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-535-39)

Another day at the firing range, where Tad scored high enough to be placed in the top quarter. Tad has kitchen duty the next day: "Boy, am I mad!" Parents' note on envelope back: (40) Tuesday Oct. 17, 1944 A.M.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-39/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-134)

Two check-in letters: one from the train to New York, another from the new camp. Includes Tad's new address in New York. He says that from now on his letters will be censored, so he can't say too much (he says the name and location of his new camp a few sentences later, which is censored). …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-134/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-274)

Still waiting for orders; asks for $20 so if he goes to Switzerland he can buy a watch; asks if they have found a house and how long they might stay there. Parents' note on envelope back: 276 Thursday Oct. 25, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-274/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-213)

Tad played during parade for 4th of July, rented a boat and went swimming in the afternoon. Parents' note on envelope back: 215 Saturday July 14, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-213/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-27)

Tad says Jacksonville is quite crowded and a good deal bigger than Salt Lake City. Says the locals were very friendly towards him and his friends, but he was upset by the racism he witnessed towards the Black population: "they sure treat the Negroes like dirt." While Tad was away, Zane Shironitta came to camp to …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-27/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-386)

Not much happening; they may not get their promotions since they are going home; thinks he may be leaving around August 12 or 17th. Parents' note on envelope back: 389 Monday Aug. 19, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-386/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-343)

Got four letters and the package with the hair tonic; is going to Florence soon to pick up tea set; hopes they sent the cigarettes because he wants to buy the dinner set before he leaves. Parents' note on envelope back: 346 Monday April 1, 1946 Request for magazines and socks

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-343/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-35)

Tad mentions that he got a letter from Aunt Tomi. The night before, he went to see the movie "Marriage is a Private Affair." Tad and his company fired their rifles for the first time, which he describes in detail. Includes a few drawings of the firing range. Ends with another funny story about Ted Matsushima. …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-35/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-362)

Thinking of going to the military cemetery for memorial day with Ryo (Uchida); Ryo is working the newspaper by himself, so Tad is helping write some articles; tell them not to believe what they hear about the 442nd coming come. Parents' note on envelope back: 364 Friday June 7,1946 Request for magazines and cigarettes

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-362/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-132)

Parents' note on envelope back: 135 Thursday Feb 15, 1945 PM

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-132/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-104)

Parents' note on envelope back: 107 Wednesday Jan 3, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-104/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-353)

Going to a movie tonight; got two letters from them; he and Terry (Shimabukuro) play badminton every night; missing seeing movies in a regular theater. Parents' note on envelope back: 356 Monday April 29, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-353/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-109)

Tad thinks John Miyasaki is in Maryland now, but he isn't sure. Life at camp "sure is lazy" compared to before (they get up late - 7 a.m.). Parents' note on envelope back: 112 Saturday Jan. 6, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-109/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-247)

Tad received a package, complained not getting paid until Monday and requested for some Magazines. Parents' note on envelope back: 248 Saturday Sept 8, 1945 request for magazines

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-247/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-352)

A second letter on Easter Sunday; very quiet in camp; would like to go to Rome, but might not be able to take time off; Terry (Shimabukuro) got a letter from Mike Masaoka saying that the regiment might be deactivated and sent home in June, but doesn't know for sure. Parents' note on envelope back: 355 …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-352/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-136)

Tad is in the station hospital with a slight fever and a sore throat. He says "it's been just grand." He's not doing much, just reading and resting. Shiro tried to call out sick to avoid the day's hike, but the doctor sent him off. Tad says he's "leading the life of Riley." Parents' note on …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-136/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-333)

Glad to hear they saw Bob (Yatabe) and he's doing well; pay was late; will send more photos from Coritina; hopes To-chan can get a car before he comes home. Parents' note on envelope back: 336 Wednesday March 13, 1946 Request for socks and magazines

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-333/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-214)

Tad received a letter from Tomi from which he recounted the story of Hiro is being chased by dogs; Tad noted to send more stamps home because his father was fond of them and requested additional magazines. Parents' note on envelope back: 216 Monday July 16, 1945 request for magazines

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-214/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-314)

Tried to see John the other day, but he was out; asks if they can send cigarettes because he can sell them for a profit to the Italians; is sending a photo of him with his horse. Parents' note on envelope back: 317 Thursday Jan. 10, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-314/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-189)

Tad and Chester Fukuhara received a weekend pass and requested some candy; Tad shared rumor that 442nd Regiment will be heading back soon. Parents' note on envelope back: 191 Monday June 4, 1945 request for candy

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-189/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-170)

Tad helped out in kitchen during K.P., and encloses an April 15, 1945 Stars and Stripes (Mediterranean) newspaper clipping featuring a brief about the 442nd Infantry Regiment receiving Army-issued Combat Lessons pamphlets. Parents' note on envelope back: 173 Monday April 23, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-170/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-78)

Tad's company has a formal inspection the next day. Tad had a chance to apply for Officer's Candidate School but chose not to; he says it's hard work and he'd likely go overseas after he finished. Tad says he'll "become an officer, I'll come up the hard way." Parents' note on envelope back: 81 Monday Nov. …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-78/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-117)

Tad went to the barber: "my head looks like an open book." Parents' note on envelope back: 120 Monday Jan. 29, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-117/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-381)

He and Ryo won't go on any trips soon because the truck is broken; maybe won't go at all if his orders to go home come soon; will probably be going at the same time at John (Miyasaki) and Ryo (Uchida). Parents' note on envelope back: 384 Saturday July 27, 1946

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-381/

doc Letter from Tadashi Ishida to Mr. & Mrs. Y Ishida (ddr-densho-535-110)

Dated December 4, 1945, but likely an error on Tad's part (the envelope says January 5th). Parents' note on envelope back: 113 Monday Jan. 8, 1945

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-535-110/