriage in this brief section. He goes on to talk about the legacy of the Nisei soldier and the 442's place in history. The video concludes with Mr. Hayashi showing off some photographs of…
Sameshima and Hayashi discuss their nicknames and their lives after Pearl Harbor, including the Executive Order 9066. Their families would face hard times as they readied to evacuate their homes, as they had to sell property and furniture for pennies…
Sameshima and Hayashi are joined by George Hayakawa as they remember Joe Hayashi, who served with the 442nd Regiment and earned a Medal of Honor while in Italy. They talk about various memories of him, including a time during kendo practice, where…
Hibino talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He lists the contributions of Japanese American soldiers. He explains how he met his wife. He describes his courtship with his future wife. He discusses his emergency return to the United States.…
Higa discusses more about his experiences at Camp Shelby and the 100th Infantry Division. He details about heading overseas and his experiences in Italy. Higa also discusses about his experiences in France.
