During World War II, like some Japanese American soldiers, Willie faces struggles with promotions within the military. The only option is to transfer to different units. At the time Battle of the Bulge starts, Willie is approved to transfer and joins 171st Infantry Separate.

Willie discusses his duties and departments within the military. He works in the personnel department and post-war in supplies. After the war, Willie stays with the military. His decision is based on the way he is treated as an equal by his colleagues. Although there are some racist individuals, there are more people who see past his ethnicity.

During Occupation in Germany, Willie stays there from 1945 to 1953. He describes the effects of war on the cities and how the cities start to rebuilding economically. He also mentions the Hermann Goring and Rudolph Hess’s trial and the German gang Werewolves.

In 1946, Willie works in a supply depot in Munich. There are two supply depots. One is called Indiana Supply Depot (food) and the other is called Alabama Supply Deport (clothing). When troop's dependents came over to Germany, the BMW factory becomes furniture storage for dependents. As the economy starts thriving, the BMW asked for their factory back to build cars. Besides working in the military, Willie finds himself lucky in love and marries a German woman. They have been married for 53 years.]]>
Tanamachi, Willie: narrator]]> Horsting, Robert: interviewer
]]>
Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2006-05-19]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Houston, Texas]]>
Allied Occupation of Japan]]> Japanese Americans--Post-World War II]]> Identity and values--Family]]> Fujimoto, Fred: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> US Army Center of Military History: sponsor]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2010 March 16]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Elk Grove, California ]]>
After the Pearl Harbor attack, there are some restrictions in place. One of them being curfew time. Leo's basketball coach has to get a permit for Leo to be out past curfew to participate in the basketball game. Later, President Truman signs Executive Order 9066 placing thousands of Japanese Americans into camp. Leo discusses the effects of EO9066 and his family in Salinas, California. Leo's family farm also is searched by the FBI.

Before volunteering for service, Leo attends Northern Montana College for a year. The Morishita family is proud of Kenzo, Leo, and Yukata for joining the Army. The Morishita brothers are inducted at Fort Douglas, Utah. Leo does don't leave at the same time with his brothers because of his feet. Leo joins Kenzo and Yutaka six weeks later at Camp Shelby.

At Camp Shelby, Leo does nine months of basic training, He describes the different training he learns and the discrimination in the South. Even though there is discrimination, there is one kind person Leo meets. He shares his story about Earl Finch and his acts of kindness towards the Nisei.

Overseas, Leo lands in Naples, Italy, and learns there is a need for riflemen. He is no longer a medic. Leo is given a browning automatic rifle.]]>
Morishita, Leo: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>
Education]]> Military service--Post-World War II service]]> Identity and values]]> Turner, Albert: narrator]]> Nakaishi, Russell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2005 October 23]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Honolulu, Hawaii]]> Identity and values--Parents]]> Immigration and citizenship--Arrival]]> Industry and employment--Aerospace industry]]> Race--Military segregation]]> World War II--Military service--Recruiting and enlisting]]> World War II--Pearl Harbor and aftermath--Personal recollections]]> Takahashi, Albert: narrator]]> Yee, Marie: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2004 February 28]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Torrance, California ]]>