Going for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers in the War against Nazi Germany (Volume 36)

Campaigns and Commanders #36

by James M. McCaffrey

When Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Americans reacted with revulsion and horror. In the patriotic war fever that followed, thousands of volunteers—including Japanese Americans—rushed to military recruitment centers. Except for those in the Hawaii National Guard, who made up the 100th Infantry Battalion, the U.S. Army initially turned Japanese American prospects away. Then, as a result of anti-Japanese fearmongering on the West Coast, more than 100,000 Americans of Japanese descent were sent to confinement in inland “relocation centers.” Most were natural-born citizens, their only “crime” their ethnicity. After the army eventually decided it would admit the second-generation Japanese American (Nisei) volunteers, it complemented the 100th Infantry Battalion by creating the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This mostly Japanese American unit consisted of soldiers drafted before Pearl Harbor, volunteers from Hawaii, and even recruits from the relocation centers. In Going for Broke , historian James M. McCaffrey traces these men’s experiences in World War II, from training to some of the deadliest combat in Europe. Weaving together the voices of numerous soldiers, McCaffrey tells of the men’s frustrations and achievements on the U.S. mainland and abroad. Training in Mississippi, the recruits from Hawaii and the mainland have their first encounter with southern-style black-white segregation. Once in action, they helped push the Germans out of Italy and France. The 442nd would go on to become one of the most highly decorated units in the U.S. Army. McCaffrey’s account makes clear that like other American soldiers in World War II, the Nisei relied on their personal determination, social values, and training to “go for broke”—to bet everything, even their lives. Ultimately, their bravery and patriotism in the face of prejudice advanced racial harmony and opportunities for Japanese Americans after the war.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

424 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2013

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative account of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Battalion from the formative days to the end of World War II. As a granddaughter of a 442nd solider, I very much appreciated all the detail that the author included throughout, helping me paint a vivid picture of my grandpa's own life during the war.

There were parts where I laughed -- especially when reading about the language barriers between the "Buddhaheads" and the "Kotonks." There were also moments where I cried -- because I realized how much these Japanese-Americans endured: The discrimination they faced, the trials and violence of war, leaving behind loved ones, and losing close friends. They sacrificed so much, yet they shared so little about their experiences because to them, what they did during the war was simply a part of life -- a telltale sign of their humble and quiet nature.

I wouldn't say this book read like a dramatic novel (for that, read "Unbroken"), but the author did a pretty darn fine job of documenting an under-told that needs to be shared with the world.

I regret never taking an interest in or asking my grandpa what it was like to be a 442nd soldier. So thank you, James McCaffrey, for helping me see what it was like for these soldiers and for helping me understand my own grandpa.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a miniseries just like The Pacific and Band of Brothers. Jordan Nagai could portray either the late Sgt. Morita or the Honorable Daniel Inouye. I had a few minor gripes about the book (I wish we would not use the term Caucasian to describe White), but other than that, it was extremely touching. I hope to read The Unsung Heroes or Forgotten later this year.

[Scott Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a solid read. At times it seems the author dragged out the story

[Randall Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Would have preferred to have more from the actual participants included.

[Martha]

own it, hardbk