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 (277)
Military service (4131)

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4131 items

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-159)

Tad shared news from an officer that parents of soldiers may be able to obtain citizenship sooner, as a result of the positive reputation of the combat team. Parents' note on envelope back: 163 Monday April 9, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-159/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-36)

Tad got paid that day ("Boy, oh boy, oh boy!"). Mentions that he saved a few shells from the shooting range for Freddy and Tommy. Tad also says he got a letter from Frank Okazaki (sp?). Parents' note on envelope back: (37) Oct. 13, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-36/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-38)

Another day at the firing range. Tad asks his parents to send a photo of themselves. On payday, some of the soldiers were disappointed at how little they were paid since some of their pay went to war bonds; Tad didn't purchase bonds and is grateful to have the extra cash. Parents' note on envelope back: …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-38/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-19)

Tad had a chemical warfare class and got to smell some gases: "boy, it sure stinks!" The soldiers also learned how to use their gas masks. Tad mentions that they all did a trial in a gas chamber where they had to put their masks on the second they detected gas in the room: "I never …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-19/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-285)

Is leaving for a vacation in Switzerland the next day, hope to buy a watch there; had rice with nori with his tent-mates; the gloves they sent are useful because his early morning drives to Leghorn (Livorno) are cold; asks for more magazines. Parents' note on envelope back: 287 Thursday Nov. 8, 1945 Request for magazines.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-285/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-366)

He and Ryo are moving to Castelfiorentino outside Florence to start working for the Grave Registration Unit; he told Terry (Shimabukuro) that he could use their address for mail so when he gets stateside he will come by to pick it up. Parents' note on envelope back: 369 Thursday June 20, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-366/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-355)

He is going to be part of a group interview on the Army Radio station for a show called "the Outlook on Germany" where they have G.I.s from different units and he is representing the 442nd;they were issued their summer fatigues called Sun Tans; asks them to send a Sun Tan shirt. Parents' note on envelope …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-355/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-384)

He and Ryo are going home in August and some of the other men were postponed to August as well; got some packages and letters; saw the article in Time about the 442nd with Terry's name mentioned. Parents' note on envelope back: 387 Tuesday Aug 13, 1946 Request for magazines and candy

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-384/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-310)

No one is getting mail lately; went to Rome and ate Christmas dinner at a restaurant, ravioli, steak with mushroom and fried potatoes; asks how things are in San Francisco and in the new place. Parents' note on envelope back: 313 Tuesday Jan. 8, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-310/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-273)

Still waiting for order to return to service company; hopes they are able to find a house in California; went to a show; plans to go to Pisa for shopping if orders don't come through. Parents' note on envelope back: 275 Wednesday Oct. 24, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-273/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-244)

First anniversary in army letter; Tad reflected on his experience, expressed concerns for his family's deposit in Japanese banks and shared rumors that 442nd may soon move to Naples for final departure. Parents' note on envelope back: 246 Wednesday Sept. 5, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-244/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-207)

Tad reported receiving old photos from Genoa which was overexposed and planned to take more photos for friends. Parents' note on envelope back: 209 Monday July 2, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-207/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-44)

Tad says the camp is in a hurricane zone but is out of the path of the worst of the storm. The rain and wind are heavy (speeds up to 60 mph) and everyone spent the entire day inside. Parents' note on envelope back: (45) Monday Oct 23, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-44/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-298)

Got a haircut; received two letters; asks for magazines and candy, but maybe something different; will send photos soon. Parents' note on envelope back: 300 Friday Dec. 7, 1945 request for magazines and candy.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-298/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-155)

Tad did not see Bob (Yatabe), were quarantined with measles, and asked for dark glasses, carbon stone and some candy. Parents' note on envelope back: 158 Wednesday April 4, 1945 request

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-155/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-153)

Check-in letter from Overseas; Tad departed from New York Harbor for overseas deployment. He wished her mother happy birthday and mentioned that the cigarette is only 55c. He request for socks and candy in the end. Letter passed by navel censor. Parents' note on envelope back: 156 First Letter from overseas Thursday March 29, 1945 Request

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-153/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-252)

Tad received the package with the shirt and pants, and magazines; went riding; planning to go to a dance later. Parents' note on envelope back: 254 Monday Sept. 24, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-252/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-137)

Check-in letter from New York, written across two days. Tad's still in the hospital, listening to Danny Kaye on the radio. He says he hopes Hana is getting along ok: "she is probably getting fat, isn't she" Asks his mother if she's heard from Bob (Yatabe). Ends with Tad learning he's getting kicked out of the …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-137/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-73)

Tad saw "Frenchman's Creek" at the movies ("not too good"). Parents' note on envelope back: 76 Wednesday Nov. 22, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-73/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-307)

Thanks them for the photograph; went to a movie in Leghorn (Livorno) the night before; must be nice to see all their friends in San Francisco and hopes things will be settled before he comes home; heard that the 442nd is getting replacements soon; planning a trip to Rome. Parents' note on envelope back: 310 Friday …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-307/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-323)

It is the two year anniversary of the formation of the 442nd and they are having a celebration and show three movies; Is waiting for the cigarettes so he can sell them but its okay because everyone does it, even the officers; is sending some more photos. Parents' note on envelope back: #326 Friday Feb. 15, …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-323/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-303)

Sent a package home, hopes it arrives soon; went horseback riding and is stiff; asks how things are in San Francisco and who they have seen; asks for magazines and canned goods. Parents' note on envelope back: 306 Wednesday Jan. 2, 1946 Request for magazines and canned goods.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-303/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-67)

Tad and company had their first class in mortars that day. Parents' note on envelope back: 69 Thursday Nov. 16, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-67/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-21)

Tad says he received a letter from Aunt Tomi, who gave him Bob (Yatabe)'s address; Bob is apparently "finally in Italy." Parents' note on envelope back: (22) Thursday Sept 28, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-21/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-139)

Tad is back with his company and feeling fine. Parents' note on envelope back: 142 Friday Feb. 23, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-139/