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Oftentimes the contributions made during World War II is focused on men. However, there is an incredible story of military service by Nisei women that we share with you today. Did you know that there were 25 Nisei women who served in the Women's Army Corp (WAC)? They were not segregated, but in fact were part of a larger group of women who served this country during World War II. Their reasons to join are similar to the Nisei veterans, which was a desire to serve this country to prove that they were proud Americans. The Women's Army Corp was established in April 1943. They received training in clerical, medical, and military supply. Eleven of them were trained as linguists at Military Intelligence Service Language School at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and served in the Japan occupation. They provided valuable skills and services for the war effort, and it is extremely important that we recognize their tremendous contributions. In this issue, we feature WAC veteran, Sue Ogata-Kato, who was recently interviewed by the Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Program. She was inducted into the WAC in November 1943 and was a member of the first group of Nisei who volunteered as a WAC. Please be sure to read her American story.
Sincerely,
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Sometimes showing up is half the battle. If so, on Dec. 13, 1943, Sue Ogata Kato claimed a major victory.
That was the first day of basic training for the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Getting there had required determination and perseverance on the part of the 22-year-old from Greeley, Colorado; staying there would require even more. But by her last day three years later, Kato would be a staff sergeant and one of fewer than 50 second generation Japanese American (Nisei) women who served her country as a WAC during World War II. Initially, Kato's father had not shared her enthusiasm about the Corps. "Have you lost your good sense?" he said, thinking of the well-paying bookkeeper job his daughter would sacrifice. But Kato did not dwell on her own well-being. "I thought that I could do something to relieve the boys who were tied down to a desk job," she said in a Hanashi Oral History Program interview. After hearing her reasoning, Kato's father gave his blessing, saying, "Well, you do your best." |
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Don't miss the opportunity to see the great jazz fusion band "Hiroshima" and the popular local Asian American band from the 1970s "Carry On" on Saturday September 16 at the Culver City Veterans Auditorium. "Friends of Go For Broke," a small group of Sansei brought together to raise funds for the Go For Broke National Education Center, is hosting this special benefit dinner/dance "In Grateful Remembrance." Dinner, catered by Don Tahara of Chop Suey Cafe & Lounge, will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert by "Hiroshima" and a dance featuring the sounds of "Carry On." Mikawaya and King's Hawaiian Bakery will provide tasty desserts and Toyo Miyatake Studios will take commemorative photos. A value-packed raffle will be offered at the event and all attendees will receive a complementary membership to the Go For Broke National Education Center and a trial subscription to the Rafu Shimpo newspaper. |
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 Resource Center: Preserving WWII Artifacts
Hiroshi Sugiyama was a combat medic in the 442nd RCT, 3rd Battalion HQ. While attached to K Company, he was the last 442nd medic to be killed in action, April 22, 1945, only 10 days before the armistice. While rushing to the aid of a wounded soldier near Tendola, Italy during the Po Valley Campaign, he was hit in the head and died instantly. The Go For Broke National Education Center's Resource Center staff is slowly unfolding the life of Hiroshi Sugiyama. A collection of his belongings were recently acquired – including meticulous notes and carefully captioned photographs – thanks to matching funds from an anonymous donor who enabled Go For Broke to purchase (and save) this rare collection of artifacts from an online auction site. There are more than 100 items in the collection including: Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medals, assorted badges and pins, knapsack, photographs, letters, and his handwritten journal. |
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