Draft resistance

In 1944 the government reinstated the draft for Japanese Americans after suspending it in 1942 and began drafting men directly from the camps. This action angered many. At Heart Mountain concentration camp, Wyoming, resistance took the form of an organized movement calling itself the Fair Play Committee. Members demanded that their rights as citizens be restored before enlisting in the military. Eventually, sixty-three men from Heart Mountain refused induction and were sentenced to prison terms for draft evasion. In the other camps, disparate individuals made the decision to resist the draft. After being unfairly incarcerated for almost two years, they saw the draft as the final injustice. Ultimately, 267 men from all the concentration camps were convicted of evading the draft and most served time in prison. President Truman pardoned all of the resisters in 1947.

World War II (277)
Resistance and dissidence (97)
Draft resistance (393)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Draft resistance, Frank Emi, Gordon Hirabayashi, No-No Boy (book)

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393 items
Frank Emi Interview II Segment 8 (ddr-densho-122-20-8)
vh Frank Emi Interview II Segment 8 (ddr-densho-122-20-8)
Ineligible for the draft, yet choosing to resist on principle

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily …

Kats Kunitsugu - Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 2 (ddr-densho-122-17-2)
vh Kats Kunitsugu - Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 2 (ddr-densho-122-17-2)
The atmosphere in which individuals decided to resist the draft

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily …

Art Hansen Interview Segment 26 (ddr-densho-122-23-26)
vh Art Hansen Interview Segment 26 (ddr-densho-122-23-26)
Talking with resisters postwar about their experiences

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues …

Art Hansen Interview Segment 19 (ddr-densho-122-23-19)
vh Art Hansen Interview Segment 19 (ddr-densho-122-23-19)
The relationship between the Pacific Citizen, the Heart Mountain Sentinel and the draft resisters

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically …

Art Hansen Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-122-23-3)
vh Art Hansen Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-122-23-3)
Impressions after attending a reunion of resisters

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues …

Art Hansen Interview Segment 27 (ddr-densho-122-23-27)
vh Art Hansen Interview Segment 27 (ddr-densho-122-23-27)
The resisters' story: "these people are well on their way to becoming ... recognizable American heroes"

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are …

Art Hansen Interview Segment 29 (ddr-densho-122-23-29)
vh Art Hansen Interview Segment 29 (ddr-densho-122-23-29)
The distinction between "no-no" boys and draft resisters

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on …

Art Hansen Interview Segment 23 (ddr-densho-122-23-23)
vh Art Hansen Interview Segment 23 (ddr-densho-122-23-23)
Belief that Ben Kuroki's visits to concentration camps "didn't have the desired effect" for the U.S. government

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection …

Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 1 (ddr-densho-122-24-1)
vh Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 1 (ddr-densho-122-24-1)
Feelings about the Japanese American Citizens League

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues …

Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 4 (ddr-densho-122-24-4)
vh Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 4 (ddr-densho-122-24-4)
The postwar ostracization of the resisters

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues surrounding …

Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-122-24-6)
vh Paul Tsuneishi Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-122-24-6)
Opinion of the Fair Play Committee and the resisters of conscience: "I have nothing but the highest respect for them"

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews …

Michi Weglyn Interview Segment 16 (ddr-densho-122-22-16)
vh Michi Weglyn Interview Segment 16 (ddr-densho-122-22-16)
The uniqueness of the organized resistance movement at Heart Mountain

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily …

Michi Weglyn Interview Segment 18 (ddr-densho-122-22-18)
vh Michi Weglyn Interview Segment 18 (ddr-densho-122-22-18)
Reaction of the Japanese American community to the Heart Mountain resisters

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead …

Ben Kuroki - Shige Kuroki Interview Segment 14 (ddr-densho-122-21-14)
vh Ben Kuroki - Shige Kuroki Interview Segment 14 (ddr-densho-122-21-14)
Preparing to testify at the resisters' trial: disagreeing, but understanding their point of view

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not …

Sam Horino Interview Segment 11 (ddr-densho-122-6-11)
vh Sam Horino Interview Segment 11 (ddr-densho-122-6-11)
Memories of Leavenworth prison: no regrets

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues surrounding …

Sam Horino Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-122-6-6)
vh Sam Horino Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-122-6-6)
Deciding to join the Fair Play Committee, remembering the meetings

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily …

Sam Horino Interview Segment 8 (ddr-densho-122-6-8)
vh Sam Horino Interview Segment 8 (ddr-densho-122-6-8)
Discussion of the Fair Play Committee bulletins

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues …

Sam Horino Interview Segment 10 (ddr-densho-122-6-10)
vh Sam Horino Interview Segment 10 (ddr-densho-122-6-10)
Memories of trial: "the decision was incorrect"

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues …

Yosh Kuromiya Interview Segment 5 (ddr-densho-122-8-5)
vh Yosh Kuromiya Interview Segment 5 (ddr-densho-122-8-5)
The decision to resist the draft: "Somebody had to say somethin'"

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead …

Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-122-10-6)
vh Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 6 (ddr-densho-122-10-6)
The uniqueness of the draft resistance movement at Heart Mountain

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily …

Art Emi Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-122-7-3)
vh Art Emi Interview Segment 3 (ddr-densho-122-7-3)
Making the decision to help the Fair Play Committee

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing …

Art Emi Interview Segment 2 (ddr-densho-122-7-2)
vh Art Emi Interview Segment 2 (ddr-densho-122-7-2)
Description in role of helping the Fair Play Committee

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing …

Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 7 (ddr-densho-122-10-7)
vh Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 7 (ddr-densho-122-10-7)
Hearing the guilty verdict in draft resistance trial, feeling disappointed

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily …

Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 1 (ddr-densho-122-10-1)
vh Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 1 (ddr-densho-122-10-1)
Memories of draft resistance trial

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues surrounding the …

Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 11 (ddr-densho-122-10-11)
vh Mits Koshiyama Interview Segment 11 (ddr-densho-122-10-11)
Feelings about being overlooked as a resister

This interview was conducted by filmmaker Frank Abe for his 2000 documentary, Conscience and the Constitution, about the World War II resisters of conscience at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. As a result, the interviews in this collection are typically not life histories, instead primarily focusing on issues …

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