Deep Dive
Why did the soldiers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team volunteer for service despite their families being interned?
They sought to prove their loyalty and patriotism, hoping it would lead to their families' release from internment camps.
What was the significance of the 100th Battalion in relation to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team?
The 100th Battalion, composed of former Hawaii National Guard members, had already proven their combat capability and paved the way for more Japanese Americans to enlist in the 442nd.
How did the soldiers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team cope with the cramped conditions during their voyage to Europe?
They joked and reminisced to maintain morale, despite being in bunks stacked five high and having limited space.
What was the initial reaction of the soldiers to the idea of fighting in Europe rather than the Pacific?
They found the idea of fighting in Europe more logical than the Pacific, as it avoided potential confusion over enemy identity.
How did the soldiers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team view their role in the war?
They saw themselves as fighting for their country's respect and to prove their loyalty, despite facing prejudice and internment.
What was the significance of the meeting between the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion?
It marked the joining of forces between two Japanese-American units, with the 100th Battalion already having established a reputation for bravery and sacrifice.
How did the soldiers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team react to the news of their comrades' deaths?
They expressed shock and sorrow, with some struggling to accept the reality of their losses and the harsh conditions of war.
What was the nickname given to Ken Morioka and why?
He was nicknamed 'Loco Moco,' meaning 'crazy pigeon,' a combination of 'loco' (crazy) and 'moco' (shortened from his last name, Morioka).
How did Ken Morioka's perception of his grandfather's stories change during the war?
He realized that the fantastical stories his grandfather told were based on real war experiences, which he now had to decipher and possibly alter to save his friend.
What was the significance of the 'land of the giants' in Ken Morioka's grandfather's stories?
It symbolized death, representing the ultimate reward for warriors who had accomplished their tasks and made the ultimate sacrifice.
- 442nd Regimental Combat Team
- 2nd and 3rd Infantry Battalions
- May 1st, 1944
- Hampton Roads Port, Virginia
- Europe
- Pacific
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