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Frank FujitaJapanese-American soldier of the US Army during World War II
Date of Birth: 20.10.1921
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Frank Fujita: The Japanese-American POW in the Pacific War
- Military Service
- The Battle of Java and Captivity
- Internment and Propaganda
- Liberation and Return
- Memoir and Legacy
Frank Fujita: The Japanese-American POW in the Pacific War
Early Life and Family BackgroundFrank Fujita, a Japanese-American soldier who served in the US Army during World War II, was born on October 20, 1921, in Lawton, Oklahoma. His father, a native of Nagasaki, Japan, had emigrated to the United States in 1914, adopting a Western name and pursuing gambling and other interests in Los Angeles. In 1919, he married Izora Pearl Elliott and became a father to five children, including Frank.
Military Service
Despite his small stature, Fujita was determined to serve in the military. He joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 1940 and eventually became a private first class and a chauffeur for officers. However, his father's financial demands led him to leave home and pursue a career as an artist in Oklahoma.
When World War II broke out, Fujita rejoined the National Guard and participated in training maneuvers throughout 1940.
The Battle of Java and Captivity
On January 27, 1942, Allied naval forces suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Java, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Allied soldiers. Fujita's Texas National Guard unit, known as the "Lost Battalion," was among those captured, and he spent the next three and a half years as a prisoner of war in Japan.
Internment and Propaganda
As a Japanese-American, Fujita was separated from other American POWs and forced to participate in propaganda broadcasts. He was initially held in Surabaya and Changi Prison in Singapore before being transferred to an internment camp in Tokyo Bay.
Liberation and Return
On August 29, 1945, Fujita was among the first American POWs to be liberated. He described his encounter with his rescuers as an emotional experience, expressing profound gratitude for their intervention.
After his release, Fujita returned to the United States and traveled by train to Texas and then by bus to Abilene. Upon his arrival home, his family initially failed to recognize him due to his altered appearance.
Memoir and Legacy
Fujita published his memoirs, "Foo: A Japanese-American Prisoner of the Rising Sun," which provided valuable insights into the experiences of American POWs held in Japan. His book, along with accounts from other prisoners like John David Provoo, shed light on a marginalized aspect of wartime history.
Frank Fujita passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a courageous soldier and a respected author who contributed to the historical record of the Pacific War.
