FRIDAY 9/7: Military History Forum

Grant Ichikawa and Terry Shima will speak on their experiences in World War Two.

Grant Ichikawa was born in California.  Following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Ichikawa and his family were interned.  In November 1942 he volunteered to enroll in the US Army Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Language School.  Later he was assigned to the Allied Translations and Interpretation Service (ATIS) and participated in the liberation of the Philippines.  Immediately following Emperor Hirohito’s announcement of Japan’s surrender, Lt. Ichikawa convinced 250 armed Japanese soldiers to surrender their weapons.  He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War to serve in the MIS.

Terry Shima was born in Hawaii.  He was drafted into the US Army in 1944 and trained at Camp Blanding, Florida, as a replacement for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  He arrived in Italy on VE Day 1945, joining the 442nd at the Garda Airport in northern Italy.  He later served in the US Foreign Service.  Mr. Shima is the immediate past Executive Director of the Japanese American Veterans Association.

No charge. 10 a.m. – noon, Falls Church Community Center, 221 Little Falls Street. 703-248-5020.  The Forum meets every other Friday, same time, same place.