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 (283)
Military service (4287)

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4287 items

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-59)

Ted Matsushima is leaving for a Japanese language school at Camp Schelling. Tad's parents asked about the rain; Tad says "it rains so hard that even fishes have to come out or they'll drown." Parents' note on envelope back: 61 Thursday Nov. 9, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-59/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-246)

Tad commented on his boring routine and shared that he read in paper that 90% of the soldiers in the European Theater of Operations (E.T.O.) are expected to be home by December. Parents' note on envelope back: 248 Saturday Sept. 8, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-246/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-312)

Planning to go to Rome the next day and stay until Christmas Day; mail is taking a long time to arrive because of the Christmas rush. Parents' note on envelope back: 315 Wednesday Jan. 9, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-312/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-251)

Tad describing work at the veterinary hospital and a horse named Goldy he has befriended; dinner at a restaurant in town; asking for his mother to send him the sweater she knitted for him. Parents' note on envelope back: 253 Friday Sept 21, 1945 request for sweater

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-251/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-364)

Since the 442nd is breaking up, he, Ryo and Terry are busy finishing up the regimental scrapbook and newspaper and handing in supplies, then he and Ryo will start their new job with the Graves Registration Unit, mainly around the Apennines'. Parents' note on envelope back: 367 Tuesday June 18, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-364/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-372)

He went to Florence with Ryo and had a lobster dinner at a restaurant; he has his own searching team with a driver and interpreter; his regiment left for home that day, the 442nd will be deactivated once they get home; met Carl Fujimoto in Florence; had ravioli and meatballs for dinner. Parents' note on envelope …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-372/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-112)

Two check-in letters from Camp Blanding. Tad and Shiro are planning to see "Winged Victory" at the movies. The two of them found out they'll be sent on furlough at the same time, but they're not sure when. The men are allowed to write letters again. Parents' note on envelope back: 115 Thursday Jan. 11, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-112/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-63)

Tad and his friends saw "The Very Thought of You" at the movies and are planning to see "The Princess and the Pirate" on Sunday. Parents' note on envelope back: 65 Monday Nov. 13, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-63/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-368)

He and Ryo have moved to the GRU (Graves Registration Unit) in Castelfiorentina; they expect to be going out on a trip soon although they don't know what they are doing yet; the food is really good. Parents' note on envelope back: 371 Monday June 24, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-368/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-1)

First check-in letter, written in Pueblo, CO. Includes a drawing of the Grand Canyon. Written only for Fuku, Tad's mother; it seems his father may have been sick. Tad mentions "Mr. Frank" and friends at the end. Parents' note on envelope back: No. 1 9/6 A.M. 1944 Wednesday Sept 6, 1944.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-1/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-188)

Tad was worried about Bill being sent to the Pacific. Parents' note on envelope back: 190 Monday June 4, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-188/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-267)

Got his bracelet engraved name and Go for Broke motto; thinks it may be longer in Italy; returning to his company on Saturday. Parents' note on envelope back: 269 Monday Oct 15, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-267/

doc Letter from Pierce-Rodolph Storage Co to Mrs. Ishida (ddr-densho-535-407)

Receipt for storage of sewing machine to Fuku Ishida

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-407/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-4)

First letter from Camp Blanding, FL. Mentions Tad's bunkmates: John Miyasaki and Ted Matsushima. Includes a request for a pair of slippers. Parents' note on envelope back: (5) Monday Sept 11, 1944 First letter from Florida.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-4/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-127)

Check-in letter from Washington, D.C. Tad and Shiro went together and are staying at the United Nations Service Center, a U.S.O.-owned hotel for enlisted men. Parents' note on envelope back: 130 Saturday Feb. 10, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-127/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-43)

Tad and company learned how to drive the army trucks. He mentions that they can either be 2-, 4-, or 6-wheel drive; says to ask To-chan about it. Includes a drawing of the truck. Parents' note on envelope back: (44) Monday Oct. 23, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-43/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-175)

Tad described a three-day assignment as stretcher bearer in the front and met with John again. Parents' note on envelope back: 178 Thursday May 3, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-175/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-174)

Tad moved and shared new temporary APO address of the 442nd Infantry Regiment; Tad noted seeing burnt down towns and sleeping in a pup tent. Parents' note on envelope back: 177 Monday April 30, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-174/

doc Telegram from Tadashi Ishida to Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-403)

Asking them to send $25

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-403/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-281)

Ate dinner outside because it was so warm; waiting for orders to return to his company, but wants to wait until he gets his PX; asks for more candy and magazines. Parents' note on envelope back: 283 Sat. Nov. 3, 1945 request for candy and magazines

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-281/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-354)

Took a shower and plans to go to town to see a movie; weather is getting warm. Parents' note on envelope back: 359 Wednesday May 1, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-354/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-99)

From Camp Blanding bivouac. Tad and company went swimming in the lake near camp. Says he expects to get around 20 days furlough. Ends with a story about a wild pig. Parents' note on envelope back: 102 Thursday Dec. 21, 1944 P.M.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-99/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-241)

Tad reporting back on the dinner with the newly met Italian family and, in return, Tad and friends bring them scarce items such as candy, sugar and cigarettes. Parents' note on envelope back: 243 Tuesday Sept. 4, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-241/

doc Letter from John Miyasaki To Mrs. Y. Ishida (ddr-densho-535-413)

Reassuring her that he is keeping an eye out for Tad and explaining why Tad may be unable to write; tells her Tad is not going overseas yet; thanks her for her Christmas present.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-413/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-264)

He is saving money for a watch when he gets home; hoping to get promoted to T/5 rank before coming home. Parents' note on envelope back: 266 Monday Oct. 15, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-264/