In Henderson’s justifiably hefty tome, the untold story of the nisei (second-generation Japanese American) soldiers, initially scorned by the U.S. military in the wake of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, is finally revealed in full for the first time ... [a] noble effort to belatedly restore public honor on a group of men whose names should be known far and wide ... is all the stronger for its willingness to acknowledge the deep evils of war while simultaneously celebrating the bravery and valor of a group of soldiers that can only be classified as true American heroes.
... exceptional ... Henderson enriches his sweeping overview of the Pacific campaign with intimate profiles of Tom Sakamoto, one of only three Japanese Americans to witness Japan’s 1945 surrender aboard the USS Missouri, and other Nisei soldiers who made vital contributions to American victories at Iwo Jima, Leyte, and elsewhere. The result is a stirring tribute to the courage and sacrifice of young men who exemplified 'the true definition of patriotism.'
Henderson brings a great deal of investigative acumen to his latest to give personal depth to the bigger picture ... This book is an important step in providing much-needed recognition for these brave Americans ... A fascinating piece of history with threads of courage and poignancy, brought to life by an accomplished storyteller.
