He explains how the 100th Infantry Battalion was formed. He talks about his journey to the Mainland. He discusses Camp McCoy. He talks about being a part of F Company. He also talks about dating. He describes his rank. He discusses his captain's…
Kazuma Taguchi describes a battle in a ravine. He talks about doing guard duty with new recruits. He also continues to talk about the scuffles that the Hawaiian soldiers got into in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He discusses his journey to Camp Kilmer.…
Muto discusses his life at [Gila River] Concentration Camp, discusses basic training at Camp Shelby, and talks about the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about fighting with other soldiers, his Army job delivering…
Kazuo Fujii discusses his personal experiences after Pearl Harbor, seeing his family before their evacuation, and visiting American Concentration Camps. Next, he talks about the basic training for combat engineers, and the altercations between…
Hinatsu discusses the regimental structure of the Headquarters company and communications platoon. While at Camp Shelby, he would begin his work in the cadre, teaching discipline to the new Army recruits. He talks about the Hawaiian soldiers and…
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.
Kenichi and Kiyoshi Muranaga leave Amache to work on a sugar beet farm. Kenichi describes their living accommodations and their duties at the farm. Their father also has a job but he works in the mess hall at Amache.
Inada talks about his shipment to mainland America, seeing the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge on the way and then landing in Oakland. When arriving, all soldiers would have their diaries taken away and told they would not be able to get them back.…
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…
Surh begins the interview by discussing her visit to Jerome to see her best friend Nish and her family. She expresses confusion and disappointment at the fact that the U.S. government would incarcerate its own citizens. Surh also talks about the…
K. Fujii shares photographs of his military service in Occupied Japan and basic training; his family; and his artwork. In addition he provides various information and anecdotes that may or may not pertain to the image displayed.
Kiyoji "Jonah" Morimoto discusses working at a meet market after graduating high school until he volunteers for the service. Morimoto does not feel discrimination prewar. He says during that time each ethnic group lives in their own perspective camp.…
Kiyoji "Jonah" Morimoto discusses rank as Private FIrst Class (PFC), First Platoon, and Third Squad. At basic training, Morimoto describes the relationship between the Mainland boys and the Hawaiian boys. He recalls the nickname that the Hawaiians…
Kiyoji "Jonah" Morimoto discusses the lessons learned from the Luciano campaign. His company learns how to attack in combat and the amount of fire power to use against the enemies to scare them. He recalls the supply line being well supplied because…
Kiyoji "Jonah" Morimoto discusses he would not do anything different in his battle field experiences. He got along well with the other officers and his rank during the war is Tech Sargent. In his company, the Platoon Sargent gets injured and…
At War's end, Morishima was a Japanese soldier and feeling a sense of defeat until he met some Hawaiian soldiers who helped him secure a job with the Civil Censorship Detachment (CCD) in Tokyo. He excels there and is well-liked, but he conceals his…
Yoshii talks about what happened to his family after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He describes his life while stationed in Fort Warren. He discusses discrimination in the military. He explains his experiences while stationed in Nebraska. He talks…
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…
Yamate discusses getting drafted and going to Fort Warren where he had duties as a guard. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor, getting married, and provides some thoughts regarding receiving his draft notice. Next, he talks about his son…
In the fall of 1941, before the Pearl Harbor attack, Ko Stanley Sameshima, is a student at Cal Tech University. Ko is doing well in his academic studies and is on the Varsity Cross Country Team. In Ko's spare time, he attends social school functions.…
Mori describes his second round of basic training and maneuvers. He talks about his first combat experience. He explains how he got supplies while overseas. He discusses his relationship with other soldiers. Mori talks about the Dachau Concentration…
Sakai discusses his experiences in Colorado; talks about childhood chores; discusses his reasons for volunteering; and discusses his knowledge of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Next, Sakai discusses his induction; talks about the Sullivan Act;…
Sakai discusses the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers; talks about the Hawaiian soldiers who visited incarceration camps in Arkansas; and describes the term, "katonk". Teruya then discusses a song sang by Hawaiian soldiers; talks…
From Fort Meade, Leo Morishita goes to Newport Dunes, Virginia, for additional training and his final medical shots. Leo boards the USS West Point and goes overseas. The voyage takes 24 days, and Leo describes the daily routine on the ship before…
When Lillian Matsudaira moves to Philadelphia, she works at an insurance company as a clerk. Lillian stays in Philadelphia for nine months before going to Cleveland. In 1945 Seattle reopens, and Lillian goes back home at the end of July.…
Masuda discusses his college years and marriage. He talks about Camp Roberts and Japanese language school. Masuda explains why he was transferred to Fort Sill. He describes how he trained Japanese and Hawaiian soldiers at Camp Shelby. He also…
Sumida discusses values he learned from his parents; talks about attending church and Sunday school; and discusses learning Kendo. He then provides some thoughts regarding race and citizenship; talks about volunteering for Military Intelligence…
Akiyama talks about encounters he had with Hawaiian soldiers, discusses Pidgin English, talks about how he learned about the [MIS], and discusses his experiences prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He then talks about his whereabouts during Pearl…
Masao Sato reflects on joining the National Guard. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses the forced removal of Japanese Americans. He describes guarding Army headquarters after Pearl Harbor was attacked. Sato talks bout a shooting…
Ishida discusses traveling to Tanforan temporary detention facility and Topaz Concentration Camp; the security at Tanforan and Topaz; and his experiences at Topaz including living conditions, recreational activities, and Kibei. He then talks about…
Uriu talks about the effects that the Attack on Pearl Harbor had on his family, values growing up, his mother’s death, and celebrating holidays. He then talks about getting drafted, going to Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS), and…
In the six months at Fresno, the Kurushima family learns how to make the most of the situation in Jerome. Masato Eddy Kurushima says the barracks at Jerome are similar to Fresno Fair Grounds Relocation Center. He describes the living conditions and…
Masato "Eddy" Kurushima discusses why the natives in the Pacific did not like anyone with Japanese ancestry. Eddy recalled an encounter with the Filipino natives and was mistaken for Japanese soldiers. Eddy says there was always a guard with the…
In this segment, Matsuji "Mut" Sakumoto discusses his memories from combat in Europe with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He goes into detail when talking about specific battles and also talks about the mission to rescue the "Lost Battalion."
Maya Miyamoto was born on January 28, 1922, in Carmel Valley, CA. His father and mother were from Kumamoto, Japan. Maya's father taught him respect, how to get along with others, honesty, and do not shame the family. Maya said his parents wished him…
During the occupation of Japan, Maya Miyamoto worked in Tokyo. He had a driver's license and could drive jeeps, tanks, and other vehicles. Therefore, a Lieutenant asked him to stay in Tokyo.
Michael Doi was born on May 25, 1920, in Camarillo, CA. Later the family moved to Oxnard, CA, when Michael was five years old. On December 7, Michael went to Los Angeles to watch a movie, and news of Pearl Harbor was announced. During this time,…
Miyake discusses his youth and adolescence in Hawaii, and how his mother's widowhood impacted the family. He also describes living in Hawaii before it gained statehood. In addition he talks about getting drafted in the U.S. military.
Kubota discusses harvesting pineapples and working at a bakery after high school graduation. On December 7, 1941 Kubota is teaching Sunday School when Pearl Harbor is bombed. He recalls the black armbands and combat troop recruitment. Kubota passes…
Kubota discusses changing from 442nd Regimental Combat Team to Military Intelligence Service. Arriving at Camp Savage, the camp is surrounded by riflemen and explains the reason of racism. Kubota discusses language school, Language Officers and going…
Kubota discusses going to Asia and wartime experiences in India, China, and Burma. In Burma he encounters funny situations with civilians. While in China, he gets word that Japan surrenders. Towards the end of the war, he is protected by Japanese…
Kubota discusses Major Stanley Uno and reuniting with his Brother. During the war, Kubota encounters a Chinese girl and shares his interactions of helping her. In 1946 Kubota is discharge and returns back to Hawaii. His family later finds out that he…
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…
Matsunaga speaks about joining the Army and beginning his training at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu. From there, he was promoted to corporal and eventually to buck sergeant as he decided to volunteer for the 442nd regiment. They were shipped out to…
Matsunaga talks about his time overseas and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. At the outset of the regiment, there were many differences between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers which were put aside after Earl Finch took the Hawaiian soldiers to…
Siato discusses his experience working for Joseph Rider Farrington. He also talks about social stratification in Hawaii pre and post the attack on Pearl Harbor; with an emphasis on the newspaper industry in Honolulu. In addition he shares his…
Hirose discusses the difficulties of transitioning into the school life after being in camp. At 18 years old, Hirose is drafted and recalls a special moment on the troopship playing chess.
Post-war, Hirose goes to Japan for occupation. He passes…
Hirose discusses playing baseball in the military and shares memorable stories. In the military here is segregation units and Hirose reflects on discrimination.
During Hirose's time in occupation there are many orphan children in Japan and he…
Tahara discusses his father's incarceration at Sand Island and the living conditions that he had to deal with there. Next, he talks about his induction into the Army and the processes of getting uniforms and equipment at Schofield Barracks. Following…
Nelson Akagi tells of his training at Camp Shelby and shipping out to the European theater. He recounts his first combat experiences and the emotions he experienced upon seeing a dead Nisei soldier. He also talks about good and bad officers and being…
When joining the US Army, Tsuneishi started with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), taking Japanese language classes and becoming an interpreter. Once the training was complete, he was shipped out to the Philippines on a long journey across the…
Ikari discusses where his family ended up after Executive Order 9066 was signed, sent to a mixture of Rohwer, Poston and Manzanar Concentration Camps. While visiting on leave, he would see the barbed wire in certain sections of the camp and the…
Before getting discharged from the Army, Ikari was asked to participate in an objective Army program, in which they wanted Nisei soldiers to dress in Japanese uniforms and act as one would in the Japanese Army in order to help train new recruits.…
Mr. Hayashi describes his experiences during basic training, discussing his relationship with the Hawaiian soldiers, his weapons training, and the camaraderie amongst his troop. His battalion was shipped out from Newport News, Virginia and landed in…
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 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…
Akama discusses barefoot football league and rival teams. He details about his educational experiences. Akama discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, joining the military, and basic training.
Akama discusses being in a segregated unit and experiencing discrimination. He recalls going overseas and shares his wartime experiences in the European Theater. Akama discusses about his time in Italy.
During Paul Takao Bannai's school years in Utah, and Colorado there are no Japanese American students. Paul's friends are mainly white. When he moves to Los Angeles, CA, his friends are more diverse, and he meets other Japanese Americans. Paul…
Yamashita discusses the fighting between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers, until Earl Finch decided to take some of the Hawaiian soldiers to the American concentration camps to show them what the mainland soldiers were going through. After that,…
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…
Peterson discusses his experiences training new recruits and as a heavy weapons platoon leader; and describes the duties of H Company as well as the structure of the United States Army. He then talks about his participation in maneuvers; discusses…
Ray Shiiki is inducted at Fort Douglas, UT then goes to Camp Hood. He is assigned to the Tank Destroyer Outfit. After Camp Hood, he goes to Fort Snelling and is assigned as Supply Sergeant, F Company.
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…
Muranaka finds himself at home in Honolulu when the Pearl Harbor attacks occurred, which he recalls hearing a loud noise and seeing a black smoke cloud in the distance. He hitchhikes back to Schofield Barracks and is given a uniform and gun and told…
Tochihara discusses his whereabouts when first hearing of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had dropped out of high school, he was working and he would continue working until the very last second when he would be forced to leave to Puyallup assembly…
Following the American concentration camps in Idaho, Tochihara would volunteer for the Army, wanting to fight for the country he was born and raised in. After a 30 day furlough, he would begin his basic training at Camp Shelby as a replacement for…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their experience leaving Hawaii and going to the Mainland. They arrive in Oakland, CA, and go to Mississippi.
On the train ride to…
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…
After his arrival in Italy, Sato would join up with the 100th Infantry Battalion as a replacement. He talks about various war experiences, including the breakthrough of the Gothic Line, getting shelled and the Red Cross. Next, he talks about seeing…
Robert Sugimoto's family moved to Watsonville, CA, after a death in the family. He graduates high school in 1938 and continues farming. He discusses social activities and dating in Watsonville. In 1941, Robert receives his draft notice into the…
At Camp Savage, Robert Sugimoto reports to the Headquarters Company. When Robert joined the Military Intelligence Language School, the classes have already started a few weeks earlier. The class focus on Japanese conversation skills. Robert recalls…
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…
Fujiwara talks about his interview with the V.A. Hospital. He describes his first car. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discusses his fathers life in Japan. He explains why the FBI arrested certain members of the Japanese…
Kubota discusses meeting Sus Oshabata at basic training. The two becomes friends when Sus takes care of Kubota when he is sick. In mid-training Sus is selected as jeep driver and goes to a different company. After the war, they remain friends even…
Matsuura talks about his parents, going to school in Spokane, being sent to Japan as a child; and returning to the United States and working on a farm. He then talks about attending high school, the Attack on Pearl Harbor, volunteering for the Army,…
Sam Sakamoto describes his journey to Europe and landing in Naples, Italy. He talks about the 442nd Combat Regimental Team. He explains his relationship with Hawaiian soldiers. Sakamoto discusses the end of the World War Two and his journey back to…
Sasai discusses about visiting Rohwer and Jerome Concentration Camps. He details about the relationship between Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers. Sasai also going overseas and first combat experiences.
Seichi Sakaida discusses his leaders and squad members. He is in basic training for almost a year before deployment overseas. He lands in Naples, Italy. Seichi is in K Company and the mortar pool unit. His duty is to support the infantrymen.…
Oshiro continues to discuss volunteering for the military. He describes his journey to Camp Shelby. He talks about being assigned to a unit. He briefly talks about his basic training. He describes the relationship between the Hawaiian soldiers and…
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.
In Berlin, Shigeo Iwamasa is assigned to be a driver. He describes the experience driving through the bombed cities in Germany. In Koblenz, there is a distinctive smell due to the dead bodies under the building rubbles. The bombed cities in Germany…
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…
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…
Shigeru Inouye outlines the aftermath of December 7. After Pearl Habor, Shigeru's sister is in California and goes to Rohwer, AK. Shigeru visits his sister at Rohwer and describes the living conditions. He reunites with his sister again at Camp…
Shigeru Inouye recollects the events that lead to his injury in the battle at Cassino, Italy. He goes to the 36th General Hospital in Italy and is in the hospital for two weeks. Later, he is transferred to an Evacuation Hospital and returns to the…
When Shigeru Inouye is at McCormick General Hospital in Pasadena, CA, he meets another wounded Lieutenant who encourages him to go to school in Kentucky.
On August 25, 1947, Shigeru received an acceptance letter to Centre College. Shigeru shares…
Nohara talks about family friends, his thoughts about the war in Europe prior to the United States' involvement, his duties while employed as a warden; and volunteering for the Army and being sent to Camp Shelby. He then talks about volunteering for…
Nohara was transferred to a hospital in Chicago and talks about his experiences there including discussing the relationship between Hawaiian and mainland soldiers; and the relationship between civilians, and Nisei and African American soldiers.…
Saito discusses going to Switzerland on furlough; talks about his experiences with snow; discusses his exercise hobby; and talks about his post-war employment. He then talks about returning home; getting discharged; and the restrictions Japanese…
Yamanaka talks about his experiences at Camp Roberts during basic training, discusses the Attack on Pearl Harbor, talks about being sent to Fort Lewis to become part of a medics unit; and then discusses getting transferred to reserves and sent home.…
Hayashi recalls his thoughts on the ship from Hawaii to the mainland, unsure of where he was going and the nature of his military assignment. Arriving first at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, he later was sent to Camp Shelby, where he underwent more basic…
Kimura would graduate from high school at the young age of 16 and would move out on his own to Waimea in Kauai. He would continue playing baseball and football, but would also work as a carpenter. Next, while practicing for an upcoming baseball game,…
Izumigawa talks about playing sports; discusses his interest in watching and following sports; and talks about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor including experiences with blackouts. He then talks about his post high school employment; volunteering for…
Sumio Frank Shimada shares his experience with the Hawaiian soldiers at Camp Shelby. Frank had a good experience with them and learned how to speak pidgin.
At Camp Shelby, the summer was hot, and the winter was cold. The winter was chiller,…
During Susumu's service, he corresponds back home. Some soldiers who write back home can disclose their location. However, Susumu is part of the Naval Intelligence and is restricted on what he can write in his letters. He shares an instant when he is…
