Gender

Male

Birth date

1925-3-14

Place of birth

Clackamas OR, U.S.A.

Inducted

1944-6-21, Ft. Douglas UT

Enlistment type

Draftee

Service branch

Army

Service type

War,peacetime

Unit type

Support

Units served

442nd Regimental Combat Team, F Company, 2nd Battalion; C Company, 100th Battalion

Military specialty

Infantryman

Stationed

Florida, USA; France; Italy

Separated

Ft. George G. Meade MD

Unit responsibility

To meet and destroy the enemy in the most efficient manner.

Personal responsibility

Rifleman; Bazooka Man; Squad Leader.

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

Rhineland, North Apennines, Po Valley Campaigns

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Bronze Star Medal (For Valor)

Good Conduct Medal

Army of Occupation Medal

European African Middle Eastern Ribbon w/3 Battle Stars

World War II Victory Ribbon

Distinguished Unit Badge w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Living conditions

At the front we slept wherever we could find shelter - mostly in slit trenches. We discarded our rain gear so if it rained we just got wet.

We only carried our rifle, ammo and K rations.

We didn't bathe for weeks and ate only K's.

When the war was over it was heaven to eat regular meals.

Most vivid memory of military experience

During the night, by tying our legs with rope to the guys in the next trench, one would always be awakened by pulling their leg when it was their turn to watch. That way three out of four guys would get some sleep.

Missed most whilst in the military

Japanese food, sports, Nisei women.

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

That I did my duty and hopefully brought honor and dignity to my family by serving in the 442nd RCT. Also a sense of pride for myself and fellow veterans.

Coming home with the regiment and receiving a hero's welcome in New York and our 7th Presidential Citation from President Truman in Washington, D.C. was the climax of my military service.