Konoshima discusses the reasons for attending University of Wisconsin after the camps and his sister also attending. Next, he speaks about the effects of being born in Japan and not having the same rights that even Japanese Americans had, such as…
A. Takahashi discusses his experiences in the European Theater. He talks about the Champagne Campaign and other assignments. He shares anecdotes regarding: his brother's military service; cooking chicken and rabbitts; and close calls on the…
Arakaki discusses more about being wounded in action five separate times and refusing the Purple Heart medal. He talks the various situations in which he was wounded and would end up in the hospital all five times. During his last wound, he would be…
Kitagawa talks about his life after high school, graduating and then working on the farm. During this time, two of his brothers would be drafted into the Army, one being part of the 45th Infantry and the other in the 442nd Regiment. Next, he talks…
Kitagawa discusses his unit, the teamwork that made them bond and the toughness of losing a friend in the war. He talks a bit more about Camp Shelby, including the weather, before talking about his shipment to Italy. Once arrived, he would…
Oda discusses his time in Europe and the experiences he had while there. He discusses the religions he grew up with and being a boy scout for a short time and how that taught him to give respect to elders. Next, he talks about the things that were…
Ozaki talks about his correspondence with other members of the Army and supporting their legacies. Next, he speaks about his projects, rebuilding his in-laws home on an island, and being able to rebuild his own home later. After this, he speaks about…
Saiki discusses more about his childhood years, including festivals where the local children would be able to try sumo wrestling and win prizes. He would attend Kauai High School and talks about his whereabouts during the Pearl Harbor attacks. His…
Saiki discusses the senninbari belt that his mother made for him as he was being inducted into the Army. He also talks about his time before the war, including Camp Shelby and meeting Earl Finch. Next, he talks about the values that he learned as a…
Charley discusses the opportunity to visits, Jerome and Rohwer. When traveling to New York after the war, he meets a mutual friend of Eva's who he corresponds with during wartime. During wartime, he describes how the soldiers' shower on the…
Chiye (Hayashi) Watanabe, Seiichi Nakawatase, and Henry Hayashi recall celebrating New Year during their childhood. The families would get together and make mochi. New Year is like a social event.
Henry M. Hayashi discusses his time at Fort Sheridan and Camp Shelby before going overseas. Joe is also at Fort Sheridan and Camp Shelby with Henry. Henry grows up in Los Angeles, CA, where there is diversity, and everyone gets along. When Henry goes…
Chiye Hayashi Watanabe, Henry M. Hayashi, and Seiichi Nakawatase discuss the Medal of Honor and the process of getting Joe nominated. The process with the War Department takes several years until Joe is approved.
Clarence "Matt" Matsumoto discusses basic training and learning about relocation camps. Training with K Company is rough because it is day and night training. He recalls going overseas takes over a month and lands in Italy. On the journey overseas,…
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…
Dr. Coolidge Shiro Wakai was part of the 100th Company B. He was born December 2, 1925, in Kappa, Kauai, Hawaii. Coolidge's father was a missionary for Japanese Immigrants and established the first Christian church in Kappa, Kauai. Coolidge has six…
Hamada discusses more about basic training. Hamada details about volunteering for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Hamada discusses the specialized training he received from OSS.
Don discusses his last duties towards the end of the war are marching and holding positions. Don mentions the dangers of minefields and German Schu-mines. Two weeks after the Gothic Line breaks, he recalls encountering friendly fire and witnessing…
Edward Fujii's interview is with his wife, Aya Fujii.
When Edward Fujii receives his draft notice, he reports to Fort Dix, Utah, for his induction into the Army and then goes to Camp Fannin, TX, for basic training.
Nakamura continues his recollection of his time visiting Hiroshima and how the Japanese there were very welcoming to him. Next, he speaks about his discharge from the Army and staying in Tokyo to work as a civilian. He first joined the Civil…
Konno talks about combat experiences in France including his military assignment, digging foxholes, friendships with soldiers, and firing a rifle. He then talks about the differences between a machine gun and rifle; discusses German weapons; and…
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…
Shiosaki discusses his family's correspondence with relatives in Japan prior to World War Two; talks about celebrating New Years and the food; discusses learning Japanese values; and talks about attending Japanese language school. He then talks about…
Shiosaki talks about the reasons why he volunteered as well as his father's thoughts and reactions to his volunteering. He then talks about reporting to Fort Douglas; traveling to Camp Shelby in Mississippi; and witnessing segregation and the…
Shiosaki talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion; discusses a fellow soldier who was killed in action; talks about the aftermath of the Lost Battalion rescue; and describes a tree burst. He then talks about getting pulled off the line after the…
Fujimoto begins his interview with a short introduction of himself and speaking about his family background. He would grow up in southern California on various farms that his father would work on. Unfortunately, his father would pass away at a young…
Kobayashi talks about his assignment censoring letters while at Camp Stoneman and then being sent overseas to Japan where he was assigned to translate documents. While in Japan Kobayashi also taught English, visited relatives, went on sightseeing…
George Mitsuru Matsunaga was born on May 28, 1925, in Wailuku, Maui. George had many positive influences that shaped him during his informal educational years. At home, his parents taught him filial piety and to study hard. In English school and…
Miyashiro discusses his combat experiences at Biffontaine, and talks about his experiences after he was captured by the German soldiers and taken as a POW. He then talks about his experiences in the prison camp and getting liberated by American…
Miyashiro discusses one of his good childhood friends, [Mitchell] and talks about their wartime experiences together in France and Italy. He then talks about his family members including discussing his in-laws and a contest where his father-in-law…
Muramaru discusses his training and experiences as a telephone wireman, traveling overseas to Italy, and the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about corresponding with his family while overseas, discusses going to…
Miyamoto describes the term, “million dollar wound”; talks about treating civilians in Bruyeres and treating wounded Germans; and his experiences in forests in France. He then provides some thoughts about the Lost Battalion rescue; discusses medical…
Nakabe talks about his duties being in charge of meal tickets on the train while traveling to Camp Shelby; discusses 'Axis Sally; and talks about segregation at Camp Carson and in the Southern United States. He then talks about the relationship…
Tanaka discusses his Nisei Father being born in Hawaii, His father is drafted in 1918 for World War One and when he finishes his basic training, the war has ended. Post-war, his Father works for Sunrise Soda company as a truck driver until his…
Tanaka discusses taking a furlough to Sydney before going to the Philippines. Tanaka is diagnosis with tuberculosis. He then is sent back to the mainland to Denver for treatment and then back to Hawaii for discharge.
Sakaji discusses his encounters with French civilians; talks about the black market trade; and discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign. He then talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion and General Dahlquist; discusses General Mark…
Henry Gary Shiota is 19 years old when he is inducted into the Army. Then Gary goes to Camp Maxey, TX, with 25 other Nisei. Gary learns the war is over during his third week at basic training. After eight weeks of basic training, Gary goes to Camp…
Takahashi discusses his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor; as he was already in the Army, he would get the news at Camp San Luis Obispo and commanded to carry live ammunition while in the camp. He would try to become a cook, but was…
Kono reads a poem he wrote and sent to his niece while overseas; discusses his experiences going to New York during rest and relaxation (R&R); and talks about his Military Intelligence Service (MIS) assignment after training. He then talks about…
Suehiro continues talking about his experiences during the attacks on Pearl Harbor and afterwards, including facing discrimination and seeing the Varsity Victory Volunteers at the University of Hawaii. Hearing about the 100th/442nd forming, Suehiro…
Hitoshi G. Sameshima discusses his training to be an interrogator at Fort Snelling. After completing his training, he goes to Fort Spellman and goes overseas to the Philippines. Hitoshi stays in Manila and Luzon to interview the Prisoners of War for…
Hitoshi G. Sameshima describes the process of the war crime trials in Japan. Hitoshi feels the good interpreters are the ones who have been to college in Japan and the United States. Some interpreters and instructors are Kibei. Hitoshi recalls a…
While recovering from his wound, Tsuji would be given a 45 day furlough, in which he originally wanted to go back home to Hawaii, however, after talking with officers, he decided upon traveling and seeing Chicago and New York and when he returned, he…
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…
Doi discusses corresponding with his wife while he was in Japan; talks about his first impressions of Japan; and discusses some of his experiences with Japanese citizens. He then talks about his involvement with the Civil Information and Education…
James Murata described his war experience as embittered and prideful. He discusses the consequences of human beings’ actions. He believed the Nisei served their country with loyalty and honor during World War Two. James does not think about…
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…
Janet Brown Hardwick and Susan Hardwick come from a family of men who serves their country. Their great-grandfather serves in the Civil War, and their father, Bill Hardwick, is part of the 36th Infantry Regiment during World War Two. Following their…
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…
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…
Yamada begins the interview talking about his family and how they came to move from Hiroshima to Los Angeles. His father would work as a flower farmer while Kazuhiko and his siblings attended english and Japanese school. He would attend Gardena High…
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…
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…
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.
Sato talks about his health and the surgery that he had and the emotions that he has had because of it, which is much different than the Japanese culture he grew up knowing. Next, he talks about being drafted into the Army and being sent to…
Sato talks more about his marriage background and what he did after business school at the University of Washington. He would begin his career with the Seattle School District, first becoming a high school teacher and then later becoming a vice…
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.…
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…
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.…
Iwasaki talks about the end of the war and returning to the United States where he participated in a parade in New York. He then talks about corresponding with his wife while overseas, and discusses seeing his daughter prior to going overseas. Next,…
Sakoda discusses the reason why he didn't go to Anzio with the 100th Infantry Battalion, his experiences in Vosges Forest among German soldiers, and the censorship that was required for correspondence with his family back in Hawaii. He also talks…
Sakai discusses combat experiences during the Gothic Line including talking about the rescue of Daniel Inouye after he was wounded. Then, Sakai and Teruya describe German soldiers; discuss the end of the war; and talk about corresponding with their…
Leo Morishita is born December 24, 1923, in Shelley, Idaho. Leo's parents are from Hiroshima, Japan, and immigrates to the United States for a better life. When Leo's father arrives in the United States, he works on the railroad and later becomes a…
Kondo addresses this letter to his sister Misa and her husband, Hal Hoshino. He writes about how much he enjoyed his journey aboard a ship, and requests that their family continue to write to him.
Lillian Matsudaira describes life before the war and remembers how her mother would make Udon. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, a curfew is in effect for Japanese Americans to return home early. Lillian also speaks about differentiating between…
In this interview segment, Mr. Mac Nagata describes translating Japanese correspondence, his time spent in New Caledonia, the Guadalcanal Offensive, and translating Japanese code books. Then, he recalls interrogating Japanese P.O.W.s, fighting…
After arriving in Germany, Sakamoto would begin his time with occupational forces, where he would end up going to clerical school, being a typist in Heidelberg. After this, he talks about meeting his wife, while working as a typist. They would court…
Oshita talks about the sports she was involved with and the recreational activities during her childhood, where she was intrigued with basketball and swimming and her family would have picnics to "talk stories". She would also correspond with her…
Oshita continues talking about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Although not seeing any direct discrimination, she talks about the FBI taking many of the Japanese and her future husband George deciding to volunteer for the Army. They would get engaged…
While George was overseas, Margaret would often visit with her in-laws, which became a good emotional support while George was gone. After this she talks about the end of the war, and George returning to Hawaii. She also talks about a change in her…
Oda discusses her experiences in Manzanar Concentration Camp. She describes the living conditions, the food, and the work she did. She also talks about how her college friends reacted to her incarceration. She shares anecdotes regarding: enrolling in…
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…
Masatatsu "Mas" Yonemura discusses having a lot of support despite facing discrimination. At Camp Savage, Yonemura is on the bull gang for eight or ten days until getting into Language School. He studies hard and is class 13. Yonemura says the…
Masatatsu "Mas" Yonemura discusses the Battle of Solomon Sea and gets promoted to team leader in the translation group. He receives the Bronze Star for his service.
Yonemura is with Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS) from October…
Inouye discusses General Ridgway; talks about his experiences an an interpreter; and discusses his desire to join the foreign service. He then talks about his post-war military service experiences; receiving the Legion of Merit; and discusses the…
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,…
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…
Minori Sueda talks about his family and early life growing up in Redondo Beach and Torrance, California. He also talks about feeling like a second class citizen as a Japanese-American and his high school experience.
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…
Minoru "Minor" Miyasaki was born March 18, 1925. Minoru's father immigrated from Japan to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantation. Later, he moved to California to sharecrop strawberries and vegetables. Minoru lost his mother at an early age, and his…
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…
Fujikawa continues talking about the surrender ceremony that he was on a committee for. He talks about what it was like being on the HMS Victory during the ceremony and what his duties were during that time.
Tahara discusses the casualties that the regiment experienced, including one of his closest friends and how the regiment was able to keep it's morale high despite heavy casualties. Next, he discusses the his free time in Nice, and the Champagne…
Takashima talks about his correspondence with his family while he was overseas and finding them once he was back in the United States. After discharge in California, he meets with his brother and begins courses at Los Angeles City College before…
Hashisaka talks about his assignment in the Philippines with the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section, capturing documents and translating them. He talks about one of the diaries that he has and the contents of it. He also talks about the…
Hagiwara continues talking about his experience in the National Guard and the times leading up to Pearl Harbor, as they worried more about Russia invading than Japan. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing…
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…
Paul Takeo Bannai is born July 4, 1920, in Delta, Colorado. Paul explains the meaning of this name. Paul grows up in Utah and Colorado before moving to Boyle Heights, CA.
On December 7, Paul hears about the Pearl Harbor attack, and he reports to…
During wartime, Paul Takao Bannai receives correspondence from family and people he meets. Letters from his family wanting him to return home safely and reunite with the family. There are letters from his Army friends in Australia acknowledging his…
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…
Ray Wells's interview is combined with Julian Quayles.
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…
Kimura discusses his brothers that were also serving in the Army, one of which would be wounded at the Lost Battalion campaign. He also talks about correspondence with his family and what it was like to be on the front lines. He talks more about his…
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…
Sato discusses his family and remembering December 7, 1941. He reflects on his early Army experiences and training. Sato also discusses his experiences in Europe.
Sato begins this portion of the interview by looking through a couple of pictures, and then speaks about his shipment overseas, which took around 11 days in a convoy. When arriving in France, the weather would be cold, having snow on the ground 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.
Yokote has an in depth discussion on his family's time in the American concentration camps. As he was angry about the way Japanese Americans were being treated, he at first refused to visit his family while at the Tule Lake concentration camp. His…
Falk discusses the transportation system in Tokyo including coal fueled cars and trains; and discusses his interrogation work in Japan processing intel. He then talks about the possible threat of Communism; corresponding with his family while in…
