LAST SURVIVING TORPEDO GANG MEMBER?
Nine draftees held on to floating debris in the ocean for two to three hours. The ammunition boat, Kalae, was finally able to rescue them, being treated in Hana, Maui. After a series of questions, the military ordered them not to talk about the incident with anyone, not even their families. They were sent back to Schofield Barracks and then overseas. The nine draftees became known as the "Torpedo Gang:" Yoshio Ogomori, John Souza, Tokimaru Takamoto, George Taketa, Shizuo Toma, Shigeru Ushijima, Mac Wakimoto, Haruo Yamashita, and Susumu Yoshioka.
In January, GFBNEC's Hanashi Oral History Program was privileged to interview Torpedo Gang member and 442nd RCT veteran Haruo Yamashita, thought to be the last living member, in Honolulu. Since his interview, GFBNEC has stayed in touch with the family, and though in frail health he traveled to Los Angeles to visit the Go For Broke Monument on April 27. He was greeted by Hanashi crew member/interviewer Richard Hawkins and Nisei veterans at the GFBNEC office in Torrance.
GFBNEC is trying to determine if Yamashita is the last living Torpedo Gang member. Information would be appreciated on Torpedo Gang members: John Souza and Susumu Yoshioka. If you have any information, please contact Lisa Sueki at 310-222-5714 or lisa@goforbroke.org.
