Uploaded April 2021 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Thomas Takemoto, a Kauai native who volunteered to join the Army, served with the 1399 for two years and volunteered again after a medical discharge. In this clip, Takemoto recalls how trust for an all-Nisei unit was built upon the "go for broke" mentality and outstanding performance of the 100th Battalion's first battle in Italy, which opened opportunities for the formation of Nisei battalions like the 1399 to build and manage necessary infrastructure on Oahu during the war.
Thomas Takemoto, a Kauai native who volunteered to join the Army, served with the 1399 for two years and volunteered again after a medical discharge. In this clip, Takemoto recalls how trust for an all-Nisei unit was built upon the "go for broke" mentality and outstanding performance of the 100th Battalion's first battle in Italy, which opened opportunities for the formation of Nisei battalions like the 1399 to build and manage necessary infrastructure on Oahu during the war.
