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.
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 leaving Baltimore for Hawaii, living in a Jewish community, and the discrimination he faced while living there. In addition, Ichiyama discusses The Champagne Campaign, as well as significant…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Kimoto discuses his involvement in campaigns in France before returning to Italy as the war wound down. He describes a comical celebration among his army friends and discusses returning to the United States. Receiving his discharge in Honolulu, Mr.…
Allan Okamoto recalls joining up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy and their great reputation. He describes the chaos and confusion of his first combat experience and the casualty of one of his squad mates. He also goes over the rations,…
In this segment, Okamoto recounts his brief time sightseeing in France and interacting with the French people. He also shares his experiences of getting trench feet and battle fatigue, aiding in a sneak attack against the Germans, and VE Day. The…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku shares many memories from his days with the 442nd in Europe including action in both Italy and France, flying in gliders, being trained as a litter bearer, and hearing different German artillery weapons.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Asai discusses about his experiences with the 2nd Armored Division and receiving Medical Corps training. He details about going overseas, arriving in France, and his experiences in Europe. Asai also discusses about his experiences in Germany and…
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.
Arao discusses about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about the 100th Infantry Battalion, losing friends, and German weaponry. Arao also discusses about his experiences in Italy and France.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss preparing to ship off and the voyage on the Queen Mary. They detail about their experiences in France and the mindset of a replacement. The three also discuss their first experiences with combat.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss their interactions with the Italian people and give their impressions of the Hawaiian soldiers. They detail about heading to Italy, The Gothic Line, and encounters with the enemy. The three also discuss a patrol mission.
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,…
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…
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…
Edward Kanaya talks about his visits to an Italian opera and symphony. He describes being attached to the Service Company. He discusses playing at military dances. Kanaya explains his duties at the division headquarters. He describes the type of…
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.
Tokashiki describes one of his military furloughs. He describes his Anti-Tank unit and his commanding officers. He talks about the Concentration Camps that Japanese Americans were forced to move into. He discusses his journey to Camp Shelby. He goes…
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.
Arakaki's time in Europe would come to an end after the surrender of both the German and Japanese Armies, he would be in Marseille at the time. From there, he would return to Hawaii, and marry a french woman once returned. He would work in a security…
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.
Huberth discusses about volunteering for the Army and his experiences in the Cavalry before being transferred. He details about the journey overseas. Huberth also discusses about jointing the 141st Infantry Regiment and his experiences with them.
Huberth discusses 141st Infantry Regiment. He details about the Lost Battalion rescue. Huberth also discusses about the living conditions during combat.
Huberth discusses about the Lost Battalion. He details about the events after the Lost Battalion. Huberth also discusses about experiences with the 141st Infantry Regiment.
Muto discusses his journey returning to the United States, getting discharged, and getting married. He then talks about his children, attending reunions, and discusses the reasons why he volunteered for the Army. He then talks about the living…
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…
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.
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.
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…
Nakagawa discusses about his relationship with Hawaiian soldiers and being drafted. He details about his experiences with prejudices and the Lost Battalion. Nakagawa also discusses about his post-war experiences, wife, family, and how the war…
Nakagawa reflects on life and changes over time. He details about the action that led to receiving an accommodation and the realities of war. Nakagawa also discusses about loyalty and his views towards war.
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…
He describes what combat was like in Bruyères, France. He briefly talks about replacement soldiers. He discusses the food that was available on the front line. He describes maintaining hygiene on the front line. He explains how he stole food. He…
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…
Kurasaki continues to describe solider mementos and his journey to Europe. He talks about the best kind of military boots. He describes his interactions with local Europeans. He discusses his first battle near Rome. He briefly talks about the horrors…
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…
Tateishi continues to talk about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, including the weather during that day. He also talks about his various experiences in the war, starting with Anzio and moving up through Rome, where they would…
Tateishi discusses more about his war experiences, missing out on Cassino because of trench foot. He also talks about interacting with local Italian civilians, including delivering mail from Rome to Livorno for a family and eating rabbit. He would…
Ichiuji talks more about his combat experiences, going back to Naples to wait for replacements, before being sent back to France, liberating the town of Bruyeres and the rescue of the Lost Battalion. The 522nd would continue on through the French…
Morisawa discusses going overseas and the battles in Europe. He details about his experiences, sleeping in a trench, the black market. Morisawa recalls how the 442nd Regimental Combat Team is depleted and how he is sent to Nice. He discusses about…
Morisawa discusses being reclassified, being left in France after hospitalization, and his experiences in post-war Germany. He details about war campaigns he participates in and shares a few humorous experiences during war time. Morisawa credits…
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…
Sakaji discusses attending trade school; talks about his knowledge of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion; discusses getting drafted and his induction; and talks about his 4C and 1A classifications. He then talks about basic…
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…
Kishaba discusses, patrols, war stories, and bath time. He discusses about leaving Italy and going to France. Kishaba discusses about his best friend getting injured in combat and passes away.
Kishaba discuss about post-traumatic stress disorder and being wounded. He also talks about the Champagne Campaign, Po Valley, and the ending of the war. Kishaba details about his post-war life and shares advice for the future generation.
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.…
Shiosaki talks about officers he knew at Camp Shelby; discusses the leadership of Colonel Pence; and talks about his combat experiences near the Arno River. He then talks about soldiers killed in action; receiving British rations; and discusses his…
Teshima discusses about his experiences in Europe, France, and friends in the military. He details about being wounded and the awards received. Teshima also discusses about coming home and photographs.
Otsuka discusses what it was like growing up in Orange County. He details about his experiences with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in Europe. Otsuka also discusses about his post-war life.
Senzaki discusses getting called to rescue the Lost Batallion, and his experiences during that assignment which involved being pursued by German soldiers, and incidents that left comrades killed in action. He also talks about his duties assigning…
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…
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
Izui begins his recollection of the 28 day shipment to get to Naples, Italy via the Atlantic Ocean and the initial reactions to arriving in Europe. He talks about the first time he heard gunshots in the distance, and his first day in combat, treating…
Izui recollects his experiences during the war including France and Italy. In one portion, he remembers saving a lost battalion with various divisions, sending in 800 men to save 200. He also discusses the trek his division took to make the Gothic…
Yoji Ozaki describes what life was like in the Jerome Concentration Camp. Ozaki explains what happened after he was drafted into the Army and he talks about his voyage to France. He describes what life was like oversees when he was serving with the…
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,…
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…
Hiraoka discusses about his wife, volunteering, and constitutional rights. He details about arriving at an experiences at Camp Shelby. Hiraoka also briefly discusses about his experiences in Italy France.
Hiraoka discusses about his experiences with 442nd Regimental Combat Team in Italy and France. Including experiences during the Lost Battalion and Carrara. He details his homecoming experiences. Hiraoka also discusses about his post-war life,…
Barney Hajiro was born on September 16, 1916. He was the second oldest of his siblings. He grew up on a plantation in Maui, Hawaii, during the Great Depression.
During Barney's school years, he attended first through eighth grade. He did not have…
Barney Hajiro recalls the locals of Bruyeres and Biffontaine were friendly and nice. However, they were confused to see Japanese Americans in an American Army uniform. Barney was in M Company then transferred to I Company. The guys in I Company were…
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…
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.
