During wartime, Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura worked at the Ford Agency and was the youngest mechanic at 17 years old. He recalls December 7, 1941, and hearing the news when he went duck hunting. Hershey was shocked and felt uncertain about the future…
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.
Asai discusses being wounded and combat experiences. He details his experiences in Italy, most dealing with his non-combat experiences. Asai also discusses his homecoming experiences and the medals he received.
Arisumi describes more stories about anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, more information about mines, close calls from mine detonations, and "Blackie" Shimashita. In addition, he remembers bangalore torpedoes, clearing minefields and roadblocks,…
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.
Kuida discusses his path following the family's move to Utah. As his sister was sick, his family ended up moving closer to Salt Lake City, where Kuida would start attending classes at the University of Utah. After about a year at the university, he…
Kuida speaks about the end of the war in Europe, where he spent the last leg of the trip visiting Rome, attending courses at the University of Florence and guarding an ammunition depot. Next, they were sent back to the United States and he would get…
Mizuki discusses various war experiences throughout northern Italy, sharing stories of catching German soldiers unaware and guarding work in Po Valley. Once the war finished, many soldiers purchased Jeeps from the government for $50.00 and drove them…
Mizuki continues discussing life in the field during the war, including combat, food, and purchasing goods. During this time, he purchases a $100 camera and starts taking pictures of Italy. After that, Mizuki talks about his wife and children after…
Nishikubo discusses the Gothic Line, including experiences with enemy fire during combat; and seeing casualties of war and wounded soldiers. He then talks about his experience getting wounded, how he got his Purple Heart; and tells a story regarding…
Takusagawa and his family ended up at the Gila River Concentration Camp after a stint at the Tulare Temporary Detention Center. There, he saw a sign to recruit men into the 442nd Regiment, so he joined right away. Takusagawa was sent to Camp Shelby…
Continuing Murakami's recollection of his Army experience, he discusses the basic training at Camp Shelby, where he was put into the Headquarters regiment. During this time, there was a lot of fighting between the Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers,…
Murakami discusses his part in the Gothic Line push. Once they completed that mission, he was able to head back to the United States. After arriving in New York, the regiment learned they would be flown back to California, which left them in high…
Matsuda discusses his experiences at Poston Concentration Camp and leaving camp. He details his experiences in Colorado and being drafted. Matsuda also discusses his experiences with basic training, his time in Italy and his homecoming experience.
In this video clip, Irving Akahoshi talks about his training experience at Camp McCoy and getting into fights with the recruits from the 2nd Infantry Division. He was later sent to Camp Shelby for more training and assigned to be a rifleman in B…
Tsuji begins the interview discussing a big fight that occurred between the caucasian and Nisei soldiers while at Newport News and how the military police had to get involved in order to break up the fighting. Next, he talks about spending a week in…
Tsuji talks about his experiences in combat, including the differences between what was learned in basic training and how things are actually handled on the front lines. He also talks about the various differences between the German and American…
Tsuji discusses traveling through Europe during the war with some guys in his company, taking a Jeep into Florence and noticing the cathedrals and buildings, which interested him. He would explore the area more and take pictures of various places,…
Tsuji continues his recollection of Camp Shelby and being shipped overseas to Oran in North Africa. Spending two weeks there, his regiment awaited their shipment to Naples in Italy where they would begin their first day. Tsuji talks about getting to…
Tsuji goes through his collection of photographs, ranging from his childhood to right before being shipped to the mainland to Europe. He gives descriptions and anecdotes of the people and items in the pictures and even tells a touching story of two…
Inouye discusses receiving a promotion that he did not not want. He details about having an issue with a commanding officer. Inouye also discusses his combat experiences in Italy.
Inouye discusses learning the realities of war. He details about the landing of Salerno and he also reflects on combat decisions. Inouye also discusses how he got wounded.
Kawanishi continues his recollection of his time at Camp Shelby in Mississippi as he began his basic training with the 442nd Regiment. He talks about the Hawaiian soldiers and segregation he saw in the South, as well as a few times he got in trouble…
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…
Kikuchi shows and describes photographs taken during World War Two while he was overseas including images of a bivouac area, other Japanese American soldiers, his platoon, and Milano, Italy. Lastly, Kikuchi shows and describes some of his wooden…
Jack Wayne Wilson is born in Newburgh, Indiana, on January 3, 1924. His mother is Sadye Mae Anderson Wilson she is a descendant from the Daniel Boone family. His father is Baron Faron Wilson. Jack's father starts working the coal mines at a young…
Jack discusses his experience in the European Theater and how they advance to the Moselle River by Vosges, Italy. Jack's battalion finds themselves surrounded in enemy lines.
There are several attempts to deliver supplies to the Lost Battalion;…
Wilson discusses his childhood, joining the Army and experiences during basic training. He details his combat experiences in Italy and France. Wilson also discusses his knowledge of the Japanese American Units.
Jack Wilson recounts his early life in Indiana and working on building LSTs before being drafted. Next he describes his training and assignment to the 36th Infantry Division in Italy, as well as the fighting around Monte Cassino. Lastly, he describes…
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…
Kirihara discusses about the Champagne Campaign and the Gothic Line. He details about German weponary, the end of the war, and coming home. Kirihara also discusses about settling back into civilian life and meeting his wife.
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…
Maeda discusses his journey to Camp McCoy, his experiences at Camp McCoy, Camp Shelby, and in Louisiana. He details about the voyage to and experiences in North Africa and Italy. Maeda also discusses the events after Rome and what it was like being a…
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…
Omatsu discusses about arriving in Europe, a French woman, and combat experiences. He details about a close call, living conditions, and Headquarters Company. Omatsu also discusses about casualties, souvenirs, being injured, interactions with…
Oura discusses more about the discrimination he saw while in Mississippi and the struggles between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers. He also talks about his captain that made a big difference in training them and readying them for battle. He and…
Oura discusses the Gothic Line battle and what it took to push out the German soldiers that were there to finish off the war. After this, they would be allowed to take passes to certain European cities, but if you had enough points, you could also…
Robinson Jr. describes his journey to Europe and landing in Naples. He talks about the connections that he had in Naples. He discusses corrupt army officers. He describes the 141st Infantry Regiment. He talks about Commander Marty Higgins. He…
Suzuki talks about his experiences in primary school and high school. He describes a work stint in Salt Lake City, Utah. He discusses a military leave before going to Camp Shelby. He shares his impressions of Camp Shelby. He explains his relationship…
Janet Nakakihara and Janice Trubitt say their grandmother is big on celebrating New Year and birthdays. Janet recalls her mother mentioning her mother adopted all of the American holidays and celebrations. Even though they did not have much money,…
Shikashio continues to talk about his mentors. He continues to share his experiences with discrimination. He talks about his plans after graduating high school. He discusses his time working in Stockton, California. He describes the Attack on Pearl…
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.
Konno discusses his experiences with prejudice in the 1940s, provides some thoughts regarding the end of the war, and talks about his assignments writing speeches for the Regimental Headquarters Company in Italy. While in Italy, Konno also had…
Makino talks about basic training, tells a story about an officer who was killed in action, and discusses meeting up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy. He then talks about some of his combat experiences overseas; his interactions with…
Sugidono discusses his family and his experiences in Europe. He details about his experiences in Headquarters Company. Sugidono also discusses the realities of war.
Mori discusses his prefecture origin, familial description and two variations of his name spelling. Growing up, Mori goes to Japanese School and English School. He shares details about his childhood activities, family pet, and religion. Due to the…
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…
Nagaki discusses his experiences during a combat patrol, his friendships within his company, and his experiences after the Lost Battalion rescue. He then talks about his interactions with replacement soldiers, his combat experiences after returning…
Sakamoto discusses more about his time in the military before heading to Italy. He details about his voyage to Italy and being transferred to the regimental band. Sakamoto also discusses experiencing prejudices and hobbies.
John Togashi describes witnessing combat for the first time and experiencing enemy artillery fire. Next he recounts the 442nd move into Italy and fighting along the Gothic Line. Lastly he describes assaulting a hill in which he gets wounded by mortar…
Miyagawa discusses he first combat experiences in Italy. He details about his time at Cassino. Miyagawa also discusses the times he was wounded and his life after the army.
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…
Oshiro discusses about his early experiences in the army, traveling to the Mainland, and Mississippi. He details about his experiences at Camp Shelby and visiting Jerome Concentration Camp. Oshiro also discusses about his voyage overseas, arriving…
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…
Julian Quayles' interview is combined with Ray Wells.
Raymond C. Wells is born May 5, 1922, in Eagle Colorado. Julian Minor Quayles, Jr is born January 15, 1917, in Staunton, Virginia. Both men serve in the 141st Infantry Battalion during World…
Julian Quayles' interview is combined with Ray Wells.
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…
Julian Quayles' interview is combined with Ray Wells.
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…
Julian Quayles' interview is combined with Ray Wells.
Wartime is a heavy discussion. However, in this interview, Ray Wells and Julian Quayles talk about the lighter side of World War Two. Both men highlight areas of v-mail, homecoming, and…
Jumpei "Jumpy" Mine is born on August 4, 1920, in Montebello, CA. Jumpei's father is a hard-working man. Jumpei's mother, Jen Mine, passes away early.
Jumpei grows up in Montebello and helps his father with farming. Jumpei's favorite sport is…
Shiosaki continues his recollection of being drafted into the Army and arriving in Le Havre, France as a replacement soldier for the 100th/442nd Regiment. Next, he talks about his various experiences in Europe, including the Gothic Line push and…
Hamasaki begins by giving a background of his family, as well as a sense of what it was like growing up in Maui. Next, he talks about the Pearl Harbor attacks and the effects that it had on the community, the ministers and the Japanese language…
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…
Kazuma Taguchi talks about his experiences in Anzio, Italy. He discusses having to march near corpses. He briefly discusses his time in Rome, Italy. He explains his carpe diem philosophy. He describes what it was like to climb a mountain. He lists…
Muto talks about a mountain he climbed in Italy during combat; discusses friendships with fellow soldiers; and talks about soldiers who were wounded and killed in action. He then talks about getting wounded, discusses close calls in combat, talks…
Muto shows and describes pictures of his wife, discusses his former girlfriend, and talks about meeting his wife and their courtship. He then talks about receiving decorations such as the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Presidential Unit…
Hinatsu would arrive in Naples after a long journey across the ocean. He talks about his war experiences and route that the unit took while in combat. First, he talks about going through Civitavecchia and Sasseta, stopping at Hill 140, where the…
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.
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…
Saiki relays some of the hardships he faced while in battle. He also talks about his life after the war ended up in Europe. Shares details about domestic life post-war.
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.
Yamaguchi discusses about his experiences in France and Italy. He details about Sadao Munemori, his family's experiences with forced removal and living in Heart Mountain Concentration Camp.
Miya discusses his experiences going overseas to Italy. Aboard the ship there 200 Japanese American soldiers out of 5,000 troops. Among his peers, Miya says the accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team…
Miya discuses after the war staying with a provisional company until he gets assign to another company. Among his peers he is treated well by the original soldiers and did not feel any discrimination. Miya recalls his being a parameter guard at…
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…
Overseas, every two months Ken's company moved to a different area.
Ken's first battle was on Mount Fogarito. In the Headquarters Platoon, Ken did various assignments. One job was to be a litter-bearer and carry the wounded soldiers off the…
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,…
Ken Tamura discusses his war experiences in Italy. He says it is scary times, but he is thankful to be alive. Ken believes the Nisei contribution in World War Two will help future generations against discrimination. Ken says he is an American, he has…
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.
Yamaki discusses about his impressions of Southern Italy. He details about meeting his wife, children, and grandchildren. Yamaki also discussing the community clubhouse and the treatment as a replacement.
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.
K. Yaguchi talks about his combat experiences in the European Theater at Bruyeres and the Gothic Line. He shares anecdotes regarding: European civilians, getting military orders, viewing casualties, and time spent in between battle engagement. He…
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…
Ogata discusses about the time he spent in Italy. He details about his sister who was in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and reenlisting. Ogata also discusses about getting married, settling down, and family. He details about the legacy of the Nisei…
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…
Takehara discusses his responsibilities and experiences as a medic during combat. He would end up treating a lot of soldiers' wounds and seeing a lot of casualties as he would run around through combat to those in need. Along with that, he also…
Kajiwara describes the comradery in Company K. He extensively talks about the 442nd Veterans Club. He shares funny memories from when he was stationed overseas. He list Company K's medals and awards. He explains the legacy of the Nisei. He talks…
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…
Takabayashi discusses his experiences from the Gothic Line. He details about surprising the enemy and losing friends. Takabayashi also discusses about finding a dog and taking it home.
Fujimoto discusses going to Camp Kilmer, traveling overseas; and going to the hospital for measles after landing in France. He then talks about being assigned to G Company and describes the terrain traveling to meet up with them with his squad. Next,…
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.
Horino discusses about German weaponry and German prisoners. He details his experiences in Italy. Horino also discusses about the wars end and his post-war life.
Yoshii describes the type of music that he liked during wartime. He talks about his military training. Yoshii discusses his journey to Italy. He also describes his combat experiences in France and Italy.
Hisatomi describes the Champagne Campaign. He explains how he communicated with his family while overseas. He continues to talk about how he interacted with European locals. He discusses the last push in Italy. He briefly talks about the Gothic Line.…
Fujimoto continues to talk about his unit's attempt to capture Cassino, Italy. He describes a recent visit to Cassino, Italy. He discusses an air fight he witnessed. He shares his thoughts on war. He talks about his unit's retreat from Cassino,…
Kodama discusses the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and formation of the 100th Infantry Battalion. He details about race relations while traveling and opinion towards American Concentration Camps. Kodama also discusses his experiences in North Africa,…
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…
