ddr-densho-107 — Matsumoto Collection — Objects

img Family photo (ddr-densho-107-26)

Left to right: Wakaji Matsumoto (Roy Matsumoto's father), Shizue (younger sister), Tei (mother), Harue (older sister), Isao (younger brother), and Takeshi. (younger brother).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-26/

img Siblings (ddr-densho-107-27)

All of Roy Matsumoto's siblings were born in the United States, but went to live in Japan. Left to right: (in chronological order) Takeshi, Tsutomu, Noboru, Harue, Isao, and Shizue.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-27/

img Portraits of elderly couple (ddr-densho-107-28)

Roy Matsumoto's maternal grandparents. When Roy went to Japan, his maternal grandfather had already passed away. Roy did not have the privilege of meeting him, but enjoyed living with his grandmother, Tomi, for several winters. Roy's maternal grandfather, Shinjiro Kimura, was a famous fencing instructor for Lord Asano of Hiroshima. As a samurai, he engaged in …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-28/

img Portraits of elderly couple (ddr-densho-107-29)

Roy Matsumoto's paternal grandparents. Roy's paternal grandfather, Wakamatsu, was the youngest son of the Matsumoto family. He married his sweetheart and came to Kauai, HI, as a government contract laborer to work in the sugar cane fields. Upon completion of the contract, he came to the mainland United States, leased land in southern California, and operated …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-29/

img Portraits of Issei couple (ddr-densho-107-30)

Roy Matsumoto's mother, Tei Matsumoto, was the youngest daughter of a samurai, Shinjiro Kimura. Her elder brother, Koichi Kimura was Wakaji Matsumoto's (Roy's father's) classmate in school, and a second cousin. Tei managed the Matsumoto farm after Wakamatsu (Roy's grandfather) retired to Japan. Before WWII started, she went to Hiroshima, Japan, with her family. She escaped …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-30/

img Ranger Hall of Fame medallion presentation (ddr-densho-107-31)

Colonel David Grange presents the Ranger Hall of Fame medallion to Ranger Roy Matsumoto at Ranger Field, Fort Benning, Georgia. Front (L to R): Col. David L. Grange, CO 75th Ranger Regiment and Retired Army Master Sgt Roy H. Matsumoto. Back (L to R): CSM Jesse G. Laye and Col. Michael V. Church CO Ranger Training …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-31/

img Legion of Merit presentation (ddr-densho-107-32)

General Frank D. Merrill, Commanding General of the Merrill's Marauders, congratulating S/Sgt Roy Matsumoto upon the presentation of the Legion of Merit for his exploits at Walawbum, Burma on 5 March, 1944.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-32/

img Nisei soldier being interviewed (ddr-densho-107-33)

S/Sgt. Roy Matsumoto interviewed by British playwright and author Noel Coward. Roy was recovering from an infection from a shrapnel wound on his left wrist, and was questioned about his exploits at Walawbum and Nhpum Ga in the jungles of Burma.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-33/

img Photo of husband and wife (ddr-densho-107-34)

This photo was taken at the 1996 Army Counter-Intelligence Corps Annual Reunion. Roy Matsumoto is wearing the Knowlton Award medal for the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame medallion and the Legion of Merit for his exploits in the jungles of Burma.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-34/

img Nisei military police officer (ddr-densho-107-35)

Msgt. Roy Matsumoto, when assigned to GHQ Allied Occupation Forces from 701st Military Police in Shanghai, China.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-35/

img Nisei soldier in Okinawa (ddr-densho-107-36)

Msgt Matsumoto transferred from Japan to Ryukyu Command, Okinawa, under U.S. jurisdiction until 1956. He was in charge of labor forces of more than 500 native Okinawans working for the Signal Corps on the island, in jobs such as construction crews, splicers, telephone operators, linesmen, radio repairmen, auto mechanics, kitchen personnel, office clerks, etc.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-36/

img Nisei soldier escorting a Japanese officer to a war crimes trial tribunal (ddr-densho-107-37)

Left to right: Lt. Col Matsuura, Liaison Officer of the Imperial Japanese Army, and Msgt Roy Matsumoto of 701st Military Police of China Command. Msgt Matsumoto is escorting Col Matsuura to the War Crimes Tribunal from Ward Road Jail.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-37/

img Atomic bomb dome (ddr-densho-107-39)

Looking toward Genbaku Dome (atomic bomb dome) located near the epicenter of atomic destruction of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. This building was a commercial exhibition hall. Roy Matsumoto's mother and other members of his family lived two blocks from this dome.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-39/

img Torii gate (ddr-densho-107-40)

Looking across Ohno Channel toward Jigozen where Roy Matsumoto's grandfather was born, from Miyajima Island near Itsukushima Shrine. This torii (ceremonial gate) has stood on this site for over 600 years and has been rebuilt many times. The name "jigozen" means "in front of the shrine." The town is located about 10 miles from the City …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-107-40/

Matsumoto Collection ddr-densho-107

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