Deguchi discusses about volunteering for the Army and his early experiences in the Army. He details about the journey to Mainland and experiences at Camp Shelby. Deguchi also discusses about going to Italy, first combat experiences, and getting…
Kurihara discusses leaving Poston Concentration Camp and about his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about heading overseas and landing in Naples. Kurihara discusses about his first combat experiences in Italy, becoming a runner for the 442nd…
Sasaki discusses about the relationship between Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers, being assigned to the Antitank Company, and going overseas. He details his combat experiences, the realities of war, and his experiences in France. Sasaki also discusses…
Yasukochi talks about his involvement in the Lost Battalion campaign, saving the 36th Division, that had been stranded. He talks about stuffing shells full of supplies and shooting it over to them so that they had supplies as they awaited their…
Tojo discusses about going overseas and arriving in Italy. He details about his experiences inItaly and in combat. Tojo also discusses about the realities of war.
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…
Fukunaga discusses traveling from Hawaii to the mainland to go to Camp Shelby for basic training. He then talks about some of his duties during basic training, and his interactions with other soldiers. Next, Fukunaga retells stories he heard…
Okubo recalls December 7, 1941 and his high school graduation. After high school, he works in the hotel business and the Big Five before joining the military in May of 1942. He contributes attending Japanese Language School for 12 years helped him…
Okubo discusses basic training at Camp Savage, Fort Snelling and Camp Blanding. When Okubo receives a furlough, he goes to New York. In New York he goes sight seeing, and watches an ice skating show.
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…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
When the news of the war is over, Masato Yamashita hears that they might go to the Pacific, and soldiers from I Company sign up for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
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…
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,…
Sumio Frank Shimada was in the Regimental Reserves and carried the BAR. He recalls moving up to the combat zone, and on the side of the road, he saw blanket-covered bodies. Frank could not help but wonder who they were and who they left behind. Those…
Taba continues with his time after he had joined the Army. After taking a train to Mississippi, he would begin his basic training at Camp Shelby, learning to be an assistant machine gunner. While there, he would join the 100th Infantry Battalion and…
Sukeo "Skeets" Skeets recalls the saddest part of the war was seeing political prisoners' dead bodies. He never forgot the smell of the bodies. The American troops advanced to the 2nd Infantry Division; Skeets received orders from the CIC to form an…
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…
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…
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…
Following the end of the war and guarding prisoners in Europe, Sato would get his chance to return to the United States. He would first stop at Fort Myer, where he would be asked to march to the White House, as President Truman gave his famous…
Tsuda discusses meeting up with the 100th Infantry Battalion once arrived in Italy. He would be assigned to a rifle company, even though he was trained as a heavy weapons expert. After this, they would march to Anzio. While there, he would get his…
After the campaigns in Italy, Tsuda's unit would move into Southern France, where they would be involved in more combat, including a mortar barrage that wounded him with shrapnel into his hip. He would head to the hospital and stay there for a short…
Matsui discusses about his experiences surrounding forced removal, going back to Elko, Nevada, and being drafted. He details basic training and experiences before shipping off. Matsui also discusses about his combat experiences in Italy.
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…
After his language training, Kubo would be shipped overseas, first going to Angel Island near San Francisco, where they would prepare for the long journey ahead. They would head out on a 50-day boat ride to Brisbane, Australia, getting sick and…
At this point in the interview, Kubo is joined by his wife, Misao Kubo. They talk about their marriage and family background, Misao's career work as a designer and living in Boyle Heights. Next, they talk about the importance of passing on the…
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…
Hirayama discusses his experiences with combat and the Lost Battalion. He details about the Champagne Campaign. Hirayama also discusses about his experiences in Germany and visiting Dachau.
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…
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…
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…
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…
James Fujii felt the teachers were instrumental with the move to Nyssa. The teachers protected the Japanese Americans from discrimination. In 1944, James graduated high school. He recalls spending three and a half years in Nyssa during wartime.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mr. Kobashigawa describes a few battles he took part in including those in Belevedere and Cittavecchia. Throughout the video, Mr. Kobashigawa also mentions a few of the fellow soldiers he knew that were killed during battle. Other topics discussed…
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…
Yamamoto discusses about his combat experiences and his experiences in the service. He details about the Nisei units. Yamamoto also discusses about his post-war life,
Mr. Estes describes his life growing up in rural Georgia and his decision to join the military following the Pearl Harbor attack. Assigned as a mortarman, Estes moved up the ranks eventually becoming platoon sergeant. Estes was part of the Lost…
Seiso Kamishita describes finding German soldiers and about his court-martial case. He recalls the landing in Oran, Africa, and facing combat with F Combat for the very first time at the river crossing of the Volturno River. He describes his…
Seiso Kamishita talks about rejoining his company in the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) and being put in charge of the Special Police Platoon. He describes his combat experience in Anzio and Bruyeres, and witnessing the starving children in…
Takahashi discusses his experiences with discrimination and the officers he encountered. He details about his journey to Italy and his first experiences with combat. Takahashi also discusses about being sent to France and The Lost Battalion.
Kim discusses his experiences with winter and combat in Italy. He details about the structure of Headquarters Company. Kim also discusses the Battle of Cassino.
Kim finishes discussing the events that led to receiving the Distinguished Service Cross. He details about capturing the Lanuvio Pass. Kim also discusses the events after Rome.
Kim discusses the Battle for Hill A. He details about how the 100th Infantry Battalion relieved the 179th Infantry. Kim also discusses how he utilized tanks.
Kim finishes discussing the Battle of Hill A. He details about Chuck Feibleman the artillery liaison officer. Kim also discusses about the battle to take Hill C and the aftermath.
Hinatsu discusses the role he played in the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion as a Forward Observer for rifle companies . He details about his experiences at Bruyeres. Hinatsu also discusses the Champagne Campaign and the Rescue of the Lost Battalion.
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…
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)…
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…
Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura recalls the battle at the Yellow River with the Chinese soldiers and North Korean soldiers. There were many casualties on both sides.
On April 24, the Chinese assaulted Hershey's squad, and he gave orders for his men to…
