Nisei
( 二世 , "second generation" )
Nisei ( 二世 , "second generation" )
The Nisei ( 二世 ) literally meant "American born of Japanese parents," from Japanese ni meaning "second" + sei meaning "generation". The Nisei were the Japanese American soldiers who fought on the pacific European side to prove their loyalty and capability to their country, the United States of America.
A 442nd Regiment Combat Team Task
The 442nd Regiment Combat Team, made up of Japanese volunteers, were ordered to rescue a trapped Italian of the Texas division. Some units suffered very heavy casualties, but despite the casualties they saved their men.
Japanese Discrimination
The Japanese army attacked Pearl Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii December 7, 1941. Since then the U.S. had a bias toward Japanese because they thought all of them could be secret terrorists or spies. Eventually camps called "Internment Camps" were designed for Japanese people to live in until the war was over. The Nisei were specifically discriminated against for possibly being spies or terrorists to the point that the military and government wouldn't let them fight against Japan in fear that the Nisei would become traitors and turn around to fight for Japan. Despite this discrimination, many Americans of Japanese ancestry served with honor and courage in the United States armed forces.
Where were the Nisei allowed to fight?
The Nisei's main fighting involvement was continuously in Europe, first in Italy and then France.
What awards has the group received?
Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, The Legion of Merit. Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star for Valor, Division Commendation, Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, Croix de Guevre, Medaglia al Valore Militarve, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Infrantry Badge, The Purple Heart Battalion, 1,703 purple hearts, Presidental Unit Citations, 3,147 soldiers in the 100th infantry Battalion earned 4,340 medal awards.