Deep Dive
Why were the Japanese-American soldiers in the 100th 442nd Regimental Combat Team ordered to pull back from the Apennines?
They were ordered to pull back to prepare for the invasion of southern France instead of continuing to drive the weakened German enemy through the Apennines and back to the Alps.
What was the significance of the story about Maui capturing the sun?
The story symbolized the desire for more time, reflecting the soldiers' longing for more moments with loved ones and simpler childhood activities, as well as their wish for the war to slow down.
How did the fighting in Italy affect the morale of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team?
The fighting had taken a heavy toll, with 17 missing, over 1,000 wounded, and 239 killed. The soldiers' steps were heavy, and they had become numb to the carnage, feeling disembodied and detached from the reality of war.
Why did Ken believe his grandfather's fairy tales were relevant to the war?
Ken believed that his grandfather's stories, which he now realized were disguised tales about war, could provide insights to help him and his comrades survive. He hoped to interpret these stories to keep everyone alive.
What was the impact of General Dahlquist's orders on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team?
General Dahlquist's orders often seemed illogical and dangerous, such as retaking a town already liberated for the sake of press coverage. This led the soldiers to feel they were being treated as expendable cannon fodder.
How did the soldiers manage to communicate amidst German infiltration of their comms?
They communicated in Japanese with a mix of Hawaiian, which helped them misinterpret or ignore commands from General Dahlquist and maintain their own safety and coordination.
What lesson did Ken apply from his grandfather's stories during the war?
Ken applied the lesson of avoiding cooking fires, as the smoke could attract enemy fire, which he learned from his grandfather's tales. This helped prevent casualties and keep his comrades alive.
What was the significance of the 36th Infantry Division's nickname?
The 36th Infantry Division was known as the Texas Division, and its commander, General Dahlquist, was a source of frustration for the soldiers due to his inexperienced and often misguided orders.
How did the soldiers cope with the constant threat of German attacks?
They learned to avoid trees and dig foxholes for cover, as well as stay alert for the noise of German rocket launchers, known as screaming Mimis, to anticipate and evade attacks.
What was the soldiers' reaction to the order to take Bifontaine after reaching the high ground?
The soldiers questioned the tactical sense of the order, as it involved moving back down the hill into enemy territory without artillery support and with low supplies, leading them to believe it was another ill-advised mission.
- The 100th Battalion fought bloody battles in Italy, earning numerous awards.
- Ken reflects on the toll of war and the stories his grandfather told him.
- Soldiers bond and share stories from their lives before the war.
Shownotes Transcript