Gender

Male

Birth date

1922-3-5

Place of birth

Hilo HI, U.S.A.

Inducted

1943-3-23, Oahu HI

Enlistment type

Volunteer

Service branch

Army

Service type

War

Unit type

Combat

Units served

I Company, 442nd Regimental Combat Team

Military specialty

Infantry

Stationed

Mississippi, Italy, France and Hawaii

Separated

219th G H, San Francisco CA

Unit responsibility

To show that we, of Japanese ancestry, are good American citizens of the United States.

Personal responsibility

Be a good soldier.

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

Participated in campaign engagements of Fifth Army offensive from Vic Grossetto to Pisa, Italy, Suvereto, Sassetta, Monteverdi, Crossing of Cecina River, Molino R. Ventoabbto, Hill 140, Casale, Hill 147, MoDeiRotino, San Luce, Pieve Di San Luce, San Regolo, Hill 108, Luciana, Torretta, Colle Salvetti, Nuova. Florence Sector including Arno River - vic Florence, Crossing of Arno River, Peretola and San Mauro.

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Silver Star
Combat Infantry Badge
Purple Heart
Good Conduct Medal
European African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon w/3 Battle Stars

Award of the Silver Star was made with citation as follows 'Eisuke Asato, 30105962, Private First Class, Inf., Company 'I', Regimental Combat Team, for gallantry in action on 27 October 1944, in France, while acting as flank security for his company during an approach march. Upon sighting an enemy machine gun emplacement 20 yards away, Private Asato warned his men of the danger in time for them to seeek cover before the enemy machine gun and its supporting weapons opened fire upon the company's column. Realizing that the company was pinned down by the intense enemy fire, Private Asato and a comrade fearlessly advanced within 10 yards of the battle emplacement, firing as they made their way forward. Unnerved by the relentless advance of their opponents, the enemy machine gunners abandoned their positions and withdrew.'

Living conditions

Pitched tent for living and took bath whenever we had time. I ate K ration. It was tough.

Most vivid memory of military experience

I can't express myself.

Missed most whilst in the military

I missed everything.