Heroes Among Us: Stories of Courage, Patriotism & Sacrifice
Featuring expanded stories from GFBNEC’s Hanashi Oral History Collection highlighting the with more in-depth examples of valor, character and selfless acts of the Japanese American WWII veterans as they fought for equality.
Breaking of the Gothic Line
In April 1945, the all-Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team broke through the nearly impenetrable Gothic Line in Italy, succeeding where air and artillery had failed. Veterans Toke Yoshihashi and Yosh Nakamura recount their experiences in this historic battle.
Kazuo Masuda, a Nisei soldier killed in Italy in 1944, became a powerful symbol against anti-Asian discrimination, helping inspire the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. His story highlights the long-standing contributions and resilience of Asian Americans.
Private Joe Hayashi of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic service in WWII, even as his family faced incarceration at home.
In honor of National Women’s History Month, three Japanese American Cadet Nurse Corps members—Alice Noguchi Kanagaki, Kiyo Sato, and Mary Tamura—share their stories of service and loyalty during WWII. Their oral histories were captured through the “Unsung Service” project funded by the National Park Service.
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