The War Years (1941 – 1946): Serving the U.S.
Volunteering for the War Effort
Despite prejudice, incarceration and injustice, more than 33,000 second-generation Japanese Americans (Nisei) served in the U.S. Army during World War II including the Occupation of Japan until 1948.
Of those, 19,000 served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service. They volunteered to prove their loyalty, served with distinction, and became some of the most decorated military units for their size and length of service.
Thousands gathered at Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii to bid the 442nd RCT farewell as they left for Camp Shelby, MS. March 28, 1943
A line of Army trucks, loaded with 2nd Battalion Infantrymen, moves up to a new bivouac area in the Chambois sector, France. October 14, 1944
2nd Lt. Hideo Koichi, 2nd Lt. H utaka K. Yoshida and 2nd Lt. Bouo F. Tanigawa of the Hawaiian Islands and veterans of the 442nd Combat Team, just after receiving their bars after completing courses at the Leadership and Battle School.
South Agata Di Goti, Italy
7/14/1945
Yoshiro Tamura of Los Angeles, CA is one of the first trainees to arrive at Camp Robinson, Arkansas Infantry Replacement Training Center. He is being welcomed by Lt. Col. J.P. Gammon, Commander of the 66th Infantry Training Battalion, 14th Regiment as the other trainees look on. February 2, 1942
