Hershey's wife, Terry, learned he was a POW in 1952 when the government released the names of the POWs. Hershey was allowed to write letters to Terry. However, the Chinese government censored the letters.

Hershey made friends at the POW camp. He learned to sing Japanese songs and Hiragana. To help pass the time, Hershey and other POWs discussed food shared recipes.

During the first month in camp, everyone went through interrogation and wrote an autobiography. The camp Hershey was at was also known as a reactionary camp. Hershey and the other POWs were given communist literature and had discussions.

Hershey learned they would be released. He recalls crossing the border and seeing the American flag. Hershey was in a state of shock because for a year and a half, he heard they would be going home, and now it was happening.

After leaving the POW camp, Hershey spent a week in Inchon, Korea, before going home. In Gallup, Hershey was surprised by a welcoming parade with dignitaries, jets, and the Gallup community.

After receiving the Medal of Honor, Hershey's life changed. Being a Medal of Honor recipient, Hershey felt his duty was to show the country his gratitude and what the medal represents. The recognition signifies the millions of soldiers that survived and died for their service.

Post-war, Hershey worked a few jobs before working at a service station for 25 years. Terry has three children (two sons and one daughter) and four grandchildren. Hershey and Terry's children and grandchildren are doing well and are healthy.

Hershey wants to share with the future generations about voting and learning about the Korean War history. For the recipients who were upgraded to the Medal of Honor, Hershey felt it was too late, but it is better than not getting the recognition they deserve. All these men deserve citations and awards for their accomplishments.



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Miyamura, Hiroshi "Hershey"; narrator]]> Yamazaki, Christine; interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center; publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2004-07-24]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]>

On April 24, the Chinese assaulted Hershey's squad, and he gave orders for his men to withdraw. Hershey covered for his men to escape. He was wounded and captured by the Chinese soldiers. At the POW camp, Hershey describes the living conditions he endured for 27 and a half months. He did not get proper nourishment, medical attention, and warm clothing. To avoid wood cutting detail, Hershey became the barber in camp.

In 1952 the peace talks started, and the names of the POWs were released. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War. The Medal of Honor changed many aspects of Hershey's life, and he spoke at many events. As a fellow American of Japanese ancestry, Japanese Americans are just as dedicated to the United States as any other American. Hershey felt the training and his fellow soldiers helped him, but there was a higher being that guided him through the war experience.

Hershey was not religious when his mother passed away. However, he returned to his faith and religion helped Hershey get through his war experience, POW life, and post-war.



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Miyamura, Hiroshi "Hershey"; narrator]]> Yamazaki, Christine; interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center; publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2004-07-24]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]>

Shigeo's advice for future generations is to vote and voice your opinions to politicians. Be a good citizen, and respect your country. We need to honor those who are killed in the war for our freedom. ]]>
Iwamasa, Shigeo: narrator]]> Leivich, Joanne: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

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 post-war life.

The USO and V-mail bring high morale to the troops during wartime. Ray and Julian both agree that V-mail is an important aspect of the soldiers' morale. Ray says V-mail is like a piece of their home. There are not many opportunities to write correspondences if you are on the frontline. If you are in the hospital, you have more of a chance to write letters. If you are injured, the Red Cross can assist you with your correspondence(s).

When Ray is in the hospital, he recalls helping another soldier write his correspondence. Both Ray and Julian receive correspondence from their mother while overseas. Ray and Julian say there is censorship when you write your correspondences. You are limited in what you can say.

Both Ray and Julian discuss their homecoming to the mainland. After World War Two, Julian pursues his law degree and starts his practice. Julian remains active in the Military and retires as a Colonel JAG Officer. As for Ray, he goes to Okinawa, Japan, and the Korean War. Moreover, each man becomes a father and have grandchildren.]]>
Wells, Ray: narrator]]> Quayles, Julian: narrator]]> Horsting, Robert: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

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 post-war life.

The USO and V-mail bring high morale to the troops during wartime. Ray and Julian both agree that V-mail is an important aspect of the soldiers' morale. Ray says V-mail is like a piece of their home. There are not many opportunities to write correspondences if you are on the frontline. If you are in the hospital, you have more of a chance to write letters. If you are injured, the Red Cross can assist you with your correspondence(s).

When Ray is in the hospital, he recalls helping another soldier write his correspondence. Both Ray and Julian receive correspondence from their mother while overseas. Ray and Julian say there is censorship when you write your correspondences. You are limited in what you can say.

Both Ray and Julian discuss their homecoming to the mainland. After World War Two, Julian pursues his law degree and starts his practice. Julian remains active in the Military and retires as a Colonel JAG Officer. As for Ray, he goes to Okinawa, Japan, and the Korean War. Moreover, each man becomes a father and has grandchildren.]]>
Quayles, Julian: narrator]]> Wells, Ray: narrator]]> Horsting, Robert: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>
World War II--Awards, medals]]> World War II--Italy]]> World War II--Veteran history]]> Matsumura, Fred: narrator]]> Amano, Iris: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2003 January 25]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Torrance, California ]]> World War II--Asiatic-Pacific Theater --Philippine Islands]]> World War II--Military service--Military Intelligence Service]]> Allied Occupation of Japan]]> Hashisaka, Norman: narrator]]> Nakaishi, Russell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 1999 September 27]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Hawaii]]> Identity and values--Family]]> Military service--Veteran history]]> World War II--Music and the war]]> Yokote, Shigeo: narrator]]> Nakaishi, Russell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2004 March 20]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Rancho Cordova, California ]]> World War II--Casualties]]> World War II--European Theater--Po Valley Campaign]]> World War II--Military service--100th Infantry Battalion (Separate)]]> Tahara, Nash: narrator]]> Kunitomi, Darrell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2004 February 29]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> World War II--Military service--Military Intelligence Service--documents, translation of]]> World War II--Prisoners and prisons--Interrogation]]> World War II--Psychological aspects--War neuroses]]> World War II--China-Burma-India Theater--Central Burma Campaign]]> Industry and employment]]> Identity and values--Family]]> Harano, Samuel: narrator]]> Tsukiyama, Ted: interviewer]]> Hamasu, Edgar: interviewer]]> Military Intelligence Service Veterans Club of Hawaii: publisher]]> Military Intelligence Service Veterans Club of Hawaii]]> circa April 2005]]> eng]]> cpe]]> Oral Histories]]> Mililani, Hawaii]]>