Overview
Introduction by William Fujioka of JANM
Afterword by Jonathan Eig
The first comprehensive biography of unjustly forgotten Japanese American war hero Ben Kuroki, who fought the Axis powers during World War II and battled racism, injustice, and prejudice on the home front.
Ben Kuroki was a twenty-four-year-old Japanese American farm boy whose heritage was never a problem in remote Nebraskaāuntil Pearl Harbor. Among the millions of Americans who flocked to military stations to enlist, Ben wanted to avenge the attack, reclaim his family honor, and prove his patriotism. But as anti-Japanese sentiment soared, Ben had to fight to be allowed to fight for America. And fight he did.
As a gunner on Army Air Forces bombers, Ben flew fifty-eight missions spanning three combat theaters: Europe, North America, and the Pacific, including the climactic B-29 firebombing campaign against Japan that culminated with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He flew some of the warās boldest and bloodiest air missions and lived to tell about it. In between his tours in Europe and the Pacific, he challenged FDRās shameful incarceration of more than one hundred thousand people of Japanese ancestry in America, and he would be credited by some with setting in motion the debate that reversed a grave national dishonor. In the euphoric wake of Americaās victory, the decorated war hero used his national platform to carry out what he called his āfifty-ninth mission,ā urging his fellow Americans to do more to eliminate bigotry and racism at home.
Told in full for the first time, and long overdue, Benās extraordinary story is a quintessentially American one of patriotism, principle, perseverance, and courage. Itās about being in the vanguard of history, the bonding of a band of brothers united in a just cause, a timeless and unflinching account of racial bigotry, and one manās transcendent sense of belongingāin war, in peace, abroad, and at home.
This book title, Most Honorable Son (A Forgotten Hero's Fight Against Fascism and Hate During World War II), ISBN: 9780806542935, by Gregg Jones, published by Kensington (July 23, 2024) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Most Honorable Son (A Forgotten Hero's Fight Against Fascism and Hate During World War II) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order Most Honorable Son (A Forgotten Hero's Fight Against Fascism and Hate During World War II) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!