Soldiers of justice
442nd Regimental, PBS Hawai'i
While training for the 442nd… we have to show the white boys we are as good and better than they are.
-Kaz Yamaguchi, former MIS member and 442nd trainee, in a personal interview, 2016
"No loyal citizens of the United States should be denied the democratic right to exercise the responsibilities of his citizenship, regardless of his ancestry. The principle on which this country was founded and by which it has always been governed is that Americanism is a matter of mind and heart; Americanism is not, and never was, a matter of race and ancestry. A good American is one who is loyal to his country and to the creed of liberty and democracy. Every loyal American citizen should be given an opportunity to serve his country whenever his skills will make the greatest contribution." |
“We as a group could either distinguish or disgrace our group. Virtually all of us were completely loyal to the U.S. and wanted nothing to do with Japan. And we were going to do the best we could in spite of the fact that many of our parents and relatives were in internment camps.” |
"In February 1943, we were moved to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. We thought the Army was moving us to be in a warmer climate. Instead, we were being tested in the Louisiana Maneuvers. The maneuvers lasted for months. When we returned to Camp Shelby, we met our younger brothers of the 442nd."
-Mitsuo Ted Hamasu, former 100th Battalion soldier
"Up to now, we have been expressing our allegiance, and the day has come when we can actually demonstrate it....I would like to see as many Nisei [second generations] as possible to join....in the fight."
-Jimmy Sakamoto, former Nisei leader in the internment camps
Although many Japanese Americans were willing to take a stand and fight for the freedom of their country, others that were interned opposed the American government’s decision to draft men into the military. General Eisenhower’s staff, along with other military officials, were hesitant to allow Japanese Americans in the armed forces and organize the 442nd. However, General Mark Clark commented, “[he would] take anybody that would fight.”
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"And those who were totally angry at the U.S., they would let the camp know, 'No, we would never serve.'" "Well if you want to take my citizenship away, they can do it. If this country doesn't want me they can throw me out. What do they know about loyalty?" |
"Your idea for forming regiments of supposedly patriotic American Japs, is the most abominable thing that has been forced on the American people by the New Deal bureaucrats. Don't you know there isn't any loyal Japs, except to the Japs. Remember Pearl Harbor, Bataan, Correggio, The Philippines, our dead service men, our Prisoners in the hands of the Japs..... We want every Jap in this country eliminated after the War. We are too soft hearted. Put these Jap traitors on a chain gang at hard labor. Do not take a chance on them fighting with our soldiers. If you carry this Army plan out, we are really going to be sore.
Disgusted,
-W.E. JaRue"
"Their membership in the armed forces of the United States would be extremely dangerous to the United States and would subject the members of the armed forces of the United States to treachery at the hands of our common enemy; now, therefore be it."
-Native Sons of the Golden West