<Begin Segment 19>

AI: And at the time when, as you say, the government did reverse itself and decide to start taking volunteers from among the Japanese Americans, do you remember what your reaction was when you first heard that that was possible?

KO: Gosh, I don't remember my exact reaction, however, I did have some misgivings of going into the army and leaving my, the family there. I think that was the biggest concern that I had. But, having, you had to have some faith in the United States, if you were even go to say, "yes." I think I felt that the government would take care of them. Which they did.

AI: Right. So, especially as the oldest son, you felt a responsibility for your family. And that must have entered into your feeling about, "What might happen to them if I were gone."

KO: I think that was my biggest concern, as to what was gonna' happen to them. I wasn't particularly worried about myself, but that was a concern because I knew they had nothing to go back to, and life would be difficult.

AI: Right.

<End Segment 19> - Copyright © 1998 Densho. All Rights Reserved.