Title: Japanese Americans in military during World War II | Densho Encyclopedia
Headings: Japanese Americans in military during World War II
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Japanese Americans in military during World War II
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Before the War
World War II
Aftermath
For More Information
Footnotes

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Much decorated for their valor and often cited as being part of the most decorated unit in World War II for its size and length of service, Japanese Americans served in the U.S. armed forces in disproportionate numbers, despite having their loyalties questioned after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Though they mostly served in the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and its predecessor, the 100th Infantry Battalion , others served as translators and interpreters in the Military Intelligence Service . Because of the unique role they played during and after the war, Japanese American war veterans continue to play an influential role in the community. Contents
1 Before the War
2 World War II
3 Aftermath
4 For More Information
5 Footnotes
Before the War
As was the case with many minority groups, Japanese Americans viewed military service as an avenue to upward mobility. As historian Brenda Moore writes, "racial and ethnic minorities were afforded no more rights than noncitizens; many served in the armed services with the expectation of attaining the citizenship rights denied them..." Large scale Japanese migration to Hawai'i began in 1885 and to the continental U.S. soon after.