In the beginning of part 6, Mr. Yamane discusses his finding of Japanese documents that would lead to the bombing of several munitions, ammunitions, and manufacturing plants. After his initial work at the Pentagon was complete, Mr. Yamane was…
Saiki discusses how he got assigned to the Cannon Company of the 442 Regiment. He talks about the intricacies of operating a cannon. He also describes how German artillery and firearms were more sophisticated than America's in the beginning of the…
Yamaguchi discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and infantry training. He details about going overseas and arriving in Italy. Yamaguchi also discusses about his experiences in Italy and France.
Ken Nihei was a 16 years old high school student when he went to Topaz, Utah. The perimeter was open at camp, and there were no barb wires yet. Life was different at Topaz.
Ken received his draft letter to report to Fort Douglas when he was 18…
Ken Tamura discusses camp life and waiting to leave. His first opportunity to leave Heart Mountain is to work on a sugar beet farm. Another time Ken receives a sponsor to go to Chicago. In Chicago, Ken gets a job at the Chicago Bar Association.…
Ken Tamura discusses the effects of war on the soldiers, civilians, and the country. When Ken first arrives in France, many of the 442nd are either killed in action or wounded in action from the Lost Battalion rescue. In Europe during this time,…
Yamaki discusses about H Company and the Gothic Line. He also details about close encounters, food, and his experiences in Italy post-war. Yamaki also discusses about his homecoming experience and his career.
Ogata discusses about his family, home life, and childhood. He details about Pearl Harbor, aftermath, being drafted, and its induction experience. Ogata also discusses about his experiences at Camp Blanding and heading overseas. He also details about…
Ota continues his recollection of going to Camp Shelby for basic training. He talks about the rivalry between the Hawaiian soldiers and the mainland soldiers and seeing segregation in the South. He would spend a year at Camp Shelby before being…
Takehara begins the interview speaking about his family background and growing up in Maui. During his childhood, he would attend school and Japanese language school, where he would learn kendo and judo. He would attend high school in Maui and then…
Namba talks about leaving Minidoka to go to Fort Douglas for induction; describes barbed wire; and talks about basic training at Camp Blanding and Camp Shelby. He then talks about his brother's military service; traveling overseas on the Queen Mary;…
Takabayashi discusses the reason he joined the army and his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about his voyage overseas. Takabayashi also discusses about arriving in France.
Takabayashi discusses the voyage on The Queen Mary and the journey to the front line once in France. He details about his early experiences in France and his combat experiences. Takabayashi also discusses about his experiences in Italy and France and…
Murumoto discusses Executive Order 9066 and his camp experiences. Murumoto is able to leave camp to work on the farm by answering the loyalty questions yes yes and is drafted to military service. Murumoto goes to Camp Shelby for basic training before…
Horino discusses about his experiences in Italy and France. He details about the Lost Battalion and his medals. Hornio also discusses about the Champagne Campaign.
Yoshii talks about the artillery and weaponry used during the war. He describes the funny moments that happened on the war front. Yoshii explains conflicts with Hawaiian soldiers. He discusses his relationships with French locals. He explains various…
Kodama discusses his experiences during The battle of Monte Cassino and Anizo Beach. He details about the living conditions during the war and the events that took place after Cassino. Kodama also discusses his early experiences in France and…
Kodama discusses more about saving French civilians. He details about his experiences and opinions on the Recuse of The Lost Battalion. Kodama also discusses being sent back to Italy and The Gothic Line. He closes out by stating that he is thankful…
Sakoda describes pictures in a photo album. Some of the photographs featured are of a friend seeing snow for the first time, images depicting events in Minnesota and Wisconsin, photographs taken during the "Champagne Campaign", and photographs taken…
Ishikawa discusses about his journey to the Mainland and his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about his experiences in Italy. Ishikawa also discusses about his experiences in France and leaves a message for future generations.
Sumida discusses his experiences at Arno River, in the Vosges, and in the city of Bruyeres. He details about mail, visiting Jerome Concentration Camp, and relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. Sumida also discusses his homecoming…
Akaki begins this letter to his sister talking about Christmas spirit and how it has been lacking in the front lines. He had received more Christmas packages from people back home since his last letter. He writes that he still wants his family to…
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,…
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 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,…
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 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…
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.
Ogawa discusses his experiences at Camp Shelby and visiting Jerome Concentration Camp. He details his combat experiences, helping others, the Lost Battalion, and coming home. Ogawa also discusses about medals and a close calls.
Masuda describes the trip to Europe. He talks about his assignments while in Italy. He discusses his combat experiences in Germany, including how the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp. Masuda talks about the end…
George and Margaret Oshita talk about George's war experiences, focusing in first on the Lost Battalion campaign. He talks about the intricacies of the battle, with it's cold weather and getting trench foot. After this, he goes back and talks about…
Koga discusses being in the reserves before the start of World World War II and about his family. He details about the formation the 100th Infantry Battalion and Pearl Harbor. Koga also discusses about his experiences in Camp McCoy, Italy, and…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
Masato Yamashita and Lloyd Fujitani recall hearing the news about Pearl Harbor on the radio. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, anyone who is a leader of a Japanese Organization is taken away by…
Tsuida discusses about going overseas and arriving in Italy. He details about his experiences in combat. Tsuida also talks about the realities of war and the Lost Battalion
Tsuda continues his recollection of his experiences overseas including getting trench foot and dealing with cold weather. He next talks about the various campaigns he was involved with including Bruyeres and the experience of liberating that area.…
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.
Hara discusses pass forging and sneaking out of the training barracks to go dancing with the locals. Next, he speaks about the differences between fighting in France and Italy. As a Jeep driver, Hara was able to get a lot of experience and was…
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…
Minori Sueda recalls his terrible sea voyage to the European theater and getting lost in Rome. He speaks about some of the casualties the unit experienced and the role of an engineer unit.
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.
Minoru Miyasaki reported to Fort Douglas before going to Camp Shelby for basic training. At Camp Shelby, the Privates and Rookies were all Nisei with a few Hawaiian Nisei. Minoru was assigned to 442nd, Company G, 4th Platoon, and trained as a…
Overseas, Minoru Miyasaki spent his time in Italy seizing the mountain from the German soldiers. When Minoru was not in combat, he was a litter-bearer. He recalls carrying Senator Daniel Inouye in a stretcher to the Aid Station. Minoru explains the…
Kodama talks about his shipment overseas following his basic training at Camp Blanding. He would get on a liberty ship and head for Southampton, thinking they would meet up with the 442nd in Belgium, but instead they would join up at Sospel, France.…
Kunihiro discusses his experiences in Europe during World War 2. He talks about how illness with Bronchitis affected him. He shares anecdotes regarding: when he got married, his experiences with Hawaiian Niseis, and battle scenes he witnessed.
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.
Mitsuo Tominaga begins this interview segment by discussing his transfer to the ordnance unit, the end of the war, and working with German POWs. Next he talks about returning back to the US and his discharge from the Army. Lastly he discusses his…
This interview segment records color photographs taken of Mitsuo Tominaga's squad during WWII in southern France, and a number of certificates that he possesses.
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…
Tanaka discusses more about his time in Italy. He details about his journey and arrival in France and his second bout with trench foot. Tanaka also discusses his experiences once he returned to the United States before and after the end of the war.
Shintani speaks about the various weapons that the German soldiers used and more of his combat duties, including the Gothic Line push. Next, he talks about his various combat duties in France, including the rescue of the Lost Battalion. Once the war…
Tahara discusses his time at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, training with other Nisei soldiers, including some Nisei officers that had come from Fort Benning. After this, he discusses the American concentration camps and how the Hawaiian soldiers felt…
Tahara gives an in-depth description of the rescue of the Lost Battalion in France. He talks about tree bursts and the German soldiers and weapons that he dealt with throughout the war. His duty during the battle would be to carry around a carbine as…
Tahara discusses the casualties that the regiment experienced, including one of his closest friends and how the regiment was able to keep it's morale high despite heavy casualties. Next, he discusses the his free time in Nice, and the Champagne…
Takahashi discusses about joining up with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in Italy and heading to France. He details about his experiences in France. Takahashi also discusses about the final push in Italy and the end of the war.
Takahashi discusses about his best and worst experiences during the war. He details about his interactions, experiences in France, and in Italy. Takahashi also discusses about how he was treated upon returning home, family, and reentering civilian…
Mr. Hayashi offers several stories about his combat experience throughout this section. He first describes the German 88mm artillery gun and being fired upon by it. During this battle, Mr. Hayashi encountered his first American casualty, which had a…
Mr. Hayashi talks about his service throughout France, particularly in the Vosges Mountains region and some of the experiences he had during combat. Mr. Hayashi also describes some funny and memorable encounters including his being mistaken for an…
Mr. Hayashi discusses the morale of his unit after facing heavy combat in France. Soon after this, the unit would return to Italy to join up with the African American 92nd Infantry to help with the offensive campaign. Mr. Hayashi goes on to discuss…
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…
Shimizu discusses about the realities of war and experiences in France. He details about close calls. Shimizu also discusses about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Yamashita talks more about his war experiences, including going through France, taking heavy casualties and complete darkness in the Vosges Mountains. There, he would see the power of the German snipers and the courage of the non-commissioned…
Ray Wells's interview is combined with Julian Quayles
Julian Quayles joins the National Guards during his sophomore year in college. He is a part of Company B, 124th Infantry, 31st Division. Julian does his training at Camp Blanding. He describes…
Ray Wells's interview is combined with Julian Quayles
Julian Quayles discusses what happens after he escapes from the German soldiers. Julian with another Officer, finds shelter on an Italian civilian's property until they can rejoin the American…
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.
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.…
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.
Ichikawa discusses a few comical stories, photography, and his worst war experience. He details about heading to France, back to Italy, and his experiences in Italy before and after the war. Ichikawa also discusses mail, awards, and returning home.
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…
Sato talks about proving his loyalty to the United States, and the various ideals of the Japanese Americans. On his way to Camp Shelby, he would make a stop in Jackson, Mississippi and notice the segregation and prejudice that was prevalent…
Yano continues to talk about his basic training at Camp Shelby, seeing some friction between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers. He also talks about seeing one soldier die during basic training in an accident. Joining E Company, he would be shipped…
Oba discusses his experiences as a Cook in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about the time he crossed a minefield to deliver food. He also discusses about some of his cooking in the 442nd post-war.
Oba discusses acts of heroism and spiritual occurrences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about the events that led to F Company's banzai charge. Oba also discusses dealing with the death and losing friends. He also discusses being in a…
Oba discusses more about losing friends and dealing with it. He details about his life after the army and veteran organizations. Oba also discusses the importance of telling the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Matsumoto discusses his assignments after the end of the war in Southeast Asia, including his transfer to China. In China, Matsumoto became involved with the Office of Strategic Services. He describes his duties within the OSS, which he was forced to…
Sato begins this portion of the interview by looking through a couple of pictures, and then speaks about his shipment overseas, which took around 11 days in a convoy. When arriving in France, the weather would be cold, having snow on the ground and…
Kimoto details his experience from the Battle of Hill 140. He also discusses his combat experience while in France. Kimoto describes the nuisance of German artillery.
Kagawa discusses more about the Battle of Monte Cassino. He details about rest and relaxation, gaining replacements, and receiving a unit citation. Kagawa also discusses about the Arno Campaign and heading into France.
Hinatsu discusses the Champagne Campaign and the Gothic Line. He details about about the end of the war in Europe. Hinatsu also discusses coming home and starting a career.
Shigeo Iwamasa is born November 12, 1923, in Waihee-Waiehu, Maui. Shigeo's father is an Issei from Yamaguchi Prefecture Japan, and his mother is from Hilo, Hawaii. Shigeo has five brothers and a sister.
Takayama discusses about his experiences at Fort Beivoir, visiting the Hoover Dam, and the Golden Gate Bridge. He details about going overseas and arriving in France. Takayama discusses in Germany, coming home, and post-war life.
Yokote talks about a photograph that shows members of the band he was involved in. After this he talks about the advantages of being in the band as opposed to an infantryman. As he wasn't involved in much front line duty, he was stunted in his…
Momoda discusses about his family and growing up in Seattle, Washington. He details about his education, the business he ran and working in Alaska. Momoda also discusses about being drafted, basic training and his experiences in France.
Matsukawa gives a few anecdotes of his time in basic training at Camp Blanding, including boxing, furloughs, and visiting cities in Florida. He would be shipped out to Europe shortly after, going on the HMS Aquitania and landing in Southampton before…
Yamanaka talks about traveling overseas, landing in Oran, Africa; and then going to Italy. Next, Yamanaka talks about his first days in battle, discusses his combat medic and litter bearer duties and experiences; and talks about getting injured in…
Kimura discusses his reaction to arriving in Naples following his basic training. Next, he talks about his job as a mine sweeper throughout the war and the dangers that he faced while doing that. He also talks about the various battles that he was…
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…
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…
Takahashi discusses General Dahlquist and more about The Lost Battalion. He details about heading back to Italy and his experiences in Italy for the second time. Takahashi also discusses the various aspect of war.
Sumio Frank Shimada recalls being under artillery fire from the German soldiers in Italy several times. Frank said the German 88 was a scary weapon. Besides the German 88, the Germans also used bouncing betty and minefields as their defensive assets.…
Shigenaka discusses about his experiences in Tulare Temporary Detention Center and Gila River Concentration Camp. He details about his family, volunteering, and his thoughts on military service. Shigenaka also discusses about basic training,…
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…
