https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/resources/military/480/

Jim K. Shikashio

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Gender Male
Birth date 1920-6-18
Place of birth Shelley ID, U.S.A.
Inducted 1941-7-25, Salt Lake City UT
Enlistment type Volunteer
Service branch Army
Service type War
Unit type Support
Units served Army mechanical service unit.
Military specialty Maintenance of aircraft and military vehicles
Stationed Stockton Field, CA; Camp Shelby, MS; Italy; France; Germany
Unit responsibility To provide clothing, provisions, and ammunition to front line troops.
Personal responsibility To maintain any military transportation vehicles.
Major battles (if served in a war zone) Rome-Arno, Italy campaign; Southern France campaign; Marseilles-Paris, France campaign
Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit) 1. Victory medal - for pre-Pearl Harbor enlistees

2. Good Conduct medal

3. European Theater medal - for participation in Europe conflict

4. Four battle stars
Living conditions Being in a service group, we slept in vehicles and on the ground. Sometimes in abandoned farm houses and buildings, where the civilians had evacuated.

We heated water in our steel helmets and took 'spit' bathes. Sometimes we would get relieved and sent into town for a real good shower.

In combat conditions, we were issued 'C' Rations for meals. Most of the time hot meals were served including rice we found at an Italian warehouse.

After X amount of days up front, we would be relieved by another unit and during our rest period, we would be given passes to Paris, London, Switzerland or the French Riviera. U.S.O. would also provide entertainment.
Most vivid memory of military experience It was a tragedy to see the devastation of the innocent civilian people especially the children, who were hungry, confused and uncertain of their future.
Missed most whilst in the military Steamed rice, tsukemono (pickled radish), hot showers, letters from loved ones.
Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience? I would like to say to my children and any Japanese American not to be shy or ashamed but to be proud to be First Class Americans anywhere. Our duties and sacrifices we made as Japanese American military team, leaves no doubt that we are loyal and true to the country of our birth. Exercise your vote and participate in any city, county or state programs like any other true American and everone will always look up to you.


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