JAVA e-Advocate December 2024

Vol. 6, No. 80, December 3, 2024

In This Issue…

• President’s Message
• 2024 Japan-US Military Program (“JUMP”) Reception – Consul General of Japan in San Francisco
• JAVA and NJAMF’s Annual Veteran’s Day Event
• JACL DC Chapter’s Mochitsuki
• A Nisei Korean War Hero: Hisashi “Shy” Morita
• Uninvited Valor–The Forsaken Soldiers of WWII: Based on the Epic True Story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
• TopGolf Social Event Update
• JAVA’s Annual Fundraising
• Join Our Team: Volunteer Opportunities
• Upcoming JAVA Events

President’s Message

Washington, DC.   As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication to JAVA’s mission. This year has been filled with accomplishments that reflect the strength and unity of our community, and none of it would have been possible without your involvement. A special note of thanks goes to the members of the Executive Council. Your tireless efforts ensured that our activities ran seamlessly, upholding the legacy and values we all cherish deeply. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to our partners, including the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) National, JACL DC, and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, for their warm support and collaboration in advancing JAVA’s mission. This year, JAVA expanded its reach and deepened its impact by engaging in events and partnerships that have broadened our horizons. Among our significant achievements: 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Bruyères and Biffontaine, France: Our presence at the commemorative events underscored the importance of JAVA’s mission and strengthened our national and international connections. Evening of Aloha Event: We participated in the Go For Broke National Education Center’s fundraising event in Los Angeles, demonstrating JAVA’s commitment beyond the Washington, DC, area and solidifying partnerships with key organizations. Alumni Day at the Defense Language Institute: In early November, I had the honor of attending this event, where I shared information about JAVA and its ties to the legacy of the Military Intelligence Service Language School. A highlight of the visit was pointing out a large photo in the briefing room that included JAVA’s first president, Phil Ishio. Strategic Plan Implementation: We took significant strides in increasing membership, encouraging active participation, and expanding our nationwide presence. Highlights include the launch of our redesigned website and a revamped format for the e-Advocate newsletter, making communication more dynamic and engaging. These milestones are a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with purpose and resolve. As we look to 2025, let us build on these successes and continue honoring the legacy of WWII Nisei Soldiers while inspiring future generations to carry forward their stories of courage, resilience, and patriotism. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. By Howard High

2024 Japan-US Military Program (“JUMP”) Reception – Consul General of Japan in San Francisco 

(Consul General OSUMI Yo. Photo provided by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco)

San Francisco, CA. On November 8, 2024, in honor of Veterans Day, the Japanese American Veterans Association, along with many community leaders from the San Francisco Bay Area, was honored to attend the 2024 “JUMP” Reception hosted by Consul-General OSUMI Yo, from the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. This event, celebrating the Japan-US alliance, highlights the partnership between the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA and the Embassy of Japan, providing servicemembers, veterans, and their families an opportunity to build relationships and engage with the SF Bay Area community through shared experiences.   The Consul-General expressed his sincere appreciation of the U.S. military in Japan for their contributions and highlighted the brave contribution of servicemembers. He wanted to emphasize that the current strong relationship between Japan and the United States today is made by the contribution of Japanese Americans.

One of our speakers was Ms. Naomi Shibata, from the National Japanese American Historical Society and Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans. She highlighted the fact that our Military Intelligence Service, “performed with distinction and delivered high-value document translations, conducted skilled interrogations, and de-escalated volatile situations. The linguists were on the front lines and their work sometimes brought them face-to-face with enemy combatants. They distinguished themselves and earned the respect of their fellow soldiers and officers. The demand for their skills skyrocketed, and more than 6,000 linguists were eventually trained. General MacArthur’s Chief of Intelligence was reported stating that Nikkei linguists shortened the war in the Pacific by two years.” She added that “they were even more quickly repurposed as instruments of peace. 3,000 linguists helped to implement the monumental changes mandated during the post-war military occupation of Japan… It broached deep structural changes to political, social, economic, and educational systems. The linguists were a valuable conduit between the U.S. military and Japanese citizenry.”

Distinguished attendees included servicemembers, veterans, and families from the Marines’ Memorial Association and Foundation, the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, and the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office to name a few organizations. One of the evening’s highlights was the captivating Shishimai lion dance, which blessed the gathering with its graceful traditional movements. Guests enjoyed exquisite Japanese cuisine prepared by the Consulate’s in-house chef. We were truly humbled and honored by the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco’s acknowledgment of the Japanese American Veterans Association’s attendance. This memorable night successfully fostered a remarkable fellowship and partnership between Japan, the United States, and our San Francisco Bay Area community, paving the way for an encouraging and sustainable future.

By Jason Kuroiwa

JJAVA and NJAMF’s Annual Veteran’s Day Event

Washington D.C.

On November 11, 2024, The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) and The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF) held their Annual Veteran’s Day Program. This year’s keynote speaker featured Norio “Nori” Uyematsu, a 93-year-old, Korean War Veteran.

This year’s Program included the Pledge of Allegiance from U.S. Army 2LT Justin Ninomiya and remarks from Mr. Howard S. High, JAVA, and Ms. Carolyn Hoover, NJAMF. Nori Uyematsu was introduced by JAVA distinguished member, Mr. Wade Ishimoto.

As a result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, an 11-year-old Nori and his family, like many others, had to sell their property and homes on the dollar and left with only what they could carry. From Assembly Centers and Concentration Camps, his Family was incarcerated at Heart Mountain, Wyoming from 1942 to 1945. Remembering a Nisei officer from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team visiting his family at Heart Mountain and witnessing a caucasian U.S. Army Soldier saluting the Nisei U.S. Army officer was inspirational. This recollection motivated Nori to join the United States Army with a combat deployment in 1950 to Korea. Later as a Corporal, he was reassigned to the 521st Military Intelligence Unit near the Hwacheon Reservoir. The 521st was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in support of combat operations in Korea from December 28, 1951, to August 31, 1952.

In 2022, Nori attended the “Wall of Remembrance” Dedication at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC on July 27, 2022. He had just received his Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Los Angeles Korean Consulate to proudly wear at this dedication. He was surprised to find that he was the only Japanese American Korean War Veteran in attendance. Ms. Jessica Xiao, a contributor for AsAm News, found him as he was returning to the bus and interviewed him for a story at the age of 91. The Pacific Citizen newspaper also published a cover story about his visit as well.

In 2023, U.S. Congressman Lou Correa’s office sought an opportunity for Norio Uyematsu to visit Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. Misawa Air Base responded and Norio would be given a VIP Tour of the base on September 26, 2023. This was his first trip back to Misawa in 73 years since his Army unit was assigned to guard the base in 1950. Once Misawa Public Affairs met Norio Uyematsu, they decided they would highlight his story as their Veterans Day feature. The story was picked up by many online publications under the headline “Norio’s Story: A Japanese American Korean War Veteran.” His story was on the cover of the Pacific Citizen and on the front page of the Rafu Shimpo as well as being featured in the “Graybeards Magazine” of the Korean War Veterans Association.The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, with a Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, without an official end to the war. Known as the “Forgotten War”, over 5 million military and civilians lost their lives. Nori recalled the moments of being deployed to Korea, being one of approximately 5,000 Japanese American Soldiers with 247 “Killed” or “Missing in Action”.

In his closing, Nori quoted an inspirational message from a dear friend, Bob Wada, “To Forget Would Be A Dishonor, To Remember Will Be Everlasting.” 

JACL DC Chapter’s Mochitsuki

The JACL DC Chapter is hosting their annual New Year’s tradition, Mochitsuki, on Sunday, December 8 at Tilden Middle School, 6300 Tilden Ln, Rockville, MD 20852 from 12:00-2:30 PM. Come join us for a fun-filled, Japanese American community event where people of all ages can take part in pounding rice, purchasing handmade holiday crafts and the recently published graphic novel, But, Where Are You REALLY From? Kick off the holiday season by seeing old friends and making new ones! Funds raised from this event help to sustain JACL DC Chapter activities throughout the year. Thank you for your support and generosity. We look forward to welcoming you to this annual family tradition. Bentos: Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, and Vegetarian; comes with a dessert, sides, and hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks.  Please note there will be a limited number of extra bentos available to walk-ins and they sell out quickly. Please pre-order by December 4 to reserve your bentos and mochi. Pre-order Prices: JACL Members: $23; Non-Members: $30; Walk-in Price: $35 Mochi: Komochi (plain white mochi) and Daifuku (soft mochigashi with anko/sweet bean inside) Pre-order PricesKomochi: JACL Members: $7 per 1/2 pound bag; Non-Members: $10 per 1/2 pound bag Daifuku: JACL Members: $10 per 1/2 pound bag; Non-Members: $12 per 1/2 pound bag Walk-in Prices for both Members and Non-Members: Komochi ~ $15 per 1/2 pound bag; Daifuku ~ $15 per 1/2 pound bag Crafty Ladies The talented Crafty Ladies group will once again be selling their unique handcrafted gifts. Be ready to do some holiday shopping! Friendly Reminder: Purchases are either by cash or check! Raffle It is not a Mochitsuki without the famous Raffle! Support the DC Chapter while winning the chance to take home fabulous items. Donation to the Chapter If you would like to donate to the DC Chapter, please click on “Tickets” and scroll down to support to their small but mighty community organization! Your generous donation will allow us to continue organizing community events throughout the year. We welcome volunteers! We need help with set up, clean up, servers, greeters, etc…If you can lend a hand on the day or have questions, please send an email to: [email protected]

A Nisei Korean War Hero: Hisashi “Shy” Morita

Bruyéres, France.

Hilo, HI.

Many of us are very familiar with the experiences of the Nisei soldiers in WW II as their exploits have been well documented.  This is a story about a Nisei soldier who fought in the Korean War – the “Forgotten War” as it is sometimes referred to.  Many who served in that war were never recognized for their actions. This is a story about one of them.

Hisashi “Shy” Morita was born and raised on the island of Hawaii and was drafted into the US Army at the outbreak of the Korean War.  After a fierce battle against heavy odds, he was captured on 18 May, 1951.  He spent the next 27 months incarcerated in a Chinese Prisoner of War (POW) camp and was released on 16 August 1953 after the signing of the Armistice.  His story is one of heroic bravery under fire and perseverance in captivity.  He was a very quiet and humble man who almost never talked about himself (thus, his nickname “Shy”).  His valor came to light recently when his friend of many years, Hiroshi Shima (younger brother of the former Executive Director of JAVA, Terry Shima) provided a tribute at his funeral service revealing Shy’s wartime experiences.  Typically, he had requested that Hiroshi not share the information which he provided shortly before his passing on 3 January 2015 in Hilo, Hawaii.  He provided it at the prodding of both Hiroshi and Robert Montague of Hilo, a retired veteran and tireless advocate for veterans seeking VA benefits.   Even Shy’s immediate family was not aware of his exploits until they heard Hiroshi’s tribute.

Hiroshi used Shy’s story in his presentation at the funeral services.  Quoted here is part of Hiroshi’s email that forwarded the presentation (edited for brevity): 

 “Hisashi told me about his experiences in captivity and told me it was not to be shared and I respected that.  His story is more than the two pages (of the attached tribute).  On one of our Korean War Ceremonies, he said he was going to tell the whole story, but he never did.  On two occasions, I arranged a special Prisoner of War ceremony for him at our monthly Korean War Veterans meetings.  The medal display (at the end of the tribute) was presented to him by our chapter on one of those ceremonies.  I asked him many times to be interviewed so his story could be in the National Archives, but he always refused.”

Here is Hiroshi’s presentation:  

Hisashi rarely talked about his experiences in captivity.  He refused many offers to be interviewed for the oral history program to be stored in the National Archives.  He finally revealed some of his experiences.  Here is part of his story:

“On May 18, 1951, I Company, 2nd Platoon, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division was ordered to move back from our position.  We packed our equipment and started moving to the rear.  Our squad leader ordered seven of us to go back up the hill and wait on the ridge line with no instructions except to stay at the top.  

When I reached the top of the line, I saw several Chinese enemy soldiers coming up the side of the hill toward us.  I yelled to the squad and we all started firing at them – about 40 or more enemies.  When they got close, we started throwing hand grenades.  The six other soldiers didn’t come to my position.  They dropped off their grenades for me and stayed behind me on the ridge.  I stayed at my position and fired all my M1 rifle ammunition and then started throwing the hand grenades into the enemy, killing or wounding at least 20 or more, not sure of the actual count.  After I had killed about half of the advancing enemy soldiers, I was hit and wounded in the right arm.  Later something like shrapnel hit me in the back.  I had one more grenade left and couldn’t throw it.  I tried to throw it with my left arm, but a Chinese soldier attacked me, stuck his rifle in my face and forced me to drop the grenade.  After looking around he seemed very surprised that I was the only American soldier on the ridge line.  He took me prisoner and ordered me to go.  As I looked around, there were Chinese dead and wounded soldiers all around me.

My buddies in the squad had pulled back and left the ridge.  I was alone as a rear guard and was captured.  I didn’t know it then, but I was left as a sacrifice to allow my platoon and company to move back to safety.

After my capture, the Chinese soldiers made me walk back to their command post in the rear.  I was losing a lot of blood.  I don’t know how far I walked, it seemed like several miles.  Many times I fell down and the guard jabbed me with his rifle barrel or bayonet to get me back up.  After hours of walking, I joined some other prisoners in a truck.  We were taken to a POW camp.  Things became very bad there because it had several North Korean guards.  They would kill anyone who disobeyed them.  They killed some soldiers just for the fun of killing.  Later the Chinese took us further north to a Chinese camp and that started my 27 months as a POW.

I escaped two times and was caught and beaten by the guards who put me in a hole without food or water as punishment.  The first time I escaped, I made a fire to keep warm, but a US aircraft saw the fire and dropped napalm.  It burned everything around me.  I was lucky to survive the blast and then I was recaptured.  I can credit a Chinese lieutenant for saving my life.  He would sneak food to me and give me some medicine for the wounds in my right arm.  My wound was full of maggots from the flies.  The first winter in the POW camp was very cold – way below freezing.  Many of us got frostbite on our hands and feet.  We suffered very badly from the severe cold with little or no protection.  No warm clothing or shoes.  It was terrible how many soldiers suffered and died from the cold winter.

While in the POW camp, I became the cook and made bread from a mud oven that I made.  I made manapua (a Hawaiian bun similar to Chinese char siu bao) from a pig we had in the camp.  The prisoners liked the steamed bread; even the Chinese guards liked my bread and manapua.

I also would find Lau’kahi (Plantain) leaves and grind them up to a pulp and use them for medicine for open wounds to help stop infections and heal wounds and sores.  Sometimes, I would make tea from the Lau’kahi leaves for headaches and upset stomachs.  The extra food and bread saved many soldiers from starvation.”

I know that Shy suffered constant pain in his later years.  He had many surgeries and yet he always had a smile and maintained his humor.  I went with him and Stella (his wife) on a Korea revisit program in 2009.  Everyone in the group offered to carry his backpack, but he refused.  He was strong and independent.

By Frank Nekoba
 

Uninvited Valor–The Forsaken Soldiers of WWII: Based on the Epic True Story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team

 Alexandria, VA.

In the wake of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, 22-year-old Joe Horiuchi is faced with a decision: volunteer for America’s war against the Axis Powers, or reject the country that is locking his fellow Japanese-Americans in internment camps. Where does Joe’s loyalty lie? And what is he willing to do for the country that regards him and his people as suspect?

Like the global conflict, Joe’s personal war is fought on many fronts. Overcoming his sense of betrayal by his own government, he enlists and joins the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, where he confronts a self-serving senior officer, faces an accusation of murder, lives with the paralyzing terror of waging war, and longs for the girl he left behind.

Will Joe heed his unit’s motto, “Go For Broke”? Or will he settle for giving less?

Debut author John Kiyonaga draws on his own father’s experience serving with the 442nd RCT, a unit consisting entirely of Japanese-American enlisted soldiers and considered the military’s most decorated unit. Expertly weaving fiction with history, Uninvited Valor is the story of men called into brotherhood—and greatness—by circumstances beyond their control, and their decision to go for broke, risking everything for the country that has forsaken them.
 

“Kiyonaga acknowledges many facets of the times, from prejudice against Japanese-Americans to combat challenges… [He] is especially adept at capturing the nuances of fighting and interludes of peace and discovery, juxtaposing them in ways that illustrate the pulse and people of the 1940s.” —Midwest Book Review “John C Kiyonaga has written a spirited novel about the 442nd Nisei Unit during World War 2. I recommend it highly for all readers who enjoy a WW2 thriller with a political edge. And for all readers who enjoy fine prose and novelistic scenes and characters. This small novel reveals a large writing talent.” —Alan Lelchuk, professor of creative writing at Dartmouth College, author of Searching for Wallenberg and Brooklyn Boy “[Kiyonaga’s] trimmed style creates a compelling, off-beat rhythm, moving the story via tightly stitched scenes. The result is fast-paced engagement, striking at the authentic core of the 442nd experience and demonstrating the reasons why they continue to be remembered today.” —The Molokai Dispatch

[Ed Note: Thank you Gerald Yamada for bringing this book to our attention.]

TopGolf Social Event Update

National Harbor, MD.

JAVA will be hosting its first networking event! JAVA would like to take this moment to thank our veterans for everything that they do. Too many times, our veterans only gather and see one another at somber events. We would like to change that and give back to them. 

On Saturday, February 15th. 2024, we will be enjoying a gathering at the hosting a Topgolf Event at the National Harbor in Maryland. It will be free for registered JAVA members and $18 for non-JAVA members. The event will include:

• 2- hours of gameplay
• Lifetime membership at Topgolf 
• Free iced tea and soft drinks

We will also have an unofficial book signing with Wade Ishimoto for The Intoku Code: Delta Force’s Intelligence Officer―Doing Good in Secret. Please bring your book and meet the author. We will have copies of the book available for purchase at the event. 

We encourage everyone to spread the word and encourage veterans to attend.

You can learn more about Topgolf at: https://topgolf.com/us/national-harbor/

How Can You Help Support the Event

We realize that some people may not like golf or may not be able to attend, but may still wish to support the event.

For this event, we would like to supply food for our attendees, free of cost. Below will be a link to a specific donation form for this and future social events. Our goal is $1500 by January 15th. 

If you choose to donate by check, please indicate that the check is a “2025 Social Event” donation in the memo section or note.

JAVA hopes to have more social events in the future, trying different events and hosting events across the Nation. Please help us make this event a success.

Volunteer Fundraising Chair Needed! 

Bethesda, MD.

Organization Overview:

The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) is an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom. Our members include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. JAVA provides educational programs, advocacy, and community outreach to honor the legacy of WWII Nisei Soldiers. Although most of our members are Americans of Japanese Ancestry, our members are not exclusively Japanese Americans.
 
Position Title: Fundraising Director (Volunteer)
 
Location: Remote.
 
Time Commitment: Flexible.
 
Position Summary:

JAVA seeks a dedicated, experienced volunteer to serve as our Fundraising Director. This key role will lead efforts to develop and implement fundraising strategies to support our organization’s mission and programs. The Fundraising Director will work closely with the Executive Council and staff volunteers to identify funding opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, and oversee fundraising campaigns and events.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
1. Develop Fundraising Strategy:
 

• Collaborate with the Executive Council to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with JAVA’s mission and goals.
• Identify potential funding sources, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donors, and fundraising events.

 
2. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:
 

• Build relationships with current and prospective donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Develop personalized cultivation strategies to engage donors and secure financial support.
• Implement stewardship activities to recognize and thank donors for their contributions.

 
3. Fundraising Campaigns and Events:
 

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising campaigns and events, including online campaigns, fundraising dinners, and virtual events.
• Mobilize volunteers and coordinate logistics to ensure successful fundraising activities.

 
4. Grant Writing and Management:
 

 
5. Fundraising Communications:

• Research grant opportunities and prepare grant proposals and applications.
• Manage grant reporting requirements and ensure compliance with grantor guidelines.

• Collaborate with the Communications Director to develop fundraising materials, including appeal letters, newsletters, and social media campaigns. 
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding in all fundraising communications.

6. Budget Oversight:

• Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop and monitor fundraising budgets.
• Track fundraising progress, analyze results, and report regularly to the Executive Council.

 
Qualifications:
 

• Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of successful donor cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising campaign management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage supporters effectively.
•  Strategic thinker who can develop and implement fundraising plans that align with organizational goals.
•  Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Passion for supporting veterans’ organizations and promoting Japanese American history and culture.

Benefits:
 

• Opportunity to significantly impact the success and sustainability of JAVA’s mission.
• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit management, fundraising strategy development, and donor relations.
• Develop leadership skills and expand professional networks within the nonprofit sector.

 
Application Process:

If you have any questions or desire to apply for this exciting opportunity, feel free to contact [email protected]. For applications, please submit your resume, and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest. Thank you.

JAVA’s Annual Fundraising

Upcoming JAVA Events

Saturday, February 8th, 2 PM ET. General Membership Virtual Meeting. Google Meet.

Saturday, March 29th, 9 AM ET. 27th Annual Freedom Walk. National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II. Washington, D.C.

Sunday, May 25th.  77th Annual Memorial Day Event. Arlington National Cemetery.