Japanese American Military Experience Database
Dennis Yamamoto
Gender
Male
Birth date
1948-1-9
Place of birth
Los Angeles CA, U.S.A.
Inducted
1968-4-2, Los Angeles CA
Enlistment type
Draftee
Service branch
Army
Service type
War
Unit type
Combat
Units served
199th Light Infantry Brigade
Military specialty
Infantry, Driver, Motor Pool
Stationed
USA - Ft. Ord, CA
Camp Frenzell-Jones, Republic of South Vietnam
Camp Frenzell-Jones, Republic of South Vietnam
Separated
San Francisco CA
Unit responsibility
Repel invasion forces at the foremost point of penetration. Search and destroy hidden enemy concentrations.
Personal responsibility
Infantry
Drive support commander to hotspots and forward units.
Drive support commander to hotspots and forward units.
Major battles (if served in a war zone)
In the Vietnam 'conflict', there were few names given to the many confrontations that occured. Only the ones 'glamorized' by the press.
Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)
Nominated for Bronze Star during Tet offensive 1968
Army Commendation Medal twice for bravery above and beyond the call of duty during several engagements.
Army Commendation Medal twice for bravery above and beyond the call of duty during several engagements.
Living conditions
Infantry - Slept on the ground and in foxholes or under bushes. etc. Had C rations for meals.
When I was a driver, I slept in the barracks. We built rooms and acquired fans. Bought TV and stereo and refrigerator. The cubicles became an escape from the realities of war. Cold showers. Good mess hall. Played basketball, football and baseball.
Most vivid memory of military experience
First attack of base camp - shaking, sweating, heart pounding, blood, dead friends, nervous, clumsy, uncertainty of fate, thoughts of family and friends and above all ... 'what the hell am I doing in Hell?'
Missed most whilst in the military
Family and friends, hot showers and baths, home cooked meals, Mexican food.
Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?
Most important was the 'growing-up' process that made me more determined to succeed in life and the pursuit of happiness. Each day I am alive is a bonus, because I should have died with my infantry unit that was wiped out the week I started driving.
Graduated top 10% nationally for associated schools of business from U.S.C. in 4 years (2 + 2).
I value and appreciate life more than most who have never been through war.
Additional information
Eagle Scout 1965 - Koyasan Troop 379 - L.A.
379th Drum and Bugle Corp. State Champions 1962-63. 5th nationally.
Assistant Scoutmaster - OCBC Troop 578 - Anaheim.
Manager - Owner Hook Co. - Japanese hooks, Most quality. Highest price. Famous in fishing circles of So. Cal.