Gender

Male

Birth date

1919-5-31

Place of birth

Heber CA, U.S.A.

Inducted

1945-1-1, Ft. Sheridan IL

Enlistment type

Draftee

Service branch

Army

Service type

War

Unit type

Support

Units served

CIC - Maebashi City, Area 65, Gumma, Japan; HQ 441st CIC Detachment, Supreme Command Asian Pacific (SCAP)

Military specialty

Special Agent, Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC)

Stationed

United States- Camp Blanding, FL; Ft. Meade, Camp Richie, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Camp Holabird and Japan

Separated

Ft. Sheridan IL

Unit responsibility

All duties related to military intelligence within unit's jurisdiction. Also, to cooperate with Criminal Investigative Division (CID) and military police.

Personal responsibility

I carried out above duties as required on individual basis as special agent.

Prior to CIC, trained as replacement for the 442nd RCT. Then took special training after VE day. After VJ day joined CIC and served in Japan.

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

The usual issued to non-combatants.

Living conditions

All CIC units were generally small detachments. My unit never exceeded 12 men to my knowledge.

Housing was adequate and as time passed, improvements were made. Bathing facilities were adequate and not wanting in requirements.

Meals were satisfactory and varied. The chef was a local resident with knowledge of Western cuisine.

Entertainment and leisure activities were limitless. We each had a personal jeep.

Most vivid memory of military experience

There were so many good memories and experiences, it would be difficult to isolate one significant instance. But, one thing really stood out. The friendliness of almost everyone from the Governor of the prefecture on down to the ordinary citizens of the smallest towns and villages. It was a most pleasant experience. (Gumma Ken)

Missed most whilst in the military

I missed being apart from my wife and family. A few weeks after our marriage, I was shipped out to Japan.

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

To accept discipline and sacrifice in all their facets, as necessary requirements for success in the military. These traits, carried over into our daily civilian lives, will help assure leading a worthwhile life. Is that asking too much of my family and friends and acquaintances?

Additional information

I am a member of the JACL, Life-1000 Club; Japanese American Service Committee (JASC); Mutual Aid Society of Chicago; American Legion, Chicago Nisei Post 1183 - Past Commander; Buddhist Temple of Chicago; Asoka Society of BTC; Hiroshima Kenjin Kai.

During December 1941, I was in Livingston, CA, a grape growing region of central California. I was there with my father to study and learn about the grape growing industry.

We were relocated to Poston I, AZ, near Parker, AZ in the spring of 1942. I relocated to Chicago, IL in October 1943. Served in the military from 1/1945 to 12/1946. Established an automotive business in 1948 and retired in 1982.

Married Gladys Otsuka Dec. 31, 1945. Have two children, Linda H.(Merrell) and Glenn T. and 4 grandchildren.