Honor Of Fire: Japanese Americans at War in Europe and the Pacific (1994) By Lyn Crost
 
When President Truman personally welcomed home the Japanese-American soldiers of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, he said: "You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice - and you have won." It was not an easy road for these American Nisei, caught in a no man's land between their ancestral heritage and loyalty to their country.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans were singled out for the nation's suspicions. Yet, with their families incarcerated in internment camps, these men swallowed their pride and volunteered for military service. They fought gallantly, pitting their unique skills and knowledge against America's enemies - in combat in Europe and as linguists with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in the Pacific.

War correspondent Lyn Crost witnessed the outstanding military service, and the horrendous casualties, of the Japanese-American troops in Europe. She spoke with many high-ranking officers who, initially opposed to the use of Nisei troops, later became their most enthusiastic advocates, considering them the best assault troops in the army. Axis Sally, in her radio broadcasts, called the Nisei "America's secret weapon."

In the Pacific theater, Nisei linguists participated in every battle from the Aleutians to Okinawa. Their work proved indispensable: they interrogated prisoners, translated captured orders and maps, and communicated with terrified civilians. The high secrecy of this intelligence work meant censorship during the war years and for three decades after, preventing public acknowledgment of their deeds. Honor by Fire is the first book to tell of the MISers' incredible exploits, combined with the experiences of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team.
 
Soft Cover
346 pages
In Good Condition