Currently hosted at the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Historic Learning Center in the Presidio, this 1,500-square-foot traveling exhibit chronicles the lives of Japanese American soldiers during WWII. It explores the “double victory” they sought: winning the war abroad and proving their citizenship at home.
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The exhibit shines a light on the distinct roles Japanese Americans played in the war effort:
- The 442nd Regimental Combat Team & 100th Infantry Battalion: Known for their motto “Go for Broke,” these units fought through Europe and became the most decorated units of their size in American history.
- The Military Intelligence Service (MIS): Thousands of Nisei served as linguists in the Pacific, intercepting Japanese communications and translating documents—a role that was kept classified for decades after the war.
Stories Found in the Details
What makes this exhibit resonate are the personal items that bridge the gap between the battlefield and the home front:
- The Lost Medal: The Medal of Honor belonging to Staff Sgt. Robert Kuroda is on display. His high school ring was actually discovered in a French forest by a metal detectorist in 2021, decades after Kuroda was killed in action.
- Hand-Drawn Memories: A travel bag owned by Sgt. Gary Uchida features hand-drawn sketches of his home in Hawaii, a poignant reminder of what he was fighting to return to.
- Symbols of Identity: Items like Tech. Sgt. Dave Kawagoye’s garrison cap serve as physical proof of their service and the identity they fought so hard to claim.
A Five-Year National Journey
This exhibit isn’t staying in one place. It is currently on a 11-city national tour designed to ensure that the story of Nisei bravery isn’t relegated to a footnote in history books.
“The exhibit isn’t just about military strategy; it’s about the resilience of the human spirit when faced with systemic injustice.”
