Susumu Sarae oral history interview, part 2 of 4, October 23, 2005
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Description
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.
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.
Identifier
2005OH0627_02_Sarae
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Date of Birth
1923 Aug 02
Location of Birth
War or Conflict
Branch of Service
Entrance into Service
Nickname
Location of Basic Training
Unit of Service
Campaigns/Battles
Citation
Sarae, Susumu: narrator, Tsukano, Lloyd: interviewer, and Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher, “Susumu Sarae oral history interview, part 2 of 4, October 23, 2005,” Japanese American Military History Collective, accessed November 21, 2024, https://ndajams.omeka.net/items/show/1051746.