Title: Japanese Americans at Manzanar - Manzanar National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
Headings: Japanese Americans at Manzanar
Japanese Americans at Manzanar
Life at Manzanar
Overcoming Adversity
Loyalty and Service
Chronology
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Content: Some older internees answered “no” because they were not allowed to become U.S. citizens. Others refused to serve while their families were behind barbed wire. Those who answered “yes” were considered “loyal” and became eligible for indefinite leave outside the West Coast military areas. Those who answered “no” were sent to a segregation center at Tule Lake, Calif.
In January 1944 the draft was reinstated for Japanese Americans. Most of those who were drafted or volunteered joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Combined with the 100th Infantry Battalion of the Hawaiian Territorial Guard, the 442nd fought with distinction in North Africa, France, and Italy. With 9,846 casualties, the 100th/442nd had the highest casualty rate and was the most highly decorated Army unit for its size and length of service. Nearly 26,000 Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military during World War II. Chronology
1869 First known Japanese immigrants to U.S. settle near Sacramento. 1913 Alien Land Law prohibits Japanese aliens from owning land in California and imposes a three-year limit on leasing of land.