CHAPTER SEVEN

LOYALTY

LOYALTY

Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.

—Morihei Ueshiba

Chuugi is a somewhat complex character described in two parts. The first (upper) kanji is pronounced chuu in Japanese and has the meaning of sincerity or loyalty. The second (lower) kanji is gi, which translates as integrity, rectitude, justice, or the correct action. In other words, to do the right thing. The Japanese definition for the combined kanji chuugi is faithful, devoted, true, obedient, and devoted to duty; this is what we translate as loyalty in English.

Webster defines loyalty as the quality, state, or instance of being loyal, and faithfulness or faithful adherence to a person, government, cause, duty, and so on. For the purpose of this book, the quality of loyalty is addressed as a personal attribute or virtue possessed by the samurai and applied to the 21^st century warrior.

There is a biblical story about a woman named Naomi, and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, who were all widows in the land of Moab during hard times. Naomi sets off on a long journey to her home in Bethlehem. Because of their relationship, Ruth pledges her loyalty to Naomi and journeys with her. They arrive in Bethlehem in time for the barley harvest when Boaz, Naomi’s wealthy relative, meets and falls in love with Ruth. Boaz and Ruth marry, and because of Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law, she was able to survive and become the great-grandmother of King David.

Musashi, the famous samurai, set a goal to be the best swordsman in the world. He was loyal to his commitment and achieved that goal. Over his lifetime, he fought and was victorious in over 60 duels. Loyalty is a mindset; it is often associated with dedication to another, be it family, employer, or nation.

However, loyalty applies equally to self. Musashi’s dedication and commitment to achieving the goal he individually set are seen as personal loyalty. This is an important point to consider in any goal setting regardless of who is the ultimate benefactor. When setting goals, you first decide your goal. The more difficult the goal, the more effort you apply toward meeting it. Are the goals realistic? Do I have the fortitude to achieve the goals I set?

Loyalty is a necessary trait for any warrior. To the samurai, loyalty was his sacred duty. It was a measure of his honor. The samurai were devoted and loyal to those under their protection. Faithfulness, steadfastness, and trustworthiness were characteristics of the samurai; the very definition of loyalty.

Like the carpenter, the samurai understood that it would take years to perfect his skills and craft. As the samurai gained competency, he realized that this success would lead to another success as he built his foundation as a warrior. In our fast-paced and modern society, many things are rapid and instantaneous. You can go to the drive-through and have your meal within minutes. Or you could prepare a nutritious meal with thoughtful planning. A consistent and healthy diet leads to success in other areas of your life, so be loyal to and honor yourself.

Henry Ford was faithful and loyal to his dream to create a mass-produced automobile. He set the bar high. If he became discouraged and gave up his goal, he would not have produced the Model T. He certainly faced setbacks, but by remaining loyal to his vision, he accomplished his goal. His determination is expressed in the Japanese word ganbaru … never give up!

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.

_______

Henry Ford

In this chapter, we will learn the story of the young nisei soldiers who were determined to prove their loyalty to America during World War II. Eligible Japanese American men volunteered to serve their country even though they and their families were forcibly removed from their homes. They believed that the future of their parents and siblings was dependent upon their service to America, as they fought at its time of need and willingly shed their blood.

In our modern-day society, do you sense a lack of loyalty? Why does it seem our commitment to family, friends, business, country, and even to ourselves is lacking? Have we become so divided, so self-absorbed or alienated, that we have lost our desire to commit to a cause greater than ourselves? Not long ago, employees were loyal to their employer, and an employer was loyal to his employees. What happened?

Chuugi (“loyalty” in English) is the middle of the heart, sincerity, integrity, rectitude, justice, or right action; to do the right thing. To what do you pledge your loyalty? What dreams and goals are in the middle of your heart? Like the samurai warrior, be loyal to your word, goals, and self, and never give up.

Lack of loyalty is one of the major causes of failure in every walk of life.

_______

Napoleon Hill

100^th/442^nd Regimental Combat Team

Congressional Gold Medal

Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.

—Woodrow T. Wilson

On October 5, 2010, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Japanese American nisei who had served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service during World War II. Prior to the Congressional Gold Medal, the 100^th/442^nd received:

• 21 Congressional Medals of Honor

• 560 Silver Stars plus 28 oak leaf clusters for a second award for outstanding valor

• 4,000 Bronze Stars plus 1,200 oak leaf clusters for a second award

• 9,486 Purple Hearts

• 52 Distinguished Service Crosses

• 1 Distinguished Service Medal

• 22 Legion of Merit Medals

• 15 Soldiers’ Medals

• 2 Meritorious Unit Service Plaques

• 36 Army Commendations

• 87 Division Commendations

• 19 decorations from the Allied Nations

• 9 Presidential Unit Citations

The 100^th/442^nd suffered the highest casualty rate of any American fighting unit of its size. To this day, they are the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and length of service. They received over 18,000 individual decorations; their record is without parallel, and these men are without equal. They fought in eight major campaigns, never complained, and there were no AWOL incidents. Instead, there were reported incidents of reverse AWOL when soldiers left medical care to return to battle! These brave men risked everything to prove their loyalty, regain their honor, and restore their rights as citizens of the United States of America. Thus, their befitting regimental motto was “Go for Broke,” from the Japanese word ganbaru or never give up.

The men of the 100^th/442^nd proved their loyalty with their blood and honorably served the United States of America during World War II. Most of them are gone, but their memories are kept alive by their children, grandchildren, and others, like me. As a sansei, third-generation Japanese American, I owe them much gratitude. They paved the way so that future generations of Japanese Americans could experience better lives. I continue to tear up when I write, read, or hear about their stories. They were true samurai and were without equal.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked Pearl Harbor. Hawaii was home to a large Japanese American population. In fact, those of Japanese heritage were the ethnic majority. After the attack on December 7, the United States announced that all ROTC students should report to the Hawaiian Territorial Guard (HTG) for duty. The students were to guard vital installations, bridges, reservoirs, water tanks, and high schools.

Later, officials in Washington, D.C., were informed that many of the ROTC students in Hawaii were of Japanese ancestry. They were immediately reclassified as 4-C enemy aliens eligible only for limited service. Undeterred, the former ROTC students petitioned the governor of Hawaii to affirm their loyalty to the United States. This petition read:

We, the undersigned, were members of the Hawaii Territorial Guard until its recent inactivation. We joined the Guard voluntarily with the hope that this was one way to serve our country in her time of need. Needless to say, we were deeply disappointed when we were told that our services in the Guard were no longer needed. Hawaii is our home; the United States, our country. We know but one loyalty and that is to the Stars and Stripes. We wish to do our part as loyal Americans in every way possible and we hereby offer ourselves for whatever service you may see fit to use us.

In February 1942, the ROTC students’ wish was granted and they became a labor battalion known as the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). They were attached to Schofield Barracks under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, part of the 34^th Combat Engineers Regiment.

In December 1942, John J. McCloy, Assistant Secretary of War, visited the VVV in Hawaii. Impressed by what he saw, McCloy advocated that the War Department call for volunteers to form an all-nisei regiment. Former members of the Hawaii National Guard led the way in the creation of the all-nisei 100^th Infantry Battalion in June 1942. The 100th Battalion was the first combat unit exclusively comprised of nisei from Hawaii, with the only non-nisei being commanding officers. The unit comprised 1,432 men serving in the 298^th and 299th Regiments of the Hawaii National Guard. The unit was shipped to the U.S. mainland for basic training and wound up at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, where they completed advanced training.

In September 1943, the 100^th landed at Salerno, Italy, attached to the 34^th Division. They became an elite fighting force, beating the German forces back and opening the road to Rome. The 100^th became known as the Purple Heart Battalion because of their high casualty rate and tough fighting skills. They received over 1,000 Purple Hearts.

Meanwhile, on the U.S. mainland, the U.S. Army formed another separate all-nisei unit. This unit was designated the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd had three components: the 442^nd Infantry Regiment, the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, and the 223^rd Combat Engineer Company. Like the 100^th, the 442^nd was composed entirely of nisei volunteers from the American incarceration camps and Japanese American soldiers already within the military prior to December 7, 1941, (except for officers). It was ironic that they were classified as 4-C enemy aliens ineligible for the draft. The 442^nd, similar to the 100^th, trained at Camp Shelby and arrived in Italy in June 1944.

In the same month, the 100^th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team were combined and renamed the 100^th/442^nd Regimental Combat Team (100_th/442^nd). Initially, the two units did not mesh, but they soon worked out their differences and became a strong force. The men of the 100^th/442^nd were anxious to prove their devotion and loyalty to their country of birth, the United States of America.

The unit’s toughest assignment was to liberate the small town of Bruyeres, France, in October 1944. After three days of brutal battle, the 100^th/442^nd secured Bruyeres but suffered 1,200 casualties. The plaque in their honor reads:

To the men of the 442d RCT, U.S. Army, who reaffirmed an historic truth here … that loyalty to one’s country is not modified by racial origin. These Americans, whose ancestors were Japanese, on October 30, 1944 during the battle of Bruyeres broke the backbone of the German defenses and rescued the 141st Infantry Battalion which had been surrounded by the enemy for four days.

This plaque was presented by the Japanese American Citizens League at Bruyeres, France. Their courage, bravery, and loyalty did not go unnoticed. The citizens of Bruyeres still celebrate their liberation and honor the Japanese American soldiers in attendance.

Continuing their momentum after only two days of rest, the 100^th/442^nd was assigned to rescue the Lost Battalion of the 36^th Infantry Division. German forces had cut off the Lost Battalion, leaving them isolated, low on supplies, and in danger. After four of the most severe and bloodiest days of battle in World War II, the unit successfully liberated the 211 men of the Lost Batallion at the cost of over 800 casualties.

There is a street named Rue de 442 in honor of the men of the 442^nd who liberated them and sacrificed their lives. The 65^th anniversary of their liberation was celebrated in 2010 with a parade and reenactment of the battle. The remaining men of the 442^nd were invited and honored with a ceremony.

Two American sisters, Janet and Susan Hardwick, are especially grateful and would not be alive if it were not for rescue of the Lost Battalion by the 442^nd. Their father, Sgt. Bill Hardwick, rarely spoke about World War II except for the following story:

He always believed the 442^nd…were handpicked. That they were the only ones that could save them and that there was no success until the 442^nd came. If it weren’t for the 442^nd, we would never have known [our dad].

Sgt. Bill Hardwick desired to locate the soldiers of the 442^nd but passed away before he had the chance. The Hardwick sisters fulfilled his wish. Through research and the Internet, they began their search in 2006. This led to their initial contact with surviving members of the 442^nd and an emotional encounter with the nisei veterans at Las Vegas in 2007 and 2008. They actually met Arthur Iwasaki (following chapter) at a nisei vet reunion. During a trip to Europe in 2009, they were able to visit the area from which the Lost Battalion was liberated. The sisters met some of the 442^nd soldiers who took part in the rescue. This occasion gave them an opportunity to express their appreciation for their courage and sacrifices on behalf of their father. They share this heartwarming story with sincere gratitude among their family and friends.

Belmont and Bifontaine also pay tribute to the 100^th/442^nd; monuments, museums, and streets are named in their honor. In 1962, Texas Governor John Connolly officially declared the 100^th/442^nd as Honorary Texans because of their role in rescuing the Lost Battalion.

General Mark Clark specifically requested that the 100th/442^nd return to Italy to breach the German Gothic Line. During the night of April 5, 1945, three battalions of the 100^th/442^nd climbed with their gear up the steep 3,000-foot Mount Folgorito in total darkness. Some men fell to their deaths but made no sound because they did not want to alert the enemy. At 5:00 a.m. after an artillery barrage, they took the German defenders by surprise. In 32 minutes, the 100^th/442^nd broke through the Gothic Line that prior had withstood 30,000 men and six months of effort by the Allied Army. It is reminiscent of the ninjas (feudal Japanese warriors trained in stealth and employed as spies and assassins), as they climbed the mountain in total darkness to launch the surprise attack before the crack of dawn. True samurai spirit and the bushido code: honor, courage, loyalty, and integrity in action!

The German Gothic Line was the key and final offensive that drove the German Army to the Po Valley, forcing its surrender on May 2, 1945, in Italy. Shortly after that on May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered in Western Europe.

The nisei veterans of the 100^th/442^nd have a unique bond with one another and continue to have reunions and meet to this day. There are organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of the nisei vets who demonstrated loyalty, honor, and courage on the battlefields of World War II. They are modern-day samurai warriors.

The 100^th/442^nd was the only unit to be personally received upon their return from war by the president of the United States. At the presentation of the Seventh Presidential Unit Citation to the 100^th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team on the White House lawn, July 15, 1946, President Harry S. Truman stated so well:

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the privilege of being able to show you just how much the United States thinks of what you have done. You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice—and won. Keep up that fight and we will continue to win—to make this great Republic stand for what the Constitution says it stands for.

It had been raining that day, and President Truman was advised to cancel the event. President Truman was insistent and said it was a small sacrifice compared to what the men of the 100^th/442^nd endured.

Some might wonder why the men of the 100^th/442^nd were so willing to shed blood for a country that seemingly turned its back on them. The answer is they were Americans, not Japanese Americans, but simply Americans. Their commitment was to defend their country as surely as the samurai was committed to defending his lord. It was a commitment to preserving a way of life for future generations and to demonstrate their honor and integrity to a nation that questioned their loyalty.

Loyalty is a commitment; to a cause, to an idea, to a nation. Where do your loyalties lie?

Arthur Iwasaki

Iwasaki Kanji

Bronze Star

A close family friend, Arthur Iwasaki, aka Uncle Art, was one of those men of the 100^th/442^nd. Growing up, our Tsugawa family and the Iwasaki family were like cousins. We were all about the same ages, grew up on the family farms, and understood the value of working hard. Even today, members of both the Tsugawa and Iwasaki families are continuing in the farm and nursery businesses. My father, George Tsugawa, and Arthur Iwasaki attended the same high school and have remained lifelong friends. As a child, I never knew “Uncle Art” was a hero.

Iwasaki was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 17, 1942, and was stationed at Fort. McClelland, Alabama, for two years. During that time, he was classified as 4-C enemy alien (noncitizen) eligible only to perform menial tasks. This action was somewhat perplexing as well as humiliating for him, a member of the U.S. Army accepted to serve his country. However, he was relegated to menial tasks because he was Japanese American. He was literally considered and classified as 4-C enemy alien.

In June 1944, Iwasaki became part of the replacement unit for the 442^nd because of the high casualty rate. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean, arrived in Marseilles, France, and then traveled to Epinal, France. On October 27, he was hit by shrapnel on his arm and hand and taken to an aid station in a jeep with two other wounded soldiers. The jeep hit a mine, and he dragged the two other soldiers to safety even though he was wounded himself. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his courageous act. Iwasaki took part in breaking the Gothic Line by climbing the steep mountain in the middle of the night to launch the surprise attack on the Germans. While participating in the liberation of Carrère, he was wounded by shrapnel for the second time and received his second Purple Heart with oak leaf clusters. He left the Army in November 1945 as Private First Class and returned home to Hillsboro, Oregon.

George Washington, first president of the United States, wrote:

He who wears the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow Countrymen.

The blood of Uncle Art and those like him proved the loyalty and commitment of the Japanese American people to their nation, the United States of America.

Today, those of Japanese American heritage are considered part of mainstream America. The prejudices of World War II seem far removed from my generation. We owe this to the soldiers of the 100^th/442^nd and their willingness to demonstrate their commitment and loyalty during the country’s time of need.

In summer 2010, Iwasaki, together with his son and daughter, traveled to France to participate in the celebration at Bruyeres. According to his daughter, Stephanie Iwasaki Sakuye, it was an emotional experience to visit the battlegrounds of France and meet the people who fought alongside her father. The people’s reception at Bruyeres and the welcome these veterans and guests received demonstrated appreciation for the many sacrifices the 100^th/442^nd Regional Combat Team made to save their town.

Loyalty has a price, but it also has its rewards. My parents’ generation paid the price so that my generation could be proud of our Japanese heritage and enjoy our American citizenship.

In October 2010, at the age of 92, Iwasaki traveled with his son and daughter to Washington, D.C. At that memorable time, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and the nisei serving in the Military Intelligence Service. A grateful nation demonstrated its gratitude by presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to those who served in the 100^th/442^nd and Military Intelligence Service. Uncle Art was one of those who received this honor.

522^nd Field Artillery Battalion

Congressional Gold Medal

The nisei soldiers of the 522^nd Field Artillery Battalion of the 442^nd had a reputation for being the most accurate marksmen in the U.S. Army. Many nisei soldiers of the 522^nd had backgrounds in science and engineering and a good understanding of mathematics. Thus, they were chosen by General Eisenhower, commander of the Allied forces in Europe, to help with the attack on Germany as the war was coming to a close. The 522^nd was the only nisei unit to fight in Germany. They became a roving battalion and accomplished every objective of their 52 assignments.

A significant engagement occurred around Munich. On April 29, 1945, the scouts of the 522^nd discovered Kaufering IV Hurlach, a satellite camp of the infamous Dachau concentration camp, and liberated the Jewish prisoners. They were not prepared to witness the horrifying sight of sick, emaciated, and dying prisoners. According to Staff Sgt. George Oiye, “We weren’t supposed to be there.” Tom Kono’s testimonial at the Museum of Tolerance–Go for Broke Foundation stated:

When we finally opened the Dachau camp, got in, oh those people were so afraid of us, I guess. You could see the fear in their faces. But eventually, they realized that we were there to liberate them and help them.

The 522^nd continued past the satellite camp and discovered more sub-camps, former prisoners, and evidence of atrocities. The 522^nd was assigned to security and set up roadblocks to capture Nazis who were trying to flee. In November 1945, they returned to their homes in the United States, to their families who had endured life behind barbed wires.

A young Jewish boy named Solly Ganor and his father were unable to use the exit visas written by Sugihara, and they ended up in one of the Dachau satellite camps. The young Ganor was on a death march and left for dead on the side of the road. Miraculously, Private Clarence Matsumura and three other nisei soldiers from the 522^nd pulled him from a snow bank and were able to save his life. At first he thought the soldiers were going to kill him. Matsumura assured him that he was safe and drove him to receive medical attention.

In 1992, Ganor received a call from historian Eric Saul inviting him to meet with the soldiers who had saved him. The soldiers were being honored by the Knesset in Israel and Ganor was asked to share his remembrances at the meeting. The reunion with the soldiers was very emotional. This meeting opened doors for him to write and share his memories and experiences from the Holocaust. It was the beginning of the release of long-suppressed emotions.

This was an ironic twist of fate. Even though their parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters were behind barbed wire, they were willing to fight for the country of their birth. The soldiers of the 522^nd were true to the samurai principle: do the right thing all the time. They adhered to the principles of honor, loyalty, and commitment to their birth country, the United States of America.

Small in stature, the Japanese Americans who fought in World War II were reminiscent of the samurai warriors of ancient Japan. They proved their loyalty by exemplary service to America in a quiet and professional manner. They overcame suspicion and prejudice and earned the respect and honor for their valiant service. They performed their duties without demanding recognition and avoided attention.

Remember, loyalty is a commitment. There were probably times when you were mistreated, cheated, slandered, or experienced discrimination. This is when your commitment to your principles is tested and determines how real that commitment is. What is your response? Your reaction is the only thing that you can control.

The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me.

The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.

_______

—Viktor Frankl

After I had read the book Man’s Search for Meaning, my life was never the same; it took on a new meaning because it challenged me to examine what I believed and determined how far I was willing to commit to those principles. The author, Viktor Frankl, suffered and survived starvation, beatings, and other atrocities in the Nazi concentration camps, yet he was determined to live and tell his personal story. In the midst of extreme suffering, he was able to find meaning. The love and loyalty he had for his wife and family sustained him during the horrendous times. The Nazis were able to control his freedom, but not his mind. When he was liberated by the Americans, he learned that his sister was the only other survivor of his family. His book has sold over 10 million copies, was translated into 24 languages, and the Library of Congress considers it one of the top 10 most influential books in the United States.

When we are no longer able to change a situation—we are challenged to change ourselves…

_______

Viktor Frankl

As a former transition counselor at the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women, located in the State of Washington, I heard the predicaments and stories of the women in my life skills class. I often questioned them regarding their commitment to their future. After discussion, I guided the women back to making choices. Everyone has choices. Now that they are incarcerated, what choices and what commitments are they willing to make to create a satisfying life upon release? Will they be loyal to sound principles? How can I help them along their paths? What choices can you make to create the life you were created to live? Carpe diem! Seize the day and make your life count!

Strategies are necessary for life. Miyamoto Musashi was considered the greatest swordsman in Japan, and he used the analogy of a carpenter. You must plan, train, and maintain tools to execute your life’s plan. In order to succeed, you need to be faithful to yourself and have a strong desire or a why for fulfilling your plan. A favorite quote from one of my mentors:

When your intention is clear, the mechanism will appear.

_______

Brian Klemmer

In essence, it means loyalty to your goals and your vision will produce the how to get it done.

I encourage you to remember the men of the 100^th/442^nd, Arthur Iwasaki, and Viktor Frankl. When you apply the samurai spirit of doing the right thing all the time, facing challenges simply becomes part of life’s incredible journey.