Rescuing the Lost Battalion - The Story behind the "Heroes"

Found this very good documentary on NHK World...
Broadcast on August 18, 2017

"During World War II, Japanese-Americans formed the 442nd Infantry Regiment to show their loyalty to the United States. Despite discrimination at home, they served with distinction on the Western Front and were regarded as heroes. In October 1944, the team responded to an emergency order to rescue soldiers who were surrounded by German troops. 211 men of the "Lost Battalion" were saved but at the cost of more than 800 casualties throughout the month. This program explores the bravery of the 442nd Infantry Regiment through recollections of its members and confidential records."

Available until September 4, 2017
The Story behind the "Heroes" - Rescuing the Lost Battalion - Video On Demand - NHK WORLD - English

 

A sad but great story. They persevered through toughness and dedication. Paid such a heavy price.

One of the soldiers was Daniel Inouye, who would later go on to serve four decades in the U.S. Senate.

On 5 October 2010, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and Nisei serving in the Military Intelligence Service.

In 2012, the surviving members of the 442nd RCT were made chevaliers of the French Légion d'Honneur for their actions contributing to the liberation of France during World War II and their heroic rescue of the Lost Battalion outside of Biffontaine.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Go-Broke-War...8&qid=1503719393&sr=1-1&keywords=go+for+broke

 

And the 405th Fighter Squadron, the persistence of which resupplied the 1 Bn. 141st Infantry while it was cut off, was commanded by one MAJ John W Leonard, USMA 1942, and my uncle. He was promoted to LTC the same day he was killed in action, 5 Jan 1945.

 

Thanks a lot. Very nice video. Not far from where I live and a friend of mine regularly accompanies veterans and their families on the scene of the fighting, near Bruyères, in the Vosges mountains.

 

When I was young Dad and Mom befriended two Japanese-American families, the Hereis and the Nakatanis. We were living in a small town in northern Idaho. Nobi Nakitani was in the 442nd. His truck was hit by an artillery shell (an "88" naturally) and he was the only survivor. Even so, he ended up with a stainless steel plate in his head. He was invalided out, but when he got back to the states he wasn't allowed to see his wife who was in a "relocation center". Last I saw him was in about 1964, a real fantastic guy! His kids were sharp as tacks too!

 

Thanks for the post, didn't know about this before, very interesting

 

The video can still be seen here :