Japanese American Military Experience Database
Masami Samuel Yoshinari
After Pearl Harbor, the regiment was split into 3 separate battalions. 1st Battalionn prepared for oversea assignment to the Philippines. The 2nd Battalion was sent to California for coastal defense. The 3rd Battalion, to which I was assigned, stayed in the state of Washington. Our battalion was assigned to the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington, primarily against naval assault. We were armed with 3 batteries of 4 guns each of 155mm Long Tom rifles of WW I vintage. They were ideal for coastal duty as they were large enough and had a maximum range of 22 miles.
Due to Executive Order 9066 and the evacuation, I was released from duty and transferred to Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, located on the outskirts of Indianapolis in May 1942. I was assigned to Post HQ Company and MP Detachment and was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. Approximately 300 Nisei's were transferred here. They were assigned to various duties, as the post was primarily a training center with various schools. Many were assigned to the mechanics school to instruct and repair military vehicles. The post commander was very understanding for our concerns and he supported the concept of a Nisei combat unit.
On authorization of the 442nd RCT many of us volunteeered for service as a cadre force at Camp Shelby. We were transferred to the 442nd in March 1943. I was assigned to Regimental HQ Company but requested a transfer to the 522nd Battalion as my background was in artillery. I was told to wait as they may have other plans. From combat experience in the North Africa campaign, the Pentagon decided that all infantry units needed fast moving shorter range artillery support, thus a cannon company was formed. I was assigned to Cannon Company as an instructor as there were no other trained artillery men. Our Company Commander was sent to Fort Benning, GA for a fast course in basic use of cannons, but being a new project, the concept was very limited.
Being a late-formed company, time was running short and we had to wait arrival of our cannons and other equipment. Training without cannons forced me to instruct by lectures and questions and answers periods. Had night classes to instruct officers and platoon sergeants and to evaluate personnel for various assignments. On arrival of the cannons, we had to work overtime to teach the mechanics of set-up to conduct a fire mission. Speed, accuracy and safety had to be stressed. Test firing on the range was our final goal. They had learned their lesson well. Next the Louisiana manuevers, a final preparation for oversea duty, was passed with flying colors. Training period was over and we embarked for Italy.
Our first experience of the war was at Anzio as the 442nd assembled to prepare to move north. On our first night, German planes came over and dropped bombs. We lost a few trucks. The 2nd day in combat, the 2nd platoon lost their leader and I was moved from the 3rd battalion to take over. This led to my battlefield commission.
Cannon Company participated in every campaign and worked closely with the 522nd in supporting the rifle battalions. We survived with minimum casualties and received our share of honors.
