Partial Transcript: Gary is 19 years old when he is inducted into the Army. Then Gary goes to Camp Maxey, TX, with 25 other Nisei. Gary learns the war is over during his third week at basic training. Also, President Roosevelt just passed away. After eight weeks of basic training, Gary goes to Camp Rucker, AL. Gary recalls Buddy Young, the football player, is inducted at the same time as him. Gary says Buddy is given the option to choose which branch he would like to serve in, whereas Gary is automatically placed in the infantry unit. As a Japanese American, Gary does not question authority, and he joins the infantry. Later, Gary is transferred to heavy weapons.

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Keywords: basic training; discrimination in the military; Franklin Delano Roosevelt; Japanese American soldiers; Japanese Americans; machine gunner; mortar; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; rifle; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Gary says Camp Shelby is closed, and his classmates go to Camp Blanding. After Gary finishes training in Alabama, he goes back to Texas. Gary says there are only two Nisei at Camp Maxey and the rest are Hajukin. Gary does not feel any discrimination during basic training. Gary recalls an officer in Alabama who recently served with the interpreter team. He is partial to the Nisei soldiers. Later, there were orders for the Nisei soldiers in Texas to go to Maryland. In Maryland, there are more Nisei soldiers there.

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Keywords: discrimination; Hakujin; Japanese American soldiers; Japanese Americans; Nisei soldiers

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Partial Transcript: Gary discusses the conditions in Alabama. The weather is hot, humid, and damp. Some of the soldiers get chiggers and heat rashes. Many of the Hakujins suffer from heat rash. Gary remembers going on a hike with the unit. Gary and another Nisei vow not to give up and to finish the hike no matter what. Gary and the other Nisei are smaller in size, and they want to prove they are physically capable like the Hakujins. When Gary started basic training is weighed 109 pounds. When he finishes basic training he weighs 121 pounds. Gary is surprised to have gain weight because the food is bland. Gary recalls the smell of lamb at camp.

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Keywords: basic training; Hakujin; Japanese American soldiers; living conditions; marching; Nisei soldiers

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Partial Transcript: Gary completes basic training after 16 weeks. However, the war is over, and the Army is sending soldiers to advance training after basic training. Advance training is one month, then Gary goes to Europe. Two companies are Nisei and the land in France. In France, the two Nisei companies are separated. Gary's company goes to Germany and is assigned to a Master Group. Germany is in devastation. Gary's responsibly is to supply clothing and equipment for all the troops in the Eastern half of Germany north of Daniel River. Gary is attached to the Third Army. There are four classifications of the Quarter Master Group. Later, Gary's company is divided in half. One-half goes to Munich to supply the food.

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Keywords: basic training; France; Germany; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei soldiers; post-war

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Partial Transcript: Gary describes how his assignments were light with the help of the Hungarian POWs, African Americans, Russian soldiers, and Germany civilians. Germany is in devastation after the war. The living conditions of the German civilians in the American zone are better. Gary says the Nisei troops developed a good relationship with the German civilians compared to the Hajukin troops. Gary discusses the relationships with other English, French, and British Army troops in Germany.

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Keywords: Hawaiian soldiers; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; post-war

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Partial Transcript: Gary meets the Hawaiian soldiers in Maryland when they are preparing to go overseas. Previously Gary knew a few Hawaiian guys before the war and learned their dialect. Therefore, he gets along with the Hawaiian soldiers. Gary is an extrovert, and that helps him to make friends easily. He has connections everywhere. Gary recalls the cigarette ration. Some of the guys would trade cigarettes for cameras.

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Keywords: family; friendship; Germany; Japanese Americans; Mainland soldiers; Nisei soldiers; post-war

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Partial Transcript: Gary has a girlfriend and corresponds with her when he is overseas. There are discussions of marriage. However, Gary feels he is too young. The Nihonjun community is small, and word gets around. Gary says that is his downfall with his dating.

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Keywords: correspondence; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei soldiers; post-war; social activities; wedding

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Partial Transcript: In Germany, Gary handles all the shipments that arrive by train. When the war is over, the Army gathers all the supplies from various units and placing them in a central area for distribution. Gary's responsibility is the check-in of inventory, and the German civilians handle the unloading of supplies. Gary has an opportunity to get to know the civilians in the area. When there is an American holiday, Gary says they would have parties for the children. Moreover, they would go to ski resorts since the Hawaiian soldiers have never seen snow. Being overseas, Gary discusses dating and relationships.

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Keywords: civilians; dating; friendship; Hawaiian soldiers; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei soldiers; post-war

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Partial Transcript: Being overseas, Gary discusses dating and relationships. He says he is a trusting person. Gary recalls going on a furlough to London and stopping in Paris. In Paris, he lends a soldier money. The same situation happens in London too.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: civilians; dating; Hakujin; Hawaiian soldiers; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; post-war

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Partial Transcript: Gary is in Germany for approximately a year before he leaves for Japan. In Germany, he is stationed near the international war crime trials. Gary discusses his feeling about the war victims. When Gary is in Japan, he has more of a connection with trials.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Germany; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; post-war

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