Nisei in the Korean War and the JACL-ADC fund drive

Vol. 32, No. 5, February 3, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

Nisei soldiers in the Korean War were the leading story of this eight-page issue. A letter allegedly signed by American prisoners of war, including Nisei Pfc. Ray Hikida, drew a front-page report, and his parents said the signature looked like their son’s. Mrs. Hisano Yoshihara received a posthumous Silver Star for her son, Pfc. Elmer J. Yoshihara. Also reported were the death of Sgt. Andrew Ryuichi Watada, and Lieut. Col. Walter Tsukamoto’s part in the Hungnam evacuation. Min Yasui reported on the JACL-ADC fund drive, which was behind its quota in the Mountain Plains area.

Columns by Bill Hosokawa, on a visit to North Platte, Nebraska, and Dyke Miyagawa, on the McCarran Act and Issei naturalization, are on page 5. Another item looked at whether Little Tokyo was doomed. The Soldier Brides Act extension is covered on page 2, and sports fill most of pages 6 and 7.

What’s in this issue

Military & Veterans

• Salt Lake Newspaper Gets Letter Signed by Two Nisei Prisoners of Chinese Reds, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A letter allegedly signed by American POWs, including Nisei Cpl. Saburo Shimomura and Pfc. Ray Hikida, praised Chinese Communist treatment. The letter was received by newspapers and was described by the Salt Lake Telegram as propaganda.
• Mother Given Medal Awarded to Hero Son, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mrs. Hisano Yoshihara received the posthumous Silver Star for her son Pfc. Elmer J. Yoshihara, who died clearing a minefield in Korea. She noted her son had also served in military intelligence in World War II.
• JACL Ex-President Among Evacuees From Hungnam, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Lieut. Col. Walter Tsukamoto, assistant 10th Army Corps judge advocate general and former JACL national president, took part in the Allied evacuation from Hungnam. He had served as an officer at the Military Intelligence Service language school during the war.
• Colorado Nisei Killed in Action in Korea War, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sgt. Andrew Ryuichi Watada of Fort Lupton, Colo., was killed in action in Korea on Jan. 7. He had volunteered after high school, graduated from the military intelligence language school, and served as an interpreter in Japan.
• New York Doctor, Dentist Called for Military Duties, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two Nisei professionals from New York City, Dr. Ralph M. Takami and Dr. Peter Yoshitomi, were called to army duty at Fort Knox to serve as captains in the medical draft program.
• Defense Department Assures Full Report on Casualties of Soldiers from Hawaii Area, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Unofficial reports indicate that many Hawaiian casualties in Korea have not appeared on Defense Department lists, with 155 of the 508 casualties being of Japanese ancestry. Pentagon officials promised a new reporting system to release Hawaiian casualty names from Washington.
• Sgt. Yokoe Wins Silver Star for Combat Heroism, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Sgt. 1st Cl. Yukio Yokoe of Baldwin Park, Calif., received a Silver Star for leading his squad in an attack in Korea despite painful wounds. He was one of eight 25th Division members so honored.
• Nisei GIs Doing Bang-up Job in Korea War, Says Officer, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Capt. Harry S. Iida wrote from Korea that Nisei soldiers are performing valuably, as in the last war. He noted that Japanese food sent from home helps morale and that he ordered airmail subscriptions for his section.

Community

• Oakland Tribune Praises Nisei Defense of Chinese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Oakland Tribune editorialized for fair play toward Californians of Chinese ancestry. It noted that Nisei were the first to defend the individual rights of Chinese Americans.
• Min Yasui Visits Nisei Groups in Plains Area, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL regional director Min Yasui and Bill Hosokawa toured Colorado communities and North Platte, Neb., on a 629-mile trip. They addressed local groups on JACL aims and Hosokawa’s Korean war assignment.
• Emergency May Force Denver to Suspend Slum Clearance, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Denver’s three-million-dollar urban redevelopment program may be suspended during the war emergency, a project that would have affected many Japanese American properties. Yasui reported that condemnation under the housing code may still proceed.
• Three Thugs Beat California Doctor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Kiyohide Nakaki, 75, was severely beaten by three men who forced into his Los Angeles office, apparently seeking narcotics. His son Tosh arrived and scared off the attackers, and the doctor was treated for head injuries.
• San Francisco JACL Holds Installation for New Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The San Francisco JACL installed new officers at a dinner where Urban League director Seaton Manning spoke on citizenship rights. Issei supporters of the JACL-ADC received recognition certificates.
• Kickoff Meeting in ADC Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 2. ADC leaders in Los Angeles launched their fund drive at a January 30 kickoff. The photo shows the participants starting the campaign.
• Hawaii Nisei Boxer Trains in Foxhole on Korean Front, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Pfc. Tamao Nagata of Waipahu, Hawaii, kept up his boxing training on the Korean front with a small barbell set obtained from a Korean merchant. He had been a top flyweight in the Far East Army before the Korean war.
• Arrest Hermit in Hawaii on Draft Charge, by P.C. Staff, page 2. William Kinichi Oshiro, 44, a Hilo hermit who lived on the slopes of Mauna Kea, was arrested for draft dodging dating to 1943. He had subsisted mainly on taro for seven years.
• Yasui Reports Fund Drive Lags in Plains Area, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Min Yasui reported the JACL-ADC fund drive in the Mountain Plains area has raised only $1,170.50 of an $8,500 quota. He urged more support from individuals and groups.
• Portlanders Vote JACL Reactivation, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Portland JACL, inactive since the war, voted to resume operations. The chapter’s reactivation was approved at a meeting held January 26.
• Set $22 Thousand Quota for Southern California Area, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Southland leaders opened the annual JACL-ADC fund drive with a quota of $22,775 and a kickoff dinner. More than $2,000 was already forwarded to national headquarters from chapter treasuries.
• Women’s Committee Doubles Membership of Omaha Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An all-women membership committee in Omaha nearly doubled the chapter’s 1950 membership. The committee signed up 95 regular and 17 special members.
• Nisei Clerk Foils Robbery Attempt, by P.C. Staff, page 2. In Stockton, clerk Satoru Murakami grabbed one of two men who tried to loot the cash register of Mrs. Mabel Okubo’s grocery store. The suspect broke free after drawing a knife, and both men were arrested by police.
• Little Tokyo’s Future to Be Discussed at Panel Session, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Downtown Los Angeles JACL will hold a panel discussion on whether Little Tokyo is doomed at a February 13 luncheon. Panelists include real estate broker Asajiro Nishimoto and photographer Toyo Miyatake.
• Northwest Area JACL Groups Plan Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pacific Northwest JACL district council selected the Labor Day weekend of September 1-3 for its first postwar convention, to be hosted by Seattle. Delegates also accepted a $5,500 ADC quota and discussed a possible regional office.
• Remind Nisei Voters of Election Deadline, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Los Angeles JACL regional office reminded Nisei voters that the registration deadline for the April primary is February 8. Registration service was offered at the Miyako Hotel office.
• Japanese American Growers Hope to Start New Industry by Canning Papaya Fruit, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 3. Hawaii papaya growers led by Harry Kaneshiro are organizing to can papaya because low fresh-market prices have made production unprofitable. They are using a small-scale canning arrangement in a Honolulu poi factory.
• Inductees Honored by French Camp Campers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The French Camp JACL and Educational Society held a send-off party for Kiyoshi Hayashi, Hank Shinmoto, and Yukio Tanaka, who had joined the Army or Marines. More than 150 friends attended.
• Resettlers Start Fund to Purchase Present Headquarters, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Chicago Resettlers committee launched a $20,000 fund drive to buy and remodel its two-story building. More than $6,000 has been raised from business firms, and a house-to-house canvass begins February 1.
• Japanese Americans Honor Stockton School Teachers, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Stockton’s Japanese American community honored teachers Elizabeth and Catherine Humbarger at a dinner for their wartime and naturalization services. They received a TV set and wristwatches, and attendees voiced appreciation.
• Paintings by Japan School Children Will Be Shown in Schools, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A collection of art by Japanese schoolchildren from Fukuoka was shown at the Salt Lake Buddhist church under JACL and language school sponsorship. The exhibit will tour Salt Lake City public schools.
• Eden Township JACL To Install Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Eden Township JACL in San Leandro will install its new cabinet at a February 16 dinner. ADC certificates will be presented and two films will be shown.
• Nisei to Participate in Friendship Fete at Community Center, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Festival of Friendship, a Los Angeles intercultural project, will be held May 20 at Fresno playground. JACL representative Paul Ichino serves on the steering committee.
• Okuma Will Head Arizona Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ikuo Okuma was elected president of the Arizona JACL chapter for 1951, with other officers also named. The announcement was made by retiring president Masao Tsutsumida.
• Southwest L.A. Unit To Discuss Social Security Program, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Southwest L.A. JACL will hear a speaker from the Social Security Administration on old age insurance benefits at its February 18 meeting. President Tut Yata announced the program.
• Exhibit to Show Daily Life in Aliso Village, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A photographic exhibit on daily life in the Aliso Village housing development in Los Angeles will be shown by the county committee for church and community cooperation. The exhibit aims to document residents’ lives.
• Cite Racial, Religious Bigotry As Harmful to Prestige, by P.C. Staff, page 8. At the San Francisco Council for Civic Unity luncheon, speakers including J.D. Zellerbach and Judge Raymond E. Peters said discrimination undermines America’s world leadership. Judge Peters urged the nation to clean its own house of bigotry.
• Ex-GI Returns Flag to Japan Family with Aid of Two Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Japanese flag taken from a dead soldier on Corregidor was returned to the soldier’s parents in Yokohama. The flag was carried by ex-GI John Miller and transported through Portland Nisei and a Japanese ship captain.
• Colorado Group Installs Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The San Luis Valley JACL installed its 1951 cabinet at a dinner in Alamosa. Judge S.H. Sheesley swore in the officers, and the chapter has 79 members.

National

• Evacuee’s Claim for Books Rejected by Government, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Attorney General rejected a $10 claim under the Evacuation Claims Act for books a west coast evacuee burned before evacuation. The claimant was awarded $460 for losses on the forced sale of personal property.
• Senate Group Reports Out Bill to Extend Brides Act, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Senate Judiciary Committee reported out a bill extending the Soldier Brides Act for one year, admitting Japanese and Korean spouses of servicemen and veterans. A companion bill in the House received subcommittee approval.
• House Judiciary Group Backs Extension of GI Brides Act, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The House Judiciary Subcommittee approved a one-year extension of the Soldier Brides Act, which expires Feb. 18. Rep. Francis E. Walter amended the original proposal to improve its chance of quick passage.
• Civil Liberties Group Announces Annual Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The National Civil Liberties Clearing House will hold its fourth annual conference on March 1 and 2 in Washington, D.C. The organization serves as a central agency for civil liberties and minority group organizations.
• JACL ADC Asks Early Action to Speed Approval of Stays of Deportation for Alien Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka urged the Immigration Service to expedite stays of deportation for about 2,000 Japanese treaty merchants and special immigrants under Public Law 863. Only a handful have been submitted to Congress so far.
• Chuman Says Civil Rights Bulwarked by Court Ruling, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL first vice president Frank Chuman spoke at the Orange County JACL installation dinner about recent court decisions protecting property, employment, marriage, education, movement, and housing rights. He cited Oyama, Takahashi, and restrictive covenant cases.

Arts & Entertainment

• Ninth Memorial Concert Held in New York, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The ninth annual Izumi Kawamata memorial concert in New York featured pianist Florence Takayama, violinist Akeo Watanabe, pianist Kisun Yun, and tenor Toshio Nakagawa. Proceeds go toward a church in Japan.
• Two Young Nisei Mothers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The article profiles dancers Sono Osato and Yuriko Amemiya, both now mothers, who are performing on Broadway. It describes their careers and their approach to combining family life with professional success.

Commentary

• A Message from Pearl Buck, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial condemns the Washington, D.C. school board for withdrawing Pearl Buck’s invitation to speak at Cardozo high school based on House Un-American Activities Committee references. It argues the incident threatens free speech and quotes Buck’s message urging courage in defending freedom.
• Non-Perfunctory Citizens, by Watsonville Pajaronian, page 4. Reprinted from the Watsonville Pajaronian, the editorial describes an installation banquet of Monterey Bay area JACL chapters. It praises the members’ sincere patriotism despite past wartime discrimination and the internment of their community.
• Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A column noting Nisei contributions in publishing, film, and entertainment, including Nobutaka Ike’s book on Japanese political movements. It also covers Nisei involvement in MGM’s Go for Broke and notes the 442nd veterans now serving in various roles.
• JACL’s Scope Expanded by Wartime Resettlement, by Elmer R. Smith, page 5. The article reviews JACL growth in 1947 as chapters were reestablished and District Councils formed after wartime resettlement. It describes local chapter activities and the expansion of youth programs and interracial workshops.
• From the Frying Pan: A Visit to North Platte, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa describes Nisei life in North Platte, Neb., where Nisei run businesses and farms and are accepted as respected community members. He recalls the town’s ties to Ben Kuroki, Min Yasui, and Al Kushihashi.
• Effect of New McCarran Law on Issei Points Up Need for Equality in Naturalization, by Dyke Miyagawa, page 5. The column argues that the McCarran Act’s annual registration requirement for Issei is an insult despite their service and loyalty. It urges support for the Walter bill to grant naturalization rights and for repeal of the McCarran Act.
• New York’s Kitty Foyles, by Mitsu Yasuda, page 5. The column profiles Nisei women who found white-collar jobs in New York, including Mrs. Yuri Taono at Rockefeller Center and Sumi Hiramoto with designer Charles James. It suggests direct application and JACL referrals opened these opportunities.

Sports

• Wat Misaka Sprains Ankle in Basketball, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Wat Misaka is recovering from a sprained ankle that affects his JACL bowling and Salt Lake league teams. The article also recalls his role in the University of Utah’s 1947 national basketball championship.
• Honolulu Club Has Best Nisei Outfield, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Moiliili club of the Honolulu AJA league has the strongest Nisei outfield with Wally Yonamine, Jun Muramoto, and Victor Mori. The article notes Yonamine’s pro experience and an upcoming Tokyo pro team visit.
• Tommy Kono Returns to Competition, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Weightlifter Tommy Kono returned to competition at San Jose and matched a Northern California military press record. The article describes his past trip to Brooklyn tryouts and his chances for the 1952 Olympic team.
• Small Fry All-American Gets Big Thrill, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Twelve-year-old Leonard Kaneshiro of Honolulu got into the Hula Bowl game for one play and received a rousing ovation from 25,000 fans. He had been named to the midget All-America first team.
• Nakamoto Heads for All-League Laurels, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Vic Nakamoto of Placer Union High School is the leading scorer on his team and expected to earn all-league honors again. The article also notes several other Nisei high school athletes in Oregon and California.
• Nisei Fisherman Designs Bass Lure, by P.C. Staff, page 6. John Fujita of Watsonville designed a black bass lure and placed it on the market. The article also briefly notes bowling and golf results from several Nisei competitors.
• Herbie Isono Named to All-City Squad, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Herbert Isono of University High School in Los Angeles was named to the second team of the All-City basketball squad for the second straight year. The article also notes other Nisei athletes in various sports.
• Plan Midwest JACL Bowling Meet in Spring, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Chicago JACL bowling coordinator James Kozuma announced a Midwest district bowling tournament for early spring under ABC moral support sanctions. The meet will require all participants to be JACL members.
• Hugo Ogawa Wins Annual Stockton Oriental Classic, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Hugo Ogawa of Sanger won the Stockton Bowl’s Oriental singles classic with a handicapped 1734 series. Kuni Kawamura and other Nisei bowlers also placed high in the standings.
• Veterans May Hold Boxing Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Stockton Nisei Veterans are discussing sponsorship of an amateur boxing tournament. Shig Takahashi, their athletic chairman, would lead the effort if plans materialize.
• Ten Nisei Teams Enter Cage Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Ten Nisei teams from Colorado and Nebraska will compete in the third annual western Nebraska invitational basketball tournament at Lyman. The host is the Western Nebraska YMA.

JACL

• JACL Committee Will Study Recent Ruling on Renunciants, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Harold Gordon announced the members of the National JACL legislative-legal committee, which will address the renunciants ruling and evacuation claims law. Subcommittees will operate within chapters and district councils.

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