Gender

Male

Birth date

1921-1-16

Place of birth

Oahu HI, U.S.A.

Inducted

1943-3-24, Schofield Barracks HI

Enlistment type

Volunteer

Service branch

Army

Service type

War

Unit type

Combat

Units served

442nd RCT

Military specialty

Squad leader, infantry

Stationed

U.S.A., Algeria, Italy

Separated

Schofield Barracks HI

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

Hill 140 in July, 1944 in Italy

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Purple Heart, Shot in the knee while attacking enemy position.

Living conditions

Italy in summer was warm - foxholes were difficult to dig due rocky conditions.Bathing only during breaks in action. Meals were either K or C rations.

Most vivid memory of military experience

The bond in sense of camaraderie that developed among the squad members. There were no 'Buddha-heads' or 'Kotonks' after the initial action. It has held for 50 years.

Missed most whilst in the military

Home cooking.

Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?

The feeling that what we did significantly affected the welfare of the Japanese-American community. This was an important incentive and believe we achieved our goals - very comforting feeling. Hope younger generation will not forget the sacrifice made by those who did not return.