Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura oral history interview, part 5 of 5, July 24, 2004
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Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura said during his POW camp experience, he had a positive outlook and had something to look forward to at home that helped him survive.
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.
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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video/m4v
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Date
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2004OH0471_05_Miyamura
Citation
Miyamura, Hiroshi "Hershey"; narrator, Yamazaki, Christine; interviewer, and Go For Broke National Education Center; publisher, “Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura oral history interview, part 5 of 5, July 24, 2004,” Japanese American Military History Collective, accessed April 26, 2024, https://ndajams.omeka.net/items/show/1058039.