Table of Contents

Foreword by Daniel K. Inouye

Preface by Dianne Bridgman

Abbreviations

Introduction by Dianne Bridgman

Prologue

1. America & Algeria, August 1943-May 1944

2. Italy, June-September 1944

3. France, October-November 1944

4. France, November 1944-March 1945

5. Italy, April-May 1945

6. Italy, May-December 1945

Epilogue

Afterword

Appendix: People Mentioned in the Letters

Note on Sources

Index

Promotional Information

One of the most powerful and affecting historical works I have encountered. The beauty, charm, and pervasive intelligence of Minoru Masuda's letters are nicely anchored by historical material provided by the editors. -- Arthur A. Hansen, Director, Center for Oral and Public History, California State University-Fullerton

About the Author

Minoru Masuda was professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington. Hana Masuda was Minoru's wife. Dianne Bridgman is the former manager of the Washington State Oral History Program.

Reviews

"[Letters from the 442nd] offers..a unique and compelling account of what the men of the 442nd experienced on and off the battlefield. Thanks to army censorship and concern for his wife's feelings, Masuda put little blood and guts in his letters. But they richly and movingly detail the medic's everyday life." (The Journal of Military History) "Min's poignant, but often amusing, wartime experiences, together with Hana's occasional commentary, enable us to gain a much fuller picture of WWII sacrifices by this young Japanese American couple." (Asian American Comparative Collection Newsletter) "Minoru Masuda's Letters from the 442nd are priceless mementos of service and sacrifice from a man who, if he had been of lesser character, might feel entitled to act out understandable bitterness. Readers will cherish and find inspiration in his gentle humor, keen insights and colorful observations of America at war not only abroad, but at home against some of its own citizens." (The Advocate)