Title: Testimony of Ben T. Tsuboi, (denshopd-i67-00249)
Densho ID: denshopd-i67-00249

-I- Beginning

My name is Ben T. Tsuboi. I was born in Seattle, Wash. and I am an American of Japanese descent.

On or about February, 1942, the United States Government ordered the wholesale imprisonment of all West Coast residents of Japanese ancestry.

I was one of approx. 110,000 incarcerated during this period.

-II- Synopsis

During my three and one half years of imprisonment, this confinement caused me to become very bitter and confused toward the people and laws of the United States. I encountered numerous harassments and fears during this period but one incident I shall never forget is (pause) during my school period in the 9th grade.

The teacher's name was Mr. GIROUX - one day it seemed to me he was in a bad mood - and had all our class stay one hour after school - during this period 5 girls walked into our class asked Mr. GIROUX why we were still in class (pause) they were obviously waiting for some of their friends - Mr. GIROUX, lost his temper and told them "You damn Japs - its none of your business" and physically shoved them out the door.

I stood up in protest and told Mr. GIROUX that his verbal and physical acts were unnecessary - especially unbecoming of a teacher -

By then Mr. GIROUX was hysterical - picked up a coal stoker and bunged at me shouting "You dirty yellow Japs."

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Five of my classmates broke up this incident (pause) and the next thing I knew (I was delirious at this time) the security police - the principal - and hundreds of other students were milling around.

After a brief hearing held with our principal and others of the educational administration we (the 6 of us) were hauled in a bus to a town called JEROME, Idaho about 10/15 miles from our concentration camp.

Upon arriving at JEROME, we were met by the Jerome police, handcuffed - and walked approx. 2 blocks to the Jerome jail - during this 2-block walk citizens of Jerome harassed and HECKLED us with various RACIAL SLURS.

-III- Since this incident it has been approx 37 years (pause) but this bitter experience I cannot forget.

I am now married - a father of a grown child - a veteran of the Korean war - and a loyal United States citizen.

However, I am here in front of this commission - to candidly express my feeling - that is my opinion this uncalled and illegal act can never be fully rectified (pause) but can only be somehow alleviated - only by REDRESS.

Thank you.

[Signed]

Seattle, Wash 98178
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