Minamide discusses arriving in France right after the 442nd Regimental Combat Team rescues the Lost Battalion. He gets assign to L Company to go to Italy for the push with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Minamide recalls making foxholes and…
Matsushita would join the Army after Pearl Harbor and be inducted in Salt Lake City, Utah. He would take a train down to Camp Shelby in Mississippi to begin his basic training, where he would start with A company. There, he would become friends with…
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…
Frank Matsuda hears the news the Army is accepting Japanese American volunteers. Frank signs up to volunteer and returns to camp to take his physical exam. He passes the physical exam and goes to Camp Shelby for basic training. Frank is a BAR man…
Masuda talks about the end of World War Two. He discusses searching German Soldiers at the Getty Airport. He briefly talks about returning to the United States. He talks about the first time he met his wife. He describes their courtship and marriage.…
Maeda discussed basic training and corresponding to family back home in Paia. Maeda's first battle experience is at Belvedere and Hill 140. Maeda also describes his BAR rifle "Brownie" and events in Italy.
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…
Kurahara discusses a close encounter overseas. He witnesses how the US soldiers gets out of the foxhole at the right time when the German bomb goes into their foxhole. He explain how fate plays a factor.
Kubota discusses about digging a trenches for sleeping during wartime and how he suffers from a back injury. In the Vosges Mountain, soldiers are afraid of tree burst from shrapnel. So the trenches are covered to protect them from danger. In the…
Kodama continues talking about the end of the war, helping with the interrogation process of German prisoners of war. He would miss the first pool of soldiers to head home on the points system but be granted a 30-day leave, in which he would travel…
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.…
James Jin Kobayashi goes overseas and meets with the 442nd in Southern France. He is part of F Company. He recalls going up the Northern Apennine Mountains and being at the frontlines.
James is at the frontline for two weeks before the…
Besides attending primary school, James Jin Kobayashi attends a Japanese Language School. At home, he speaks half English and Japanese to his Issei parents.
James recalls the day of the bombing of Pearl harbor. He says it is regular business at…
Mr. Kobashigawa describes his arrival in Italy and talks about the action he saw throughout the Anzio Campaign. Mr. Kobashigawa was wounded in battle several times and discusses how military hospitals functioned at the time. Near the end of the…
Kitaoka discusses going overseas and his occupation phase in Berlin. He recalls what Berlin look like after the devastation of the war. Many of the structural buildings are in rubles and the buildings that are still existing are being occupied by the…
Kitagawa discusses revisiting Bruyeres for the 50th anniversary, and seeing the monument there dedicated to the 442nd. After this, he talks about the end of the war in Europe and seeing the German prisoners of war. He would be able to take a short…
Kitagawa talks about getting rest and relaxation during the war and the activities that they would do, such as playing football. Next, he talks more about the Lost Battalion campaign, and moving onto Nice, where he would be able to get a hot meal and…
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.
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.
Kinoshita discusses dances at Camp Shelby; and talks about Hawaiian soldiers speaking Pidgin English and the interactions between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers. After Camp Shelby, Kinoshita traveled by train to Camp Henry, and recalls a story…
Kimura discusses his combat experiences at Biffontaine which earned him the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; and discusses how he got wounded, as well as experiences with enemy fire during the battle at Biffontaine. He then continues to talk about his…
Kikuchi tells a story regarding the capture of German soldiers; discusses his guard duty assignment; and talks about receiving orders to go to Italy. He then talks about his experiences in Nice and Marseille; discusses arriving in Livorno; and…
Keegan talks about combat experiences and related anecdotes regarding fellow soldiers and situations. He provides details regarding the Pink House operation, and shares recollections about the Lost Battalion. He also talks about the aid station on…
Kawakami continues talking about his experiences overseas during World War II. He was wounded during combat in France, and was in the hospital for about a month, but prior to that he was involved in many big battles including the Lost Battalion and…
Kawakami begins the interview speaking about how he got the nickname "Joe" and his family background as his father was from Kumamoto and his mother was born in Hilo. He would attend school and grow up playing a lot of sports until the Pearl Harbor…
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…
Kashiki discusses his reasons for volunteering, talks about the leadership in his unit including discussing Colonel Pence and Lieutenant Earp; and discusses the formation of the Cannon Company. He also talks about his duties and training in the…
Enoch Kanaya reflects on his time in combat and his squad members.
He said their confidence in each other helped them do their jobs well and they trusted each other.
After the war ended, Enoch was assigned to guard the Prisoners of War (POWs)…
After the President of the United States signed Executive Order 9066, Enoch Kanaya and his family evacuated to the Portland Assembly Center. The Portland Assembly Center was a place where horses lived. Enoch describes the living conditions of the…
Yoroku Ito discusses the German soldiers surrendering and the end of the war. At the end of the war, he is the Company Mail Clerk. Yoroku discusses helping the Lieutenant mail German items back to the mainland. The Lieutenant also gives Yoroku a few…
Yoroku's family has feelings of loyalty and patriotism to America. For the nation and the country, Yoroku volunteers for the Army. Yoroku is stationed at Schofield Barracks for a short time before leaving for the mainland for basic training at Camp…
Akira Ishikawa discusses wartime experiences such as using mules to carry military equipment in Italy, Mainland soldiers and being injured in battle. When Ishikawa is discharge, he learns of Germany's surrender. Post-war he gets married and has…
Shigeru Inouye discusses his medic training and being an aid man. In late September 1943, Shigeru recalls his first battle in Salerno, Italy. After each combat, he is placed in another company to go to the front lines. He experiences his first…
Inada discusses more about his unit detail, going from C Company to K Company as replacements were all moved. He also talks about replacements and his brother that passed away in Europe after the war had ended. Next, he talks about his first combat,…
Ikari continues talking about his basic training at Camp Shelby, joining E Company and preparing for their shipment overseas. They would ship out from Newport News aboard a liberty ship, gambling, playing cards and listening to music throughout the…
Charley learns about the different mines at Camp Shelby. He contributes the veteran outfits for helping his company with learning about other German mines. There are different German-made mines such as the bouncing betty, schu-mines, and teller…
Charles “Charley” Touoji Ijima goes to Schofield Barracks before going to the mainlands. He receives his basic training at Camp Shelby. He learns how to build different types of bridges and lay mines. At Camp Shelby, Charley describes his first time…
Ida continues to talk about the Champagne Campaign and the rest and relaxation they got, not needing to fight any real battles. He talks about going down to Leghorn and getting wounded a second time while in Carrara. He also talks about confiscating…
Ida talks more about his experiences at Camp Shelby, eating fried chicken and catfish at the local restaurants. Shortly after, they would be sent overseas in a convoy, first landing in Oran before arriving in Naples. They would head up to…
Ichiuji continues to talk about the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp and the inhumanity of it. Next, he talks about the end of the war and his trip back to the United States, celebrating when he saw the Statue of Liberty. He would be…
Ichiuji talks about being shipped overseas, first going to Newport News before going on a 28 day convoy to Italy. When arriving in Italy, he would immediately notice the destruction of Naples, and would then move up to Bagnoli, where they would be…
Ichikawa talks about his time at Camp Shelby. He then talks about preparing to go overseas by learning about weapons and how to listen for artillery. Before heading overseas, Ichikawa received a furlough and spent time in New York and Baltimore,…
Horikawa talks about his first experiences in Europe which involved first landing in Scotland and then traveling to France to join up with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He then talks about the Lost Battalion; and provides some thoughts about…
"Masa" discusses his military training at Fort Hood (Texas) and how went to Europe. He shares his experiences in New York City for furlough before deployment. He also talks about his combat experiences in Europe and how his life fair after his…
Hoashi talks about his first combat overseas at Anzio Beach and moving up to the Mussolini canal. After this, he talks about his other experiences throughout the war, including the leadership of Thomas Takei, getting German soldiers to surrender, and…
Hiltey discusses his family, siblings, childhood and school years. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, Hiltey decides to join the army. He shares his wartime experience of basic training, going oversea and being captive. The most memorable moment for…
Hayashi recalls battles in Coli, Italy and Cassino, Italy. After taking medical leave, he arrived back to his company in time for the Anzio Campaign, where he soon received the Distinguished Service Cross. Hayashi concludes by discussing his memories…
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…
Hayakawa discusses preparing to go overseas, getting passes to visit his mother, arriving in Europe, and joining up with the 100th Infantry Battalion. He then discusses his Company A assignment, the Champagne Campaign, soldiers who were killed in…
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…
Hashimoto discusses his first combat experience in Anzio; and describes experiences in combat including the living conditions, being under attack, witnessing the death of soldiers and fellow comrades, going on patrols, liberating Italian cities, and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Guy talks more about his combat experiences, including taking heavy casualties at the Battle of Rapido River. There he would receive a wound and be hospitalized, requiring surgery in Naples. While there, he would meet members of the 100th Infantry…
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.
Furukawa discusses the Champagne Campaign. He describes his leaves in France and Switzerland. He talks about the end of World War Two. He explains how he got back to California. Furukawa reflects on his time in work camps. He talks about joining the…
Taira Fukushima and his brother Jim are together for 442nd and replacements. On the mainland, Taira is a medic aide, and Jim is a litter bearer. Taira has limited training as a medic, but Tech Sergeant Hirata and Sergeant Matsuda give him support…
Fukasawa discusses living off the land and surviving off the rations. In the rations there are meat, eggs, can vegetates, rice and bread. The Caucasian soldiers did not want the rice, therefore he is able to have a good amount of rice to eat. In…
Fujimoto explains how he got trench foot. He talks about communicating with family while he was in the military. He discusses the casualties and injuries in his unit. He describes the horrors of war. He talks about receiving enemy fire at an Italian…
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…
Doi talks about his combat experiences in Vosges Forest, the Lost Battalion rescue, and the liberation of Bruyeres. He then describes different kinds of weapons, discusses 'Axis Sally', talks about German spies, and discusses what it was like being…
Doi talks about experiencing enemy fire, discusses his experiences in Rome, and defines the term "open city". He then talks about his experiences with Italian civilians; and describes the land, food, and living conditions in Italy. Next, Doi talks…
When Jimmy Doi was classified as an enemy alien, he found a job working at a defense plant. Then his status changed to 1A, he was sent to Camp Blanding. A few weeks later, Jimmy’s brother, Michael Doi, left Camp Blanding to go overseas.
Janet Brown Hardwick Brown is the oldest of the Hardwick sisters. She is married to Phil Brown and has three children and grandchildren. Susan Hardwick is the youngest sister and is a real estate agent for 30 years. The Hardwick sisters start a…
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…
Tetsuo Asato was 19 years old when he went overseas. He recalls the weight of carrying his weapons. The heaviness of the weapons did not become too strenuous on Tetsuo until he was trying to climb the mountain. Tetsuo recalls being a litter-bearer…
Before going overseas, Tetsuo Asato went on furlough and visited his sister in California. Tetsuo departed on the Aquitania. Although the voyage was rough, Tetsuo did not get seasick. He landed in Glasgow, Scotland, and traveled to South Hampton to…
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…
Anzai discusses his assignment with the Hawaiian National Guard in Maui during the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as his feelings regarding Japan after the attack, and his brother getting drafted into the Japanese Navy. Anzai details about traveling…
Akiyama talks about his combat experiences during reconnaissance patrol; and describes what it was like shooting a rifle and shooting against German soliders. He then talks about different types of rifles, his first impressions of German soldiers,…
Akita continues to describe what everyday life was like for a prisoner of war. He also describes how prisoners of war escaped from his prisoner of war camp. He talks about political prisoners in his camp. He discusses the end of World War Two,…
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…
Akama discusses the difficulties of battle, his duties, and replacements. He recalls the Italian language, native foods, and the civilians. Akama also discusses about his post-war experiences in Italy.
In this video clip, Irving Akahoshi talks about the time when he went on a night patrol with Colonel Young Oak Kim to capture German soldiers. He also describes when he tripped a German mine and was sent to a hospital in Naples.
In this video clip, Irving Akahoshi talks about the Battle of Cassino -- where he escaped a falling mortar shell. He shares some funny personal stories from his time in Cassino.
