Thomas Takemoto oral history interview, part 4 of 6, April 19, 2004

At the University of Hawaii, Thomas Takemoto learned to speak proper English, instead of Pidgin English. During his time in college, he became acquainted with Hung Wai Ching, who was responsible for the creation of the Varsity Victory Volunteers. On the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, Thomas describes how he watched the scene -- he could see the faces of the pilots -- but did not know what was going on until after. He signed up to volunteer to join the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, but was turned away due to a medical condition. After receiving surgery, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he was sent for basic training. He had his mind set on joining the Military Intelligence Service, but last minute, he decided to join his friend in Europe, and was assigned to the 1399 Engineer Construction Battalion.

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