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…
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…
Akaki writes from “Somewhere in Italy” – he is not allowed to disclose their location due to military regulation. He describes the weather in Italy, and about the Italian natives who try to barter with the American soldiers for cigarettes and…
In this letter to his sister Hatsume, Akaki writes that he and his company had arrived safely in Italy. He complains about the insects there, saying they are worse than those in Mississippi.
Akaki thanks his sister for new underclothes and socks. He describes everyday activities including formal retreats and evening shows. He describes washing clothes and bathing using his helmet. He describes his first time swimming in salt water and…
Akaki writes to his sister Hatsume about his site-seeing in Italy. He described the different places that he visited and the famous architecture he saw. He asks if the camp is going to do anything for Fourth of July (Independence Day)- he hopes to be…
Akaki writes what happened the previous day in Italy: he had his picture taken by the Army Picture Service; what the weather was like; and he ate rice for the first time since leaving the states. He writes about his financial earnings, and about the…
In this letter to his sister, Akaki writes about losing track of the days while in Italy. He tells her that it is a good idea that she and their family move elsewhere to start anew. He continues to complain about the bugs and the misery of their…
Akaki wrote this letter to his sister during one of his shifts on duty in Italy. He wishes his sister luck in moving to Detroit. He goes on to discuss the feelings he gets whenever one of his friends dies in combat. He also writes about how he craves…
In this letter to his sister, Akaki breaks the news of his promotion to Technical Sergeant. There was a little ceremony, in which some of the men received Silver Stars and other recognitions. Akaki expresses his pride in his promotion. He also asks…
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.
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.
Akamine reveals the effects of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses the Big Five companies in Hawaii, his electric work, and the draft. Akamine talks about his basic training experiences and the journey to Europe. He elaborates on his struggles…
Akamine discusses his experiences shortly before and after arriving at Camp McCoy. He details about his experiences in North Africa and landing in Salerno, Italy. Akamine also discusses his experiences in Salerno, Italy.
Akamine discusses crossing the Volturno River and his experiences at Cassino. He details about how he was wounded and receiving disability later in life. Akamine also discusses about the time he spent in the hospital.
Akamine discusses the mindset when going into combat and his combat experiences. He reflects on the war and details about burying a German soldier. Akamine also discusses discrimination and reminisces about Lt. Kim.
Aoki discusses his experiences in Mississippi. He details about his combat experiences. Aoki also discusses about getting demoted, injured, and his experiences in Cleveland.
Arakaki discusses his experiences at Camp Hood and what it was like being a replacement for the 100th Infantry Battalion. He then talks about his assignment on KP (kitchen patrol) duty, going to Chicago while on a furlough, and what it was like…
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.
Arao discusses about wounded, earning the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), and the 442nd book. He details about his experiences in Italy and the bond amongst soldiers. Arao also discusses about the realities of war, returning home, and the progress…
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,…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Deguchi discusses about his experiences in France and Italy. He details about joining becoming an officer and joining the reserves. Deguchi also discusses about his family and his career.
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.
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,…
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…
Giovanna discusses the pros and cons of her interracial marriage. She talks about how she met her husband in post war Italy. She also talks about opposition she and her spouse faced from her family and the U.S. military. She also relays anecdotes…
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.
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 his experiences after the Gothic Line surrender: taking in German troops as prisoners of war (POWs); duties after European surrender. He gives particular detail on the various minefields he and his troop encountered. He also mentions…
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,…
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,…
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…
Fujimoto talks about his experiences at Camp Shelby, how he got his nickname, and getting promoted while in combat. He then talks about his combat experiences, traveling overseas, landing in Italy, and his experiences at Hill 140. Lastly, Fujimoto…
Fujimoto discusses about his experiences in Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp and leaving camp. He details about getting drafted and training. Fujimoto also discusses about his experiences as a replacement in Italy.
M. Fujita shares his combat experiences in Italy, he describes the weapons he used, food, and traveling to battlefields. He also talks about his army discharge and aspects of his post-war life. He shares anecdotes regarding: friendships developed in…
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…
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.
Fukuzawa discusses about his fondest memory and the people he looked up to. He details about the Gothic Line, the end of the war, and his homecoming. Fukuzawa also discusses about his post-war life, going to college and becoming a teacher.
M. Furuto discusses his military service. He talks about his basic training as racially integrated and how in Europe he was assigned to the 442nd CRT. He talks about his battle experiences and mentions some childhood friends who were KIA. He also…
Gustafson discusses Anzio Beach, first combat and casualties. He also recalls the Gothic Line, Bruyeres, and the Lost Battalion. Gustafson also discusses about getting injured and trench feet.
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.
Guy discusses his time in basic training at Camp Croft in South Carolina. He would learn how to use heavy machine guns and then be shipped overseas, first landing in Casablanca, playing card games and reading throughout the shipment. Once arrived in…
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…
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…
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…
Hamasu discusses his role and duties as staff sergeant in F Company, leaving Hawaii and being assigned to the 100th Infantry Battalion, and what it was like traveling to the Mainland and going to Wisconsin for basic training at Camp McCoy. Hamasu…
Hamasu discusses his first day in battle and combat experiences in Italy, provides his thoughts about war experiences, and talks about witnessing wounded soldiers and how they were medically treated. He then talks about his trench foot condition…
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…
Hashimoto discusses growing up in Santa Cruz, California and recalls helping his father with farming duties; and playing sports, including being a part of a Nisei baseball league. He then talks about his whereabouts during the attack on Pearl Harbor,…
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…
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…
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.
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…
Sameshima and Hayashi are joined by George Hayakawa as they remember Joe Hayashi, who served with the 442nd Regiment and earned a Medal of Honor while in Italy. They talk about various memories of him, including a time during kendo practice, where…
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…
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…
Hibino continues to explain how he was assigned to an artillery unit. He describes his journey to Europe and landing in Bari, Italy. He talks about joining the allied forces. He discusses how other soldiers reacted to Japanese American soldiers. He…
Higa discusses more about his experiences at Camp Shelby and the 100th Infantry Division. He details about heading overseas and his experiences in Italy. Higa also discusses about his experiences in France.
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…
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…
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.
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,…
Hirasaki discusses his experiences in Europe during World War 2. He talks about the military jobs he had: his duties as laying wire for the 522nd and being part of a MP unit. He also shares recollections of close calls he endured and handling…
Hariayama discusses about basic training. He details heading overseas, landing in Italy, and his experiences in Italy. Hariayama also discusses about his first combat experiences, his experiences in France, and his duties during combat.
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.…
Hoashi discusses his reasons for joining the Army, and the process of induction, getting assigned to a company and getting shipped over to Mississippi. While at Camp Shelby, he would experience segregation in the South while doing his basic training.…
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.
Ichikawa discusses more about his experiences at Camp Shelby and what it entailed to carry a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). He details about his combat experiences in Europe and being wounded. Ichikawa also discusses losing comrades and…
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.
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…
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 about his time after the war and returning to the United States from Italy. He would first go to New York before getting stranded in Marysville, waiting for a strike to end so he could boat back to Hawaii. He would get back to Hawaii on…
Iguchi discusses about the journey overseas, training to be a medic, and arriving in France. He details about his experiences during the Champagne Campaign and life as a medic. Iguchi also discusses about The Gothic Line.
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…
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.
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…
Akira Ishikawa discusses his prefecture origin and his nickname "Jockey". His nickname comes from the love of horses and horse racing. Ishikawa recalls the Pearl Harbor attack, being drafted, and going overseas. He also shares his wartime experience…
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…
Ishikawa discusses his family and what it was like growing up on a ranch. He details about his educational experiences and Pearl Harbor. Ishikawa also discusses experiences with training and his early time in Italy.
Ishikawa discusses his experiences in Italy including Monte Cassino and Anzio. He details about his experiences in France, about he got wounded, and his recovery. Ishikawa also discusses about his homecoming experience and his life after the…
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.
Ito continues talking about visiting the Rohwer Concentration Camp. He describes the journey overseas to Italy, as well as his travels through Italy and their first contact with the German army. He also talks about watching propaganda films before…
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…
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…
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…
