Susumu Sarae oral history interview, part 2 of 4, October 23, 2005

In November 1944, Susumu Sarae receives his draft notice. He goes to the replacement depot, where is his indoctrinated into service. From the replacement depot, he goes to Schofield Air Force Base, Hickam Air Force Base, and Fort Kamehameha before going to Guadalcanal to the Pacific Theater.

He recalls his first duties in Okinawa, Japan, is to search the beach for dead bodies. He describes the reactions of the local civilians and the treatment he receives from them as a Japanese American soldier. In the beginning, there is a disconnect in the language because Susumu speaks Hawaiian Japanese. Gradually, he learns to speak the Okinawan language.

Susumu is part of three uniforms. The Army, the Naval Intelligence, and the First Marine Division. Overseas, Susumu receives a promotion from private to lieutenant. As an interpreter, Susumu did not work on the translations. He credits the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) for the translations.

2005OH0627_02_Sarae

1923 Aug 02