Japanese American Military Experience Database
Shoichi "George" Asahina
Gender
Male
Birth date
1912-11-27
Place of birth
Sugar City ID, U.S.A.
Inducted
1943-8-6, Salt Lake City UT
Enlistment type
Volunteer
Service branch
Army
Service type
War
Unit type
Combat
Units served
442nd Regimental Combat Team
65th Infantry Division
87th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Armored Division
65th Infantry Division
87th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Armored Division
Military specialty
Medical Officer
Squadron Surgeon
Squadron Surgeon
Stationed
USA: Camp Shelby, MS; Fort Benning, GA
Other Countries: England; Holland; Belgium; France; Germany
Other Countries: England; Holland; Belgium; France; Germany
Separated
Camp Atterbury IN
Unit responsibility
The 87th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron of the 7th Armored Division was a combat unit that was in action in the European Theater of Operation from August 7, 1944 to May 7, 1945.
Personal responsibility
Medical Officer in charge of the medical detachment of the squadron which gave primary medical care to the men of the squadron.
Major battles (if served in a war zone)
Battle of Northern France
Battle of Ardennes
Battle of Rhineland
Battle of Central Europe
Battle of Ardennes
Battle of Rhineland
Battle of Central Europe
Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)
Silver Star for 'Gallantry in Action', awarded to 87th Cal. Recon. Squadron
Distinguished Unit Citation for action in the 'Battle of the Bulge'
French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star for action in vicinity of Meijel, Holland.
Distinguished Unit Citation for action in the 'Battle of the Bulge'
French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star for action in vicinity of Meijel, Holland.
Living conditions
We slept in the field or abandoned buildings during combat. Between active combat, we were housed with civilians in the area.
During rest periods, shower and laundry units were brought into the area. Baths were neglected during combat.
Meals were quite good when not in combat. K Rations were distributed during combat.
Don't remember much about entertainment except for very rare USO troupes.
During rest periods, shower and laundry units were brought into the area. Baths were neglected during combat.
Meals were quite good when not in combat. K Rations were distributed during combat.
Don't remember much about entertainment except for very rare USO troupes.
Most vivid memory of military experience
I recall with sadness the destruction of Germany. Every city of any size that I saw was flattened by Allied bombers. As I remember, practically the whole city of Cologne was flattened and the famous cathedral seemed to be the only standing building in sight.
Missed most whilst in the military
I missed most being a peacetime civilian.
Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?
World War II might have been justified, but the involved nations and their people paid a terible price in lives, properties and materials.
War is not a glorious adventure, but a miserable existence for front line troops as well as for civilians in the war zone. Sadly, all nations in war lose many of their finest people.
According to R. Ernest Dupuy in 'World War II: A Compact History' battle deaths numbered 14,914,000, battle wounded 25,218,000, civilian deaths 38,573,000 and direct economy cost was $1,600,000,000,000.
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5pm PDT | 7pm PET
Featured Nima:
Graciela Nakachi
Guest Host:
Enrique Higa
Presented in Spanish