Military service

The story of Japanese Americans in the military during World War II is complex and in many ways ironic. It is a story of mistrust by the very country for which these soldiers placed themselves in harms' way. Many were drafted directly out of the camps and fought for democracy abroad while their parents and families were incarcerated by their own government.

World War II (231)
Military service (2806)

Filters

Facilities

Format

Genre

Usage

Use <Ctrl> or (⌘) keys to select multiple terms

Gallery view
List view

2806 items

img Inside of barracks with cots (ddr-ajah-2-802)

Caption: Barracks 10, where some of the "Sensei" or instructors of Japanese language were housed at Camp Savage, Minnesota. They were there to teach Japanese American Niseis as part of the Military Intelligence Service Language School. October 1942-October 1943. Supplemental scan of ddr-ajah-2-431 with additional notes.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-802/

img Man wearing helmet standing outside barracks (ddr-ajah-2-441)

Caption below photo: Iwao Shimamoto

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-441/

img Group of men outside building (ddr-ajah-2-509)

Caption below photo: After the clean up

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-509/

img Man reading at table (ddr-ajah-2-793)

Caption: Lincoln T. Taira studies at Camp Savage, Minnesota, as a member of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), October 1942-June 1943. Supplemental scan of ddr-ajah-2-497 with additional notes

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-793/

img Two men sitting on bench in garden (ddr-ajah-2-786)

Caption: While at Camp Crowder, Missouri, Dick Otsubo of Stockton, CA., and pal Joe Iwataki (at right) of alameda, CA., pose somewhere on the grounds, which they jokingly referred to as "Jimmy Kusuda's garden". Kusuda was another army friend stationed there. Unfortunately, Otsubo died in Italy during WWII. Photo August 26, 1942. Inscription on back: Aug. …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-786/

img Group of men around stove (ddr-ajah-2-533)

Caption below photo: Hugging the stove

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-533/

img Men sitting on cots (ddr-ajah-2-397)

Caption below photo: Nick Nagata / Shig Teraji

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-397/

img Bridge and pillars in river, seen from above (ddr-ajah-2-301)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-301/

img Damaged train (ddr-ajah-2-329)

Caption below photo: A slight accident

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-329/

doc Honorable Discharge certificate for Joe Iwataki (ddr-ajah-2-31)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-31/

img Building with thatch roof by road (ddr-ajah-2-651)

Caption below photo: Native Nipa huts

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-651/

img Rough wooden structure (ddr-ajah-2-631)

Caption below photo: Native Grave

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-631/

img Six men on road by tents. Joe Iwataki kneeling on right (ddr-ajah-2-657)

Caption below photo: O/B Section

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-657/

img River in the snow (ddr-ajah-2-298)

Caption below photo: Feather River

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-298/

img Four people sitting in decorated room (ddr-ajah-2-525)

Caption below photo: Ballroom

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-525/

doc Certification of Joe Iwataki's membership in 53rd Infantry (ddr-ajah-2-827)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-827/

img Railway bridge (ddr-ajah-2-286)

Caption below photo: We guard these R.R. bridges

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-286/

img Group of men lined up outside building (ddr-ajah-2-108)

Caption below photo: Lined up in front of supply room . . .

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-108/

img Men playing pool (ddr-ajah-2-792)

Caption: Sho Ishii and other Nisei Soldiers from the Military Intelligence Service at Camp Savage, Minnesota, find time to enjoy a game of pool at the St. Paul U.S.O. club. The club was located at 72 W. 7th Street, photo October 1942-June1943. Supplemental scan of ddr-ajah-2-555 with additional notes

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-792/

img Men resting on hillside (ddr-ajah-2-770)

Caption: Joe Iwataki (far left), of Alameda, CA., relaxes with his pals on the B.A.R. squad while o maneuvers in Washington state, circa late 1941. Joe Iwataki / Pete / Watson / George / Bill / Todard. Note the lack of segregation. Supplemental scan of ddr-ajah-2-250 with additional notes

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-ajah-2-770/