Posted on: Friday, April 4, 2003

442nd ended segregation in Army

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On June 17, 1942, the U.S. War Department announced it would not "accept for service with the armed forces Japanese or persons of Japanese extraction, regardless of citizenship status or other factors."

Eight months later, President Franklin Roosevelt issued a letter authorizing the formation of a unique regimental combat unit made up exclusively of Americans of Japanese ancestry.

Unlike other such units, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a stand-alone unit that could be attached to various divisions. Because of its courage under fire, skill and undeniable loyalty during World War II, this nation has never again had a segregated combat unit.

The 442nd 60th Anniversary Reunion runs through Sunday. For further information, call the 442nd Veteran's Club at 949-7997.

— Will Hoover