Gender

Male

Birth date

1931-10-2

Place of birth

Fresno CA, U.S.A.

Inducted

1951-1-1, Chicago IL

Enlistment type

Volunteer

Service branch

Navy

Service type

War

Unit type

Combat

Units served

U.S.S. Dashiell (DD 659)

Military specialty

Sonarman

Stationed

U.S.A., Europe, Asia

Separated

Newport RI

Unit responsibility

Anti-submarine warfare, escort duty, bombardment duty, training reservist.

Personal responsibility

Sonarman

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

Korean war (1953) at Wonsan Harbor

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Korean, U.N., Good Conduct

Living conditions

Close quarters (destroyer), top bunk, showers (when fresh water was available for showers), meals - hot, played cards, acey-ducey, movie Cold.

Most vivid memory of military experience

I saw a lot of the world, more than most people. It gave me a deeper sense to appreciate the ole U.S.A.

Missed most whilst in the military

Family - friends, Japanese food.

Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?

If you don't like it here in America, go overseas and see how others live. Standard of living, politically, etc. I love being an American, especially my ethnic background.

Additional information

The Navy experience taught me, there is a big, wide world beyond the 'Japanese Community'. Likewise in 1955, I became (maybe) the first minority to work in the cabin of a major U.S. Airline (Northwest Orient Airlines) as a steward. After 38 1/2 years, I retired. I enjoyed my work and am fortunate to have a wife and two sons. I've seen and done all what I thought was beyond my reach. I'm perhaps one of the luckiest guys around. Thanks for this oppurtunity.