Violence against returning Japanese Americans and the Hood River memorial

Vol. 20, No. 8, February 24, 1945. 8 pages. View this issue

Attacks on Japanese Americans returning to the West Coast ran through this eight-page issue. A second shotgun attack on the Kakutani home near Fresno and a fire that destroyed Bob Morishige’s unoccupied Selma house were blamed on night-riding hoodlums, and District Attorney James M. Thuesen and Sheriff George J. Overholt promised full prosecution. Larry Tajiri’s editorials took up the violence, Dillon S. Myer and the plan to close the relocation centers by January 2, 1946. The Hood River American Legion’s removal of Frank Hachiya’s name from a war memorial drew comment from the New York Times, the Portland Oregonian and Collier’s Magazine.

Elsewhere, General Devers’s awards of two Distinguished Service Crosses, 19 Silver Stars and 12 Bronze Stars to Japanese American Combat Team soldiers were listed, with a patrol led by Staff Sgt. Tak Senzaki reaching the Lost Battalion. Bill Hosokawa wrote about what Nisei soldiers expected after the war, and Henry H. Ebihara contributed a short story, “Give Us This Day.”

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

  • Night-Riding Hoodlums Blamed for Second Shotgun Attack on Evacuee Home in Fresno Area, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Night-riding hoodlums were blamed for a second shotgun attack on the home of returned Japanese American evacuee J. Kakutani near Fresno, while an unoccupied Selma home owned by Bob Morishige was destroyed by incendiary fire. Local officials promised full prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
  • Target of Shotgun Attack Will Stay on California Farm, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Frank Osaki of Fowler, targeted in a February 10 gunshot attack, vowed he would not be frightened away from his farm after returning from a relocation center. Sheriff George J. Overholt reported that no evidence of an organized anti-evacuee movement had been found in Fresno County.
  • Agencies Promise Full Prosecution, by P.C. Staff, page 1. District Attorney James M. Thuesen and Sheriff George J. Overholt pledged to hunt down and vigorously prosecute the perpetrators of recent attacks on Japanese Americans in Fresno County. Thuesen stressed the need to preserve law and order regardless of local opinion about the Japanese returning.

National

  • 500 Return to Homes in Coast States, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Secretary of Interior Ickes reported that more than 500 evacuees had returned to their homes in Pacific Coast states since the reopening of the evacuated area. WRA records also showed about 1,200 evacuees relocated eastward in the same seven-week period.
  • 100 Percent Increase in WRA Relocation Program Revealed by Secretary Ickes in Report, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The War Relocation Authority’s annual report showed relocation of evacuees had doubled over seven months, with some 33,000 civilian evacuees resettled in 47 states and 2,500 having joined the armed forces. The WRA plans to close all relocation centers by January 2, 1946.
  • Myer Stresses WRA Plan to Close Centers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. WRA Director Dillon S. Myer affirmed the agency’s determination to resettle evacuees before January 1, 1946, at the all-center evacuee conference in Salt Lake City. He described West Coast opposition as a vocal minority motivated by economic rather than racial concerns.
  • Backbone of Coast Opposition to Return of Evacuee Groups Now Broken, Declares Myer, by P.C. Staff, page 3. WRA Director Dillon S. Myer told Minidoka residents that the opposition to evacuee return on the West Coast had been broken, crediting the fine work of Japanese American soldiers. He gave five reasons for completing the relocation program and closing the camps as soon as possible.
  • California Alien Land Law May Face New Court Test, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Attorneys A. L. Wirin and Hugh E. MacBeth argued in San Diego Superior Court that the California Alien Land Law was unconstitutional because it was based on racial prejudice. They urged dismissal of escheat proceedings against the Hirose and Oyama families.
  • Veterans May Revise Stand on Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Fresno County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars deferred action on the return of Japanese Americans, with indications it may eventually accept the situation. Delegates reported that returning Pacific veterans were fighting to uphold the Constitution.

Military & Veterans

  • Gen. Devers Awards Two DSCs, 19 Silver Stars, 12 Bronze Stars to Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Lieut. Gen. Jacob L. Devers awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses, 19 Silver Stars and 12 Bronze Stars to soldiers of the Japanese American Combat Team, three of the Silver Stars posthumously. The citations detail acts of gallantry during combat in France in October and November 1944.
  • War Department Identifies Ten Wounded in Europe, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The War Department identified ten American soldiers of Japanese ancestry wounded in recent European theater action, presumably members of the Japanese American Combat Team. The list gives each soldier’s name, rank, and next of kin.
  • Nisei Wounded in Action on Europe Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Pvt. Junie Kawamura was reported wounded in action during paratroop operations in France, and Second Lieut. James Kanaya was reported a prisoner of war in Germany after being missing in action. Both reports came from information received by their families.
  • Oregon Nisei Hero Reported War Prisoner, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Second Lieut. James Kanaya of Portland, Ore., was reported a prisoner of war in Germany after being missing on October 23 during action with the Japanese American Combat Team. He had earned the Silver Star and Bronze Star for gallantry in Italy.
  • Lieut. Kimura Wins Air Medal for Flights Over Nazi Lands, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Second Lieutenant Arata Kimura, an air observer with the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, received the Air Medal for five flights over enemy territory spotting gun positions during the Vosges campaign. He had earlier fought in the Italian campaign.
  • Paratrooper Wounded on French Front, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Pvt. Junichi Kawamura, one of the first Japanese Americans to earn paratrooper wings, was wounded in Southern France with compound fractures. While convalescing he was visited by members of the 442nd Japanese American Combat Team.
  • Nisei Serviceman Returns to U.S. on Hospital Ship, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Pvt. Mitsuo Nagaoka, an infantryman with the Japanese American Combat Team, returned to the United States on a hospital ship after ten months of service on the Italian front. He wears the Bronze Star for bravery in action.
  • Henry Ebihara Inducted into Army Under New Policy, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Henry Ebihara, a Japan-born alien raised in New Mexico, was inducted into the U.S. Army in Cleveland, believed to be the first alien of Japanese ancestry inducted on the mainland under a new War Department policy. He had volunteered in 1943.
  • Gen. Devers Honors Members of Japanese American Unit, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A continuation of the award citations details acts of gallantry by Nisei soldiers in France, including Lt. Teraji repairing communication lines under artillery fire and Pfc. Wakamatsu rescuing wounded comrades. Additional Silver Star and Bronze Star citations for Japanese American soldiers are listed.
  • American Patrol First to Reach Isolated GIs of Lost Unit on French Front, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A ten-man patrol of Japanese American soldiers led by Staff Sgt. Tak Senzaki was the first to reach the encircled Lost Battalion of World War II in France. After a difficult advance through timbered hills, they established contact and helped pass out food and water to the trapped men.

Obituaries

  • Nisei Attempts Suicide, Saved by Blood Plasma, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Charles J. Oda, a former U.S. Army veteran, was reported recovering in Chicago after slashing his arm in a suicide attempt. He was saved by blood plasma from the American Legion blood bank.

Community

  • Fair Play Urged by Monterey Area Ministerial Group, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Monterey Peninsula Ministerial Association resolution urged residents to treat returning Japanese Americans with fairness and respect. The resolution was signed by churches in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Del Monte and Seaside.
  • Hood River Legion Retracts Charge Against One Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Hood River American Legion Post 22 published a retraction in the Hood River News after wrongly listing Nobuo Takasumi as a 4-C registrant. The records showed Takasumi had been reclassified 1-A and was serving in the Army.
  • Police Investigate Telephone Threat to Evacuee Family, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Oakland police investigated a telephone death threat against Kakuichi and Clara Sadamune, who recently returned from an Arizona relocation camp. The couple have three sons serving in the armed forces.
  • Placerville Lions Advocate Boycotting of Returned Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Placerville Lions club adopted a resolution urging a boycott to prevent resettlement of Japanese Americans in El Dorado County. The group urged residents not to employ, lease or sell property to persons of Japanese ancestry.
  • Japanese American Girls Honored by YWCA, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Former Chula Vista Japanese American Girl Reserves were honored as keepers of the light for the San Diego YWCA during February. A letter from member Yukiye Kushino expressed pleasure at fulfilling the duty.
  • Vacaville Group Will Take Evacuee Issue to Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Vacaville Anti-Japanese League called on men and women in the armed forces to express their views on its plan to boycott Japanese Americans and prevent their return. The League said its position was patriotic despite criticism.
  • Anti-Evacuee Group Planned by Yakimans, by P.C. Staff, page 3. More than 300 farmers and ranchers in Yakima, Kittitas and Benton counties gave enthusiastic approval to organizing a chapter of the Remember Pearl Harbor League to oppose the return of Japanese Americans. Official establishment was referred to a later meeting.
  • First Evacuee Family Returns to Hanford, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mr. and Mrs. Kay Magota and their son Shugo became the first known Nisei family to return to the Hanford area, where they have reestablished themselves on their farm.
  • Majority Employed in Federal Service, Says A.P. Writer, by Jane Eads, page 7. An Associated Press feature reports that many Japanese Americans relocated to Washington, D.C., are employed in government jobs, some on confidential War Department and FBI work. The Washington Committee for Americans of Japanese Ancestry operates a hostel to help newcomers settle.
  • Seattle Group Warned Over Prejudicial Acts Against Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Friends of the Seattle Public Library warned against prejudice toward Japanese Americans at a book-review program attended by about 200 people. Speakers discussed the Harborview hospital incident involving Nurse Masako Takayoshi and the wartime evacuation.
  • Relocated Evacuees Learn of Fire Which Gutted Home, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Bob and Annie Morishige of Des Moines, Iowa, learned from an Associated Press dispatch that their Selma, California home had been destroyed in an incendiary fire. Morishige had sold his Selma garage before evacuation and had recently received offers to sell the bungalow.
  • Group to Assist Evacuees Return to Portland Area, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A new organization chaired by Reed College economics professor Dr. Blair Stewart was formed in Portland, Oregon, to help former residents of Japanese ancestry find jobs and homes. Its objectives include assisting returning evacuees with reestablishment.
  • Social Welfare Chief Outlines Agency’s Role, by P.C. Staff, page 8. California Director of Social Welfare Charles M. Wollenberg said the return of Japanese Americans to the West Coast was creating serious social and medical problems for his department. He outlined questions about residence, referral methods and the scope of assistance eligibility.
  • Dr. Chapman Asks for Integration of Nisei Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 8. At a San Jose inter-church luncheon forum, Dr. Gordon Chapman advocated integrating returning evacuees into West Coast communities, including membership in Caucasian churches. He recommended a Japanese assistant pastor for larger congregations.
  • Chicago Doctor Fights for Rights of Nisei Girl Patient, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Selig A. Shevin resigned from the Jackson Park Hospital staff in protest after a Nisei patient, Toyoko Murayama, was refused a bed. Hospital officials denied racial discrimination, but the matter drew newspaper attention in Chicago.
  • Portland Library Displays Medals Won by Nisei GIs, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Central Library in Portland displayed medals and ribbons won by Japanese American soldiers as part of Brotherhood Week. The exhibit was arranged by Nellie Mignon Fisher, head of the library’s business technical department.
  • Nisei Evacuees Purchase Homes in Wisconsin City, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Mr. and Mrs. William Mimbu, formerly of Seattle, became the third Nisei homeowning couple in Madison, Wisconsin. Mimbu, a former Seattle attorney, works for the Wisconsin Public Welfare Department.

Commentary

  • Frank Hachiya, American, by New York Times, page 2. An editorial reprinted from the New York Times recounts how Private Frank Hachiya volunteered to scout an enemy position on Leyte and died after being mortally wounded. It notes that his name had been removed from the Hood River war memorial.
  • Portland Newspaper Condemns Hood River Legion’s Policy, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Portland Oregonian editorially condemned the Hood River American Legion post for refusing to list Japanese American servicemen on its honor roll and for expunging Frank Hachiya’s name. The paper called the post’s position untenable and shameful.
  • Columnist Asks if Name of Nisei Hero Will Go Back on Memorial, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Washington correspondent Thomas L. Stokes condemned the Hood River American Legion’s removal of Frank T. Hachiya’s name from the county war memorial and asked whether it would be restored. He also quoted a letter from an aviator criticizing a Hermiston veterans post’s exclusion policy.
  • Editorial: Violence in the Night, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial argues that night-riding arsonists and vandals attacking returning Japanese Americans are fed by organized hate campaigns and cannot be absolved by public disclaimers from anti-evacuee groups. It notes that two targeted evacuees have vowed not to be intimidated.
  • Lesson in Democracy, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial praises two Chinese Americans who offered jobs in Los Angeles to Japanese American evacuees, contrasting them with State Board of Equalization member William G. Bonelli, who expressed amazement at the arrangement. It notes Bonelli’s record of racist political campaigning.
  • The Servicemen Speak, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial observes that Fresno County VFW leaders are finally listening to returned Pacific veterans, who said they were fighting to uphold the Constitution and urged citizens to do the same regarding Japanese Americans. It notes that Nisei soldiers’ bravery has earned respect from servicemen who fought beside them.
  • Dillon S. Myer, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial praises WRA Director Dillon S. Myer for maintaining democratic methods under difficult conditions and for convincing evacuees of their status as full Americans. It notes his tour of relocation centers explaining the program to close the camps by year’s end.
  • The Nisei in the Pacific, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tajiri’s column refutes the charge that Nisei soldiers fought gallantly in Europe only because they were killing whites, citing their record in Italy and France. He documents the many Nisei who have served in Pacific theaters and calls for the War Department to publicly acknowledge their service.
  • What’s Ahead for Nisei GIs After War?, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Hosokawa’s column examines how Nisei soldiers are thinking about their postwar lives and the America they will return to. He quotes a wounded private who urges Nisei to disperse and assimilate rather than congregate in ethnic enclaves.
  • Dirty Work at Hood River, by Collier’s Magazine, page 5. Collier’s Magazine condemned the Hood River American Legion post for removing the names of Japanese American soldiers from a county war memorial as tops in blind hatred. A later follow-up editorial reported that servicemen overseas were angered by the post’s stand.
  • On Calm Thinking, by Seattle Times, page 5. The Seattle Times praised an article by University of Washington scholar Robert W. O’Brien concluding that Japanese propaganda largely failed to win the allegiance of American-born Nisei. The editorial urged calm, dispassionate judgment toward Japanese Americans.

In-Depth

  • Give Us This Day, by Henry H. Ebihara, page 4. A short story follows Mr. and Mrs. Sakimoto, a Nisei couple who have resettled in the Midwest, as they reflect on the kindness of strangers and their son fighting in Burma. The couple find comfort in their faith in American fellow citizens and their son’s hope for humanity.

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