Nisei Soldiers: Japanese American Soldiers during World War II

The "Nisei Soldiers" were Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II (“Nisei” referring to the second generation of Japanese immigrants born in the United States). Despite facing discrimination due to their heritage, these men volunteered to serve in the U.S. military and proved their loyalty to their country; most notably serving in units like the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Shortly following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066. In a climate of widespread fear and panic, the order resulted in the incarceration of more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent living on the West Coast. They were uprooted from their homes and isolated in 10 hastily constructed camps, some of them for as long as four years, in what is widely known as the Japanese-American Internment.

Classified as enemy aliens, Japanese Americans were initially disqualified from military service. The Army later loosened this restriction in June 1942. In spite of the odds against them, thousands of Nisei Soldiers bravely served in World War II even while many of their families were restricted to concentration camps.

Fighting primarily in Italy, southern France, and Germany, the Nisei Soldiers grew to an eventual total of over 10,000 men. The segregated Japanese American units of the 100^th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team earned, in less than two years, more than 4,000 Purple Hearts and 4,000 Bronze Star Medals. The unit was awarded seven Presidential Unit Citations. Twenty-one of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor. The 442nd is known as the most decorated unit in the entire history of the U.S. Military.

On exhibit at Clark County Library from April 3, 2025 through July 1, 2025

Monday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Tuesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Wednesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Thursday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM