December 10th, 1941
Dear Friend,
I’m not sure how to feel. As you may have heard by now, three days ago, on December 7th, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Being Nisei, I’m conflicted about the enemy, but this attack on my home state of Hawaii makes me want to fight back. I was set to be drafted, but, after these Japanese attacks, Japanese American men are categorized as enemy aliens! I still want to help my country, but I’m not sure how I’m going to go about it. I’ll let you know as soon as I figure out what I’m doing.
Signed,
a Soldier
a Soldier
March 23rd, 1942
Dear Friend,
Still no news on my plans for helping our country in this war, but I wanted to check up on you. I heard that the President just signed an Executive order that allows the government to move people at their discretion, and that Japanese Americans are being targeted. In fact, earlier this month, Lieutenant General John L. DeWitt issued a military proclamation that ended with the forced removal of more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent on the West Coast! Are you okay? Have you been affected by this proclamation? Luckily, here in Hawaii, I don’t have to worry about such proclamations because over one-third of our population is Japanese. It would simply be impractical for our economy. Also, the War Department just called for the removal of all Japanese Soldiers from active duty. How am I supposed to help my country if I can’t fight for them?
Signed,
a Soldier
a Soldier
April 14th, 1943
Dear Friend,
Finally some good news! On February 1st, the United States Government reversed its decision on not allowing those of Japanese descent to serve in the military. This was due the success of an experimental grouping of Japanese Americans who completed construction jobs during the war, first known as the Varsity Victory Volunteers, and now as the 100th Infantry Battalion. The Government has even approved the formation of a Japanese American combat unit! I’m definitely interested in volunteering for this unit. Apparently, there is a lot of interest in it, especially from Hawaii. More than 75% of those interviewed indicated they would be willing to serve this country, and I’ve heard that nearly 10,000 Hawaiian men are planning to volunteer. Considering that the U.S. army is only calling for 1,500 Hawaiian men, I’m not sure how great my chances are of getting in. I’m going to try anyways! I’ll keep you updated on what happens.
Signed,
a Soldier
a Soldier
August 2nd, 1944
Dear Friend,
I know it’s been a while since I last mailed, but a lot has happened. Even better news than last time! I’ve been enlisted in the war, in the 442nd infantry. Hawaii is such a proud state, that more Japanese Americans enlisted here than from the mainland, and so – in the end – there are 3000 Hawaiian men in this infantry, along with 800 from the mainland. We met up with the unit responsible for the creation of the 442nd – the 100th Infantry – and they joined us to create a larger unit. We’ve gotten our fight song from them – “Four-Forty-Second Infantry— We're the boys of Hawai'i nei— We'll fight for you And the Red, White and Blue, And go to the front... And back to Honolulu-lulu. Fighting for dear old Uncle Sam Go for broke! HOOH! We don't give a damn!We'll round up the Huns At the point of our guns, And vict'ry will be ours! GO FOR BROKE! FOUR-FOUR-TWO! GO FOR BROKE! FOUR-FOUR-TWO! And vict'ry will be ours!” Isn’t it inspiring? Our units went into battle together on the 26th of June, in Belvedere, Vienna. We showed those Germans that we could hold our own! I’m feeling good about how our Infantry will fare during this war.
Signed,
a Soldier
a Soldier
January 3rd, 1945
Dear Friend,
The War is over. The Germans have been defeated. I’m amazed I lasted from start to finish in the 442nd Infantry. Our initial group of 4,000 men had to be replaced 3.5 times – at the end, nearly 14,000 men served with us. Despite our relatively small size, our unit was the most decorated for its length of service. In total, our members were received 18,143 awards, including 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 9,486 Purple Hearts. Our great work in the war led to a change of heart of many anti-Japanese critics in the U.S., and the release of our people. Unfortunately, much of the U.S. still haven’t changed their views on us, and it’s not easy. I came home to signs saying “No Japs Allowed”, and discrimination from many. Oh well. I’m proud of what I did in the war, and will have to just face what was waiting for me. Until next time.
Signed,
a Soldier
a Soldier
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