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)…
Kim discusses his experiences in the Korean War. He details about his military career and the unbreakable bonds he formed. Kim also discusses what makes a leader.
George Suzuki was born on April 6, 1922, in Astoria, OR. He went to Fort Snelling for Military Intelligence Service Language School. n May 1945, he completed training and was assigned to the Philippines for guard duty. When Japan surrendered in…
Fujii talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He describes his lifelong friendships. He discusses his penmanship. He explains how his family prepared their property for their forced removal. He talks about resuming his education…
Ray Gerald Shiiki is born January 7, 1927, in Gresham, Oregon. Ray's parents are from Koga, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. They settled in Oregon. He has three sisters and one brother.
Dan Uchimoto explains the meaning of his last name "Uchimoto" in Japanese. In Japan, "Uchimoto" means original home. "Uchi" means a kind of home, "Moto" means original home or basic home. Besides farming, Dan's parents have two additional businesses.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Seichi Sakaida serves with the 442nd in K Company. He is born July 9, 1922, in Ookala, HI. At a young age, his family moves to Molokai, and he grows up on the plantations. Seichi's parents are from Yamaguchi Kan prefecture in Japan and his mother is…
Kubota discusses his prefecture origin and his Issei parents coming to Hawaii from Japan. Kubota's Father is contact to work in Hawaii for a few months but ends up staying longer to pay off his Brother's debt. Kubota recalls his childhood and his…
Matsumura discusses the friendships he made in the field during the War - one friend who was killed in action towards the end of the War, and another who he remained friends with for decades. He then lists the numerous decorations and medals he…
Lillian Aiko Inouye Matsudaira is born June 8, 1925, in Seattle, Washington. Her parents are from Senkaku, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. Lillian's father goes to school to learn English and open a restaurant in 1925. The restaurant…
Oda discusses her experiences traveling to Hattiesburg and her experiences once there. She then talks about men at Minidoka Incarceration Camp volunteering for the Army, correspondence with her mother while she was incarcerated at Minidoka; and…
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…
Miyamoto talks about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team 50th reunion G Company reception; and shares some thoughts regarding the 442nd. He then provides a message to future generations regarding education and ethics; and talks about childhood values he…
During the Military occupation in Japan, Tommy Mayekawa works for the Third Military Railway Service Headquarters as an interpreter. He guards the trains to make sure they are not pilferage.
Living in Yokohama, Japan, Tommy does not encounter…
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).
Ichigi Robert Kashiwagi talks about what happened after the Bruyeres-Biffontaine campaign. He discusses the Lost Battalion. He talks about his injury and subsequent hospitalization. He describes his friendship with an Englishman. He describes his…
Nishibayashi continues his recollection of his language training at Presidio and his thoughts about what to expect in an occupation. While shipping to Yokohama, he would enjoy a furlough in Hawaii before getting into Japan to begin his time there.…
T. Ono talks about the locals he, and other Nisei soldiers, befriended while stationed at Camp McCoy. He also discusses a confidential military project, Camp Island Project, that he and other Nisei soldiers participated in. In addition he shares…
Hisatomi continues to talks about his involvement in sports tournaments. He explains how he helped his father mechanize their family farm. He talks about a farmers association and a non-profit association that he helped create. He continues to talk…
Hisatomi briefly describes his birthplace. He describes his mother and father. He talks about his siblings and his childhood home. He discusses his knowledge of the Japanese language. He talks about his household chores and his religious background.…
Hozaki talks about his induction. He also talks about his wife and children. He discusses his education. He describes his employment before his military service. He talks about his physical exam for his enlistment. He discusses his experiences at…
Miyake continues to discuss military reunions. He talks about his friends that died during combat. He continues to discuss his wife and their return to California. He describes his life in Denver, Colorado and how he adjusted to civilian life.…
Miyake talks about his childhood in Venice, California. He shares his memories of World War One. He explains how he got his nickname. He describes his father, mother, and siblings. He talks about his father's profession. Miyake discusses high school.…
Arakaki provides an explanation of the meaning of Nisei and Issei, and discusses his parents immigrating from Okinawa to Hawaii, where they worked on a plantation. He then talks about his upbringing-discussing discipline and household chores,…
Hada discusses his relationship with Spark Matsunaga, receiving the Silver Star medal, and what it was like being out on the ridge alone during his forward observer assignment. He then talks about getting trench foot and being sent to a hospital in…
Suzuki describes a visit with Pete's family to explain how Pete died. He talks about his college studies and his employment ventures after college. He explains how he met his wife. He discusses his children and grandchildren. He describes his first…
Mori explains how his parents immigrated to America. He describes his earliest memories. He talks about his family's farming background and his primary school experiences. Mori discusses his families frequent moves. He explains childhood conceptions…
Sugimoto talks about his birthplace in Yuma, Arizona. He shares his parents backstories. He explains how his father immigrated to the United States. He describes his parents marriage. He discusses his siblings. He talks about high school. He…
Inoshita talks about his Caucasian friends who offered support during the forced removal process. He describes the living conditions at Tulare Temporary Detention Center. He describes the propaganda surrounding the forced removal of Japanese…
Nishikubo talks about his time at Camp Blanding, including getting passes into town, his experiences with discrimination, and basic training duties. He then talks about getting his assignment to go overseas and traveling to Europe, discusses a friend…
Kobayashi talks about his assignment translating documents in Japan, and his involvement with city government including being a manager for city council member Ken Nakaoka; and working as a fish and game manager and as a treasurer. He then talks…
Katagiri talks about his interest and employment in aviation including discussing building model airplanes while in Tule Lake Concentration Camp. He also talks about learning how to fly an airplane while working for Boeing, joining a sailplane club,…
Katagiri discusses a story about his birth; and talks about his father including discussing his employment and immigration from Japan. He then talks about his childhood in Kent, Washington and discusses his experiences growing up within a Japanese…
Oshiro shares his parents immigration story. He talks about his siblings. He discusses his birthplace and his childhood community. He shares his earliest memories. He talks about his family's farm work on a plantation. Oshiro describes what he did in…
Howard Hiroki continues to talk about his high school experiences. He describes his time in Japanese language school. He discusses his studies at the University of Hawaii. He reflects on courting his wife. Hiroki explains how he paid for college. He…
Kaneshige discusses his prefecture origin and when his parents came to Hawaii. Kaneshige discusses about his siblings and growing up on Sugar Cane plantation. He also details about his childhood and educational experiences.
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…
Robinson Jr. explains why he shot a civilian. He describes his experiences in Le Havre, France. He discusses his gambling. He talks about his return to the United States. He describes a lifelong friendship. He explains how he reconnected with his…
Robinson Jr. describes tree burst. He continues to talk about his capture by German forces. He discusses his interactions with civilians. He describes his relationships with guards. He talks about the Munich Prisoner of War Camp where he was…
Misaka discusses December 7, 1941 and the aftermath after Pearl Harbor. When the war happens, Misaka focuses on school and plays sports. He recalls his game in New York and Kansas for the NCAA. Misaka remembers when he receives the draft notice to…
Oye discusses his first landing in Civitavecchia and the first combat that he saw during the war. He talks about the team that he was with and how they were commanded to put their weapons aside and become litter-bearers to help the medics out. Next,…
Urata talks about the languages that were spoken in his family home and the lessons he learned from his parents. He describes the racial makeup of his community. Urata describes his experiences in primary school, Japanese language school, and high…
Unoura continues to talk about his multicultural extended family. He briefly talks about his high school experiences. He list the people that he knew in his youth that he is still in contact with. He shares additional memories he has about his time…
Unoura talks about his friendships with the other men in his unit. He also talks about what some of those men did after World War Two. He shares his memories of Germany, including his guard work. Unoura discuses being discharged. He describes his…
Isamu "Sam" Saito discusses his friends' and parents' reactions after Pearl Harbor. One evening after the attack, Sam's parents burned items connected with Japan.
When Executive Order 9066 (EO9066) was announced, Sam's family prepared for…
Oshiro discusses Japanese language school and Japanese cultural values. He revisits the topic of leisure time and he describes his community. He explains the role of Pidgin English in his early life. Oshiro also describes his grandfather and other…
Taketa continued to talk about his family's forced removal and Tule Lake. He discusses employment options at Tule Lake. He talks about the loyalty questionnaire and volunteering for military service. Taketa shares his experiences with discrimination.…
Taketa discusses a meeting he had with a reporter and other MIS veterans. He describes his family homes. He talks about his favorite foods when he was a child. He describes his mother's family and her personality. Taketa discusses his religious…
Furukawa describes his childhood extracurricular activities. He talks about spending time with an Italian family. He discusses the entertainment that he enjoyed as a child. He describes his family's relationship with Japan and his Japanese American…
Sam Furukawa describes his parents relationship. He recalls the death of his sibling. He talks about his family's farming activities. Furukawa describes his family home and Japanese language school. He discusses his friendships and his experiences…
Kashiki discusses a friendship, provides an explanation of a proximity fuze and other explosive devices, discusses traveling with the unit at night; and talks about German weapons and equipment. Kashiki also talks about combat experiences and terrain…
Hibino explains how his parents and grandparents immigrated to the United States. He briefly talks about his aunt. He describes the influence of his grandparents. He discusses his relationship with his brother. He shares his brothers life story. He…
Kawagoye discusses his parents including his father's employment and death; and his mother's remarriage. He then talks about his childhood chores; siblings; attending high school; childhood friendships; and some of his post high school employment…
Yano discusses his prefecture origin and familial description. Yano grows up in a rural community in Canada. As a young child his parents divorce and Yano and his brothers live with their father. He describes his childhood activities, daily routines,…
Goto provides an overview of a headquarters company and all the various platoons that it is made up of. He describes his duties within the headquarters platoon, including following the battalion's executive officer. He also talks about what he…
Suyama explains how he got his name. He talks about his father's early life. He describes his father's work on the railroad. He talks about his father's knowledge of languages. He talks about his father's educational background. He shares memories of…
Saito discusses the living conditions at Poston Concentration Camp as well as talking about other incarcerees, friendships, wildlife, recreational activities, employment, food, guards, and dances there. Next, Saito discusses the conflict between…
Saito discusses his parents and his father’s reasons for moving to the United States; as well as his father's employment. He then talks about growing up in Los Angeles; discusses his brother; and talks about his neighborhood growing up. Next, Saito…
Post-war, James returns to the United States and goes to trade school on a G.I. Bill. James learns to bake and becomes a baker for five years. Eventually, he changes professions and goes into produce because the job is stable with union pay.…
Yenari discusses his Issei Father immigrating to the United States and working in the saw mill. Yenari recalls his Father as a quiet man and enjoys raising flowers. Yenari' s Mother is religious and he would help her in the kitchen and with house…
Lawrence Yatsu gives advice to veterans who are contemplating sitting for a oral history interview. He also gives more advice to the next generation. Yatsu explains the affect of his war time injury on his psyche. He contrast his intellectual nature…
Yatsu continues to talk about the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He also describes a friendship that he made in the military. He explores his forced removal experiences. Yatsu talks about the time that he spent at Poston Concentration Camp. He discuss…
Yatsu describes his parents and his experiences in school. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discuss the role of religion in his upbringing. He describes what Upland and Pasadena were like when he was young. He briefly…
Ota talks about his friendship with a mainland Japanese American while at Jerome Concentration Camp, interactions with German POWs, a story regarding finding Italian money while overseas; and experiences at Camp Shelby and in Mississippi including…
Barney Hajiro recalls the locals of Bruyeres and Biffontaine were friendly and nice. However, they were confused to see Japanese Americans in an American Army uniform. Barney was in M Company then transferred to I Company. The guys in I Company were…
Akamine revisits the topic of basic training. He describes racial divisions within B company. He elaborates on the first assignments that he had while overseas. He describes how B company eventually bonded. Akamine talks about how he communicated…
Ken Tamura discusses his watch store and sharing his war experience with his customers who will listen. Ken recollects one customer who will not acknowledge the contribution of the Nisei during World War Two.
Ken Tamura discusses his childhood friend Woody and their friendship. The Tamura family sells their farm in Oklahoma and moves to Japan. Before arriving in Japan, the Tamura family visits California and Hawaii.
Teraoka talks about his experiences with segregation in the south; and life at Camp Shelby including discussing his mentors, the barracks, the weather, and food. He then talks about how he got his nickname, provides an explanation of the word katonk,…
Hashimoto recalls a story about Sadao "Spud" Munemori, then briefly discusses the Asiatic Campaign, which he was not a part of. He then talks about getting discharged, traveling back to the United States, and moving to Chicago. In Chicago, Hashimoto…
Izumigawa describes a close call in combat and talks about getting wounded. He then discusses his hospital stay and talks about his assignment in Northern Italy after rejoining his unit. Next, he talks about his combat experiences at the Gothic Line.…
Morimoto describes the time that he tripped on a booby trap and was injured, and his comrades' experiences gambling in Monte Carlo. He also talks about going to the hospital due to his trench foot condition which caused him to get reclassified as…
Shimomura discusses his family's business in Japan; commuting to school; and talks about his childhood including discussing his neighborhood, friendships, recreational activities, and playing sports. Next, Shimomura talks about speaking both English…
Suzuki discusses his childhood and living in California. He details about his family and social activities. Suzuki also discusses about his educational experiences.
Mukai talks about his early life in Kingston, Washington. He talks about his mother, father, and siblings. He discusses his childhood friendships and his religious upbringing. He describes his family home and holidays. Mukai talks about his…
Yamada discusses Executive Order 9066 and its effect on Japanese Americans; talks about his experiences working as a railroad laborer; discusses witnessing incarcerees traveling to Heart Mountain; and talks about his thoughts on loyalty. Next, Yamada…
Nishimura describes F Company reunions. He briefly talks about the F Company motto. He discusses his friendships. Nishimura tells a joke. He explains how he met his wife. He describes what it is like to live with his adult children. He talks about…
Kishaba discusses, patrols, war stories, and bath time. He discusses about leaving Italy and going to France. Kishaba discusses about his best friend getting injured in combat and passes away.
Sumida discusses the experiences of a Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) soldier in the 187th Infantry Battalion in Korea; talks about the loyalty questionnaire he took in Rohwer incarceration camp and getting drafted; and discusses working as a…
Nakabe discusses his friendships with fellow soldiers; talks about combat experiences; and discusses his experiences in Bruyeres. He then talks about his hospital stay after getting wounded; discusses the Maginot Line and guard duty assignment; and…
Isonaga discusses his parents, siblings, recreational activities while growing up in Kauai, and his family’s grocery store business. He also talks about learning Hawaiian culture in elementary school, attending Japanese language school, religion, and…
Akira Otani and the interviewers introduce themselves. Otani shares his parent's backstories. He talks about what his father did for work. He describes his father's personality. He discusses Kakaako, Hawaii. He lists his siblings. He describes his…
Masuda discusses more about his time on Tinian. He also discusses about his knowledge and thoughts about the atomic bombings. Masuda details about his life after leaving the army.
Kurasaki explains his journey back to Hawaii. He describes a trip to Reno, Nevada. He talks about his KP duties while stationed in the United States. He discusses reuniting with his family. He explains why he doesn’t share his war stories with his…
Iwasaki talks about duties in communications such as laying down wires, and being a courier to deliver documents between the company and the battalion. He then talks about the potential dangers of being in communications; discusses his commanding…
Murakami talks about his relationships with his grandchildren. He also discusses his relationships with Hawaiian soldiers during World War Two. He shares his thoughts on wars after World War Two.
Murakami continues to talk about his injury. He explains how he felt about serving in the military while Japanese Americans were being mistreated. He briefly explains the legacy of the Nisei. He describes his first combat experience. He continues to…
Ikeguchi discusses the treatment of Japanese POWs; describes the term "comfort women"; and talks about his experiences during his interrogation assignment. He then talks about his interactions with Japanese POWs; discusses casualties of war; and…
Tokashiki talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses his employment opportunities after World War Two. He talks about his final working years and his retirement. He reveals he participates in a veterans club. He describes the values his…
Sakoda discusses his family and life growing up in Waimea, (Kauai) Hawaii, including the time he spent living on a sugar cane plantation, and becoming a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). He also talks about his whereabouts during the attack…
Ota discusses his father and grandparents, including talking about his grandfather working on a citrus farm. He then talks about religion and going to temple, and attending Obon Festivals. When Ota was a child, his family moved to Japan and he talks…
Kodama discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign and the medals he received. He details about returning back to Hawaii, finding employment, and meeting his wife. Kodama also discusses about what he learned from the war, revisiting…
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…
Yoshii talks about the celebrities that visited injured soldiers in his hospital during the war. He continues to discuss his recovery time in the hospital. Yoshii describes how he reunited with his family and settled into the Bay Area. He explains…
