The Rafu Shimpo announces that in conjunction with the Los Angeles Congressional Gold Medal celebration, the new book “Proud to Serve” will go on sale on Saturday at several locations in Little Tokyo.
The book will be available for purchase at the Japanese American National Museum’s bookstore, as well as Rafu Bussan and Kinokuniya. Purchasers of two or more copies at JANM will receive at complimentary “Proud to Serve” totebag.
“‘Proud to Serve” is our salute to the Japanese American soldiers, from the Medal of Honor recipients, to the everyday GI Joe, who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Chris Komai, the book’s editor.
A joint collaboration between The Rafu and Japanese American Living Legacy, “Proud to Serve” is the most comprehensive listing of Japanese American veterans of World War II compiled to date.
The book uses data from the Echoes of Silence Project created and maintained by the Americans of Japanese World War II Memorial Alliance. Educational Project Manager Jim Yamashita has been leading his all-volunteer team since its inception in the early 1990s. Echoes of Silence tracks all of the World War II Nisei veterans and their Caucasian officers with a special emphasis on the KIA (killed-in-action) soldiers.
It features a listing of soldiers who served during the war, including the names of members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, 1399th Engineering Construction Battalion, 1800th Engineer General Service Battalion and Women’s Army Corps.
The book also offers narratives covering major battle campaigns, personal stories, historical photos, and other features, many never before published.
The introduction was written by Rep. Adam Schiff, author of the legislation that awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 100th, 442nd, and MIS.
In 2010, President Barack Obama signed Public Law 111-254 in the Oval Office with Nisei veterans and Japanese American community leaders present. Congress officially recognized these three distinguished units of World War II in a ceremony on Nov. 2, 2011 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Retail price is $29.95. All pre-ordered books will be delivered after June 9. “Proud to Serve” will also be available through The Rafu Shimpo’s office and Japanese American Living Legacy.
The Japanese American National Museum store is located at the museum, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rafu Bussan is is located at 326 E. Second St., Los Angeles; (213) 614-1181. Kinokuniya Little Tokyo is in Weller Court, 123 Onizuka St.; (213) 687-4480.
Japanese American Living Legacy is a California nonprofit (501.c.3). All of the board members, staff and advisors are volunteers. For more information on Japanese American Living Legacy/Nikkei Writers Guild, click here or call (714) 515-5501.
For more information on The Rafu Shimpo or “Proud to Serve,” click here or call (213) 629-2231.