442nd Battalion Essay

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This was the first bayonet fight of World War Two. The battalion later found him still alive throwing grenades at the German enemy. This is one of the many stories of soldiers in the 442nd battalion. Soldiers just like Kim wanted to prove that Asian Americans cared just as much about their country as any active citizen in the United States. Even though their government and country distrusted them, the 442nd battalion went far and beyond what was expected of any soldier. In the end the Battalion was awarded 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Cross, 1 Distinguished Service Medal, 560 Silver Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier 's Medals, 4,000 Bronze Stars, and 9,486 Purple Hearts. The 442nd Battalion was the most decorated …show more content…
This movie showed the heroic acts of the 442nd regiment in Europe. It explored themes of internment, racism, and pride for the soldiers. Weeks leading up to the movie event, the production company created one of the largest ad campaigns for this film. It was featured in Military periodicals and even LIFE magazine. Lesson plans where created for students to watch this movie for lesson plans. The movie was nominated for for best story and screenplay in the 1951 Academy Awards. Although it didn’t win the award, this was a huge victory for Japanese Americans. This film can be symbolized as the publics acceptance of Japanese Americans due to it’s popularity and box office sales. They where depicted as heroes for their country instead of the potential traitors that they were previously depicted as. This allowed to public to physically see that their efforts where valid and for the well being of their country. At the premiere of most of the screenings, they would present an actual veteran from the 442nd give a speech before the film. This was so the audience can see that these soldiers did in fact defend their country from the axis powers. This film captured the sheer will and determination the soldiers had during World War

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