PDF Summary:Facing the Mountain, by Daniel James Brown

Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown chronicles the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II. It details the government's swift actions to incarcerate prominent figures and eventually the entire population. The formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team provided a path for Japanese Americans to prove their loyalty, as they bravely fought battles in Italy and France. Even after their exceptional service, Japanese Americans encountered discrimination and obstacles while rebuilding their lives.

Brown examines the profound impact of the confinement and subsequent resilience, as Japanese Americans endeavored to preserve their culture, overcome adversity, and fight for civil rights. The narrative illuminates both the hardships endured and the unbreakable spirit of a community determined to reclaim their place in America.

(continued)...

The 442nd Regiment's experience at Camp Shelby involved rigorous preparation that not only pushed them to their physical boundaries and honed their combat skills but also cultivated a deep camaraderie within the unit.

Daniel James Brown describes the rigorous training the unit experienced at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, which culminated in the extraordinary formation of their collective identity as a regiment. At Shelby, the soldiers faced the daunting task of becoming adept at numerous physical activities such as bayonet handling, withstanding prolonged training periods under the intense heat characteristic of the region, mastering mortar operations, constructing bridges, and navigating through minefields safely, all while endeavoring to forge a cohesive unit despite the diversity of their cultural backgrounds and linguistic differences.

The initial tensions between "kotonks" (mainlanders) and "Buddhaheads" (Hawaiians), due to cultural and linguistic differences, evolved into a powerful bond of camaraderie; this connection was further solidified as they trained together and faced the trials of combat side by side, fostering a profound mutual respect.

He delves into the initial tensions between mainland-born soldiers of Japanese descent, referred to as "kotonks," and their Hawaiian counterparts, who were called "Buddhaheads." Upon their release from internment camps, the individuals who joined the military carried with them a profound sense of resentment and a steadfast determination to prove their allegiance. The individuals' serene and relaxed demeanor, which greatly influenced their military training and wartime contributions, was deeply rooted in their island ancestry.

Both factions frequently faced challenges related to culture and language while they were stationed at Shelby. Mainlanders unfamiliar with the region often incorrectly assumed that Hawaiians lacked intelligence and common sense due to their unfamiliarity with the local creole language. The Hawaiians perceived the mainlanders as excessively ceremonious and oblivious to the genuine hardships they encountered. Throughout the months they spent in close quarters, engaging in shared training exercises, sharing meals, building defenses, overcoming physical challenges, and navigating through the wetlands of Mississippi while practicing evasion from mock enemy attacks, the two groups began to appreciate the perspectives and insights of one another regarding the war and global affairs.

The extraordinary courage of the 442nd Regiment, evident in fierce battles at key locations and their daring operation to save trapped American troops in Italy and France, was achieved with significant losses and despite facing daunting challenges.

Brown delivers an engaging and thorough narrative of the 442nd's battlefield experiences, highlighting their fierce clashes in the Italian campaign and their valiant rescue of the besieged Texan troops. The 442nd Regiment faced and overcame significant obstacles in Italy and France, enduring substantial casualties as they bravely attacked strong enemy defenses, moving uphill amidst relentless streams of machine-gun and artillery fire, and continuously pushed forward, day after day, week after week, across landscapes that seemed almost designed for their defeat. The author recounts harrowing stories of individual acts of bravery and sacrifice, such as the desperate charge of F Company's Abraham Ohama under a white flag only to be coldly disregarded and murdered by the Germans, and Matsuichi Yogi's single-handed destruction of a German tank in the Vosges.

The confidence of the second-generation Japanese Americans was bolstered by the encouragement and trust of a white commander, which in turn fortified their determination.

Brown underscores the crucial role played by Colonel Charles Pence and additional white officers in motivating and uniting the soldiers of Japanese American heritage. Aware of the unique burden borne by the Nisei, these men displayed valor as they loyally served a nation that had incarcerated their family members, demonstrating their willingness to face the same deadly dangers as their subordinates and their unwavering belief in the Nisei's dedication to American ideals.

Practical Tips

• You can explore the impact of camaraderie by starting a peer support group in your workplace or community. Gather a small group of people who share a common goal or challenge and meet regularly to discuss progress, setbacks, and strategies. The shared experiences will foster a sense of unity and mutual support, similar to the bond formed by the 442nd Regiment through their training and combat experiences.
• Create a personal challenge that involves stepping out of your comfort zone to understand the concept of proving oneself under adversity. This could be anything from learning a new language, taking up a martial art, or volunteering for a challenging community service project. The key is to choose an activity that requires dedication and resilience, reflecting the commitment of the Nisei soldiers to serve their country despite facing significant personal and familial challenges.
• To appreciate the value of diverse backgrounds uniting for a common cause, initiate a cultural exchange program within your local community or social circles. This could involve organizing potluck dinners where participants bring dishes from their cultural heritage, sharing stories of their ancestors, or collaborating on a community project that benefits all. This mirrors the initial tensions and eventual strong bond between mainland-born and Hawaiian soldiers in the 442nd Regiment, emphasizing unity and shared purpose.

People of Japanese descent faced discrimination and inequitable conditions during the conflict, and these difficulties continued for them even after the fighting ended.

The story told by Daniel James Brown highlights the courage of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team while also detailing the continuous and disheartening prejudice they encountered during their training and time in service.

The expulsion of Nisei soldiers from the Hawaii Territorial Guard immediately following the assault on Pearl Harbor underscored deep-seated suspicions regarding their loyalty, which faced unjust scrutiny because of their ancestry.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, individuals of Nisei descent, including Kats Miho who had previously been held in high regard, were shamefully expelled from the Hawaii Territorial Guard. In the wake of the assault, men who had been safeguarding essential installations and, similar to Kats, had seen the insignia of the foe on the planes during the explosions, found themselves abruptly disarmed and told that their assistance was no longer required, simply due to their physical traits and last names suggesting a link with the enemy.

The compulsory relocation deeply affected the emotions of the Nisei soldiers, instilling in them feelings of treachery and a steadfast determination to prove their loyalty to their nation.

Brown emphasizes the severe difficulties faced by the uprooted people, their feelings of being betrayed, and how these challenges strengthened their determination to show their commitment to their country. The choice to enlist in the 442nd was influenced as much by this element as by any other.

The formation of the 442nd Regiment, which was exclusively made up of Japanese American soldiers, reflected the persistent racial biases within the U.S. armed forces and their steadfast denial of full equality.

The author emphasizes that the establishment of an entirely Japanese ancestry-based 442nd Regiment underscored the racial prejudices existing within the U.S. military, thereby amplifying the sense of alienation and injustice felt by the Nisei soldiers. Despite their willingness to give their all for their country, upholding the traditions of both the samurai and the U.S. military, they encountered racial segregation and exclusion, barred from joining the navy and multiple army divisions, and were held to courage benchmarks not required of soldiers with Italian or German heritage.

The understanding dawned on them that, even after their service, they would continue to confront bias and discrimination when they returned home.

In his portrayal of the tense interactions between kotonk and Buddhahead soldiers, along with their periods outside of service, Brown sensitively reveals the prejudice they regularly encountered, particularly upon their return to various towns throughout the continental United States. They enlisted in the armed forces and confronted battle, putting their lives on the line to affirm their rightful place within the fabric of American society; however, they faced persistent racial prejudice, whether they were taking a break in Mississippi, seeing their incarcerated relatives, or exploring the ancient cities of Europe.

In Mississippi, black soldiers endured derogatory terms, frequently addressed in a belittling manner, and were forced to use inferior segregated facilities. People with Japanese ancestry often encountered prejudice, with many restaurants refusing them service and barbershops barring their entry. Family members of those imprisoned had doubts about the decision to enlist in the armed forces of a nation that was imposing such severe measures against citizens of Japanese descent. They understood that their quest for acknowledgment would continue long after the surrender of Germany, signaling that a difficult path lay ahead.

Upon returning from the war, the Nisei veterans faced an unwelcoming society characterized by persistent racial discrimination, difficulties in finding jobs, and dangers directed at their loved ones.

The book details the daunting obstacles encountered by veterans of the second-generation Japanese Americans following the conflict. Despite their remarkable bravery and the recognition they received, they still encountered widespread contempt, exclusion, and often faced rejection while looking for work in many communities, reflecting the bias that was also directed at their parents. Brown recounts the chilling incident in which Raymond Matsuda, wearing his 442nd uniform and his Purple Heart, was unceremoniously ejected from a barbershop in Arizona on the very day he hoped to visit friends who were still incarcerated at the nearby Poston camp.

The struggle for civil rights, redress, and recognition continued for many years beyond the war's end, with a relentless effort to recover their possessions and obtain compensation for the injustices inflicted by the government during the war.

Members of the Japanese American community persisted in their extended battle to correct the wrongs they endured, encompassing the ordeals of war veterans and internment camp survivors. They fought for restitution to mitigate the substantial economic harm they suffered due to being forced to sell their possessions and enterprises at grossly deflated rates, for the chance to possess property again, as well as for recognition of the grave wrongs they faced throughout the war.

Brown emphasizes the significant contributions of veterans, such as Rudy Tokiwa, in the post-war endeavors. Veterans often took the lead in organizing movements, orchestrating protests and events, expressing their issues in local assemblies, establishing groups for civic involvement, and convincing legislators to recognize the struggles of their families and communities, as well as advocating for compensation for the wrongs they suffered due to their experiences during the conflict.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your understanding of historical discrimination by creating a personal timeline that parallels your life with key events in civil rights history. Start by researching significant civil rights milestones and plotting them on a timeline. Next to each event, add what you were doing at that age or time, even if it's as simple as starting school or getting your first job. This visual comparison can help you grasp the long-term impact of historical events on individuals and communities.
• Enhance empathy and awareness by engaging in a role-reversal exercise where you write a fictional diary entry from the perspective of someone who experienced discrimination. Choose a specific date from the era of the Nisei soldiers and imagine what daily life and emotions might have been like for them. This exercise can foster a deeper emotional connection to the struggles faced by others and challenge you to consider perspectives outside your own experiences.
• Support understanding and recognition of past injustices by curating a virtual gallery of art, literature, and music created by or about the affected community. Use online platforms to collect and share creative works that reflect the themes of discrimination and resilience. This can be a way to honor the experiences of those who faced injustice and to educate others about the cultural impact of these historical events.

The lasting impact of the incarceration of Japanese Americans and their subsequent endeavors to obtain civil rights and reintegrate into society.

In his concluding comments, Brown emphasizes the profound effects that the internments had on the individuals who experienced them.

Following the conflict, many families came back to find their existences fundamentally changed, facing animosity in their neighborhoods, and saw their homes and businesses either demolished or taken away.

Upon the end of the internment, families such as Rudy's from Salinas and Seattle, along with Fred's from Spokane, came back to an America that was significantly different than the one they recalled. After coming back, they encountered hostility in their former neighborhoods and discovered that their homes were no longer accessible to them. Daniel James Brown describes the extensive destruction and pillaging, along with the ingrained prejudice that often compelled them to relocate multiple times in search of a new residence or employment possibilities.

The Issei, having been stripped of all their hard-earned possessions, endured a significant mental burden, while the Nisei faced the challenging process of constructing new lives in the face of persistent discrimination.

The author emphasizes the psychological distress endured by the initial wave of Japanese immigrants due to their incarceration and the struggles faced by their offspring born in America as they sought to reclaim their position within American society. The ordeal significantly altered how Japanese Americans viewed themselves, deeply rooted in their familial and cultural legacy, leading to rifts between the immigrant generation and their American-born offspring who struggled with the collapse of their former dreams and the harsh circumstances they encountered. After coming back from the front lines, numerous Nisei soldiers felt a deep alienation that intensified their mental wounds.

The Americans of Japanese ancestry demonstrated exceptional resilience and unwavering dedication to overcome these obstacles, rebuild their communities, and fight for the recognition of their constitutional rights, thus ensuring their rightful place in society.

The Nisei who opposed their government during the conflict faced particularly severe conditions in the aftermath of the war. Brown details the stories of these young men – those who refused to be inducted because of their families' incarceration, and those who refused to sign the loyalty oaths – and how tenaciously they fought for recognition and forgiveness from within their own ethnic community.

Organizations like Densho are committed to preserving the narrative of Japanese Americans' imprisonment, educating future generations on the dangers of intolerance and the importance of civic involvement, and striving to avert similar instances of injustice and racial discord.

In emphasizing the work of groups such as Densho, Brown urges us to draw lessons from errors committed previously. He emphasizes the importance of individuals in highlighting injustices and striving for a genuinely inclusive community. Ultimately, he seeks to inspire us by highlighting the bravery of those of Japanese descent who encountered adversities on European battlefields as well as through their battles in courtrooms and experiences in internment camps across the United States.

Practical Tips

• You can explore the impact of historical events on your own family by creating a family history project. Start by interviewing older relatives about their experiences and how major events, like wars or economic downturns, affected their lives. Document these stories through audio recordings, written narratives, or video interviews. This personal archive can serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of preserving history within families.
• Engage with your local community by volunteering at organizations that support marginalized groups. Look for local nonprofits that work with immigrants, refugees, or racial minorities and offer your time to help with their programs. This could involve tutoring, assisting with job searches, or providing support with legal services. Through this, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these communities face and contribute to their rebuilding efforts.
• Create a digital storytelling project to share stories of resilience and discrimination from various communities. Use social media or a personal blog to highlight narratives that often go unheard, focusing on how individuals and communities overcome adversity. You can reach out to people willing to share their stories or curate content that showcases these themes, ensuring to do so respectfully and with permission. This project can help raise awareness and foster empathy among a broader audience.