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Japanese American Military Experience Database

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Edward S. Hamakawa

Gender
Male
Birth date
1924-10-19
Place of birth
Sacramento CA, U.S.A.
Inducted
, Fort Logan CO
Enlistment type
Draftee
Service branch
Army
Service type
War
Units served
MISLS B-4 (Graduated Snelling, Dec. 1944)
306th Hdqtrs Intel. Det.
Military specialty
Military Intelligence
MOS 267 Translator
Stationed
USA: Camp Blanding, FL; Ft. Snelling, MN
Other Countries: Manila, Philippines; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea
Separated
Camp Beale CA
Unit responsibility
Military intelligence
Translate Korean Daily News article for items of interest pertaining to the Russians and 38th Parallel for the C.G. 24th Corp.
Personal responsibility
My responsibility was to get the information from the Korean translator and type it after correction of grammar, etc.
Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)
WWII Victory Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Living conditions
In Seoul, we were assigned a room at the Mitsubishi Bldg. The room was bare with just a cot for sleeping. I believe we showered, but I'm not sure, as I can't remember if we went elsewhere to clean up. The meals were regular G.I, as we had to go to the central mess hall. In the evenings, I and several of my buddies went to visit a Japanese couple that had a restaurant in Seoul until they were sent back to Japan.
Most vivid memory of military experience
I was young, so everywhere I went was a new experience for me. I can't single out any one experience or something that happened to me or something I did.
Missed most whilst in the military
I missed my parents, brother and sister. But, I also missed good ole' home cooked meals.
Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?
I learned that everyone is different in nature, character, temperament, so you have to associate with them, accordingly. Also, I have learned from the army--hurry up and wait--so waiting in line for anything in civilian life didn't bother me.
Additional information
Residence: Sacramento, CA
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