The 100th Battalion and later the 442nd Regimental Combat Team were comprised entirely of Japanese American soldiers.  During WWII the 442nd Regimental Combat Team earned more than 18,000 medals. Including 5200 Bronze Stars, 560 Silver Stars, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses and 22 Medals of Honor.  9,200 Purple Heart Medals were also awarded to the 442nd, of which over 700 were awarded for fatal wounds.

Flightline Fabrications recently interviewed retired 442nd Regimental Combat Team US Army Veteran Arthur Iwasaki.  Mr. Iwasaki was generous enough to sit down for our Living History Project and tell us about his life during WWII, fighting in Europe,  and his role as one of the soldiers who helped to rescue the “Lost Battalion” in France during WWII.

The 442nd famously rescued the “Lost Battalion” at Biffontaine. Pursuant to army tradition of never leaving soldiers behind, over a five-day period, from October 26 to October 30, 1944, the 442nd suffered the loss of nearly half of its roster—over 800 casualties, including 121 dead — while rescuing 211 members of the 36th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, which had been surrounded by German forces in the Vosges mountains since October 24.

You will not want to miss any part of Mr. Iwasaki’s interview!

PART ONE: Arthur Iwasaki Interview

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The mission of the Flightline Fabrications Living Histroy Project™ is to preserve the heritage of our heros; to make certain their stories are recorded and shared and to honor the sacrifice and courage these heroes have shown throughout history.

Please join this important mission; be part of our journey by adding your story so that generations to come may better understand history – through your experiences, your eyes, and in your words.

For addtional information about the Flightline Fabrications Living History Project™ visit us at: www.FFLivingHistory.com or contact us at: LHP@FlightlineFabrications.com