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 (4309)

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4309 items

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-29)

Tad says the GI glasses he received work well. His group learned how to hold their rifle, but they haven't shot it yet. Includes a story about how Tad and the other Japanese soldiers had to show the camp cooks how to properly cook rice. At first, "the cooks cooked it like all Caucasians do - …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-29/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-286)

Is heading for Switzerland traveling with another man from the outfit; will try to buy a watch while there and maybe get something for them as well; they will be gone for about 11 days. Parents' note on envelope back: 288 Thursday Nov. 8, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-286/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-41)

Tad says "I hope Fuji didn't kick you too hard" and asks how Fuji and Hiro (who seem to be family visiting Tad's parents) are doing. Mentions that he'll be getting a medal for his skill with a rifle. Earlier that day, Tad saw a movie called "The Battle of Russia" about Russian history from 1242-1943. …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-41/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-146)

Tad and Chester saw "A Song To Remember" at the movies. Parents' note on envelope back: 149 Wednesday Feb 28, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-146/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-239)

Written just after the end of WWII, Tad noted the celebratory mood and expressed hope he will be home quicker. Parents' note on envelope back: 241 Tuesday Sept. 4, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-239/

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-535-23)

Tad says that tomorrow is inspection day, so they spent a lot of time cleaning. Tad clarifies that while he still may be promoted to temporary corporal, none of the men in camp can actually be promoted since they're a "replacement group." Says that the "kids like Freddy" back home would probably love to see his …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-23/

doc V-mail from Tadashi Ishida to Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-400)

V-Mail Mother's Day Greeting. Parents' note on envelope back: Monday April 23, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-400/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-245)

Tad sent a cartoon cut from G.I. magazine. Parents' note on envelope back: 247 Wednesday Sept. 5, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-245/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-161)

Tad went to church on Easter Sunday and talks about picnic and card-playing with friends; Tad did not receive previously requested candies and socks so he requested more candies. Parents' note on envelope back: 164 Tuesday April 10, 1945 request

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-161/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-12)

Tad mentions that he was put on kitchen duty again, but didn't mind since he was just waiting tables. Letter is written at 10:40 PM; earlier that day, Tad and his friends went to the movies and saw "Gypsy Wildcat." Says he was able to read To-chan's Japanese letter. The letter ends with Tad asking for …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-12/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-242)

Tad recounted watching prisoners butcher a euthanized horse and reflected on news reports about riots in New York and San Francisco and celebratory deaths of soldiers in Italy, after the war was ended; Tad requested magazines and socks. Parents' note on envelope back: 244 Tuesday Sept. 4, 1945 request for magazines and socks

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-242/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-83)

The company went to the rifle range that day and had a lot of fun. Tad asks his parents to send him his wool scarf. Parents' note on envelope back: 86 Monday Dec. 4, 1944

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-83/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-203)

Tad started teaching bugle class today and was free of K.P. and guard duty. Parents' note on envelope back: 205 Friday June 29, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-203/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-370)

He is on the island of Elba looking for the grave of a flyer shot down there, but couldn't track it down, so spent the night before heading back; says the island is beautiful and they went swimming; since he is the ranking man in the group the others ask his permission to do anything and …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-370/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-143)

Tad saw "Here Comes the Co-eds": it was "a funny picture." The food in New York is good, but Meade and Blanding were "way better." Tad isn't up to much; his barrack is "still quarantined." Parents' note on envelope back: 147 Monday Feb. 26, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-143/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-186)

Tad requested a cornet mouthpiece and some socks; Tad found a coincidence on a March 18th letter where his mother dreamed he was in France on the exact day he landed at Le Havre. Parents' note on envelope back: 188 Monday May 28 1945 request for mouthpiece

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-186/