"GO FOR BROKE" WWII JAPANESE AMERICAN 442nd REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM DOCUMENTARY FILM 34302

About

This rare film shows the training of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army. The 442nd was a regimental size fighting unit composed almost entirely of American soldiers of Japanese descent who volunteered to fight in World War II even though their families were subject to internment. The 442nd, beginning in 1944, fought primarily in Europe during World War II. The 442nd was a self-sufficient force, and fought with uncommon distinction in Italy, southern France, and Germany. The 442nd is considered to be the most decorated infantry regiment in the history of the United States Army. The 442nd was awarded eight Presidential Unit Citations and twenty-one of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor for World War II. The 442nd's high distinction in the war and its record-setting decoration count earned it the nickname "Purple Heart Battalion." The 442nd Regimental Combat Team motto was, "Go for Broke".

This documentary highlights the formation and training of the Japanese-American combat team during World War II, composed entirely of volunteers—many from Hawaii and others from mainland internment camps. Despite facing discrimination and incarceration, these Nisei soldiers proudly enlisted to fight for the United States, adopting the motto "Go for Broke," symbolizing their all-or-nothing dedication. At Camp Shelby, Mississippi, they underwent intense physical and tactical training, including weapons handling, camouflage, field maneuvers, demolition, and engineering tasks like river crossings and bridge-building. They embraced teamwork, discipline, and sacrifice, preparing for jungle warfare and combat deployments. The film also emphasizes their religious diversity and shared values of freedom and democracy. Through their training and patriotism, these soldiers demonstrated unwavering loyalty to a country that had questioned their place in it, embodying the very ideals they set out to defend.

0:00 – The documentary begins with a tribute to a unique group of Japanese-American soldiers who volunteered to serve in WWII, many from internment camps and Hawaii.

1:22 – The motto "Go for Broke" is introduced, symbolizing all-out effort and commitment.

1:30 – The Japanese-American combat team begins basic training, quickly embodying discipline and determination.

2:28 – Soldiers practice teamwork through weapon handling, including bayonet drills and gas mask use.

2:57 – The men begin working with machine guns, each learning every crew position through hands-on training.

3:36 – Field exercises begin, including artillery deployment, demonstrating readiness for real combat.

4:02 – Training intensifies with camouflage, anti-aircraft drills, and rapid gun placement under time constraints.

4:50 – Engineers carry out a river crossing exercise, highlighting their skills in reconnaissance and bridge building.

6:18 – A pontoon bridge is quickly assembled and crossed, showing the engineers' efficiency and training.

6:59 – Soldiers complete a woodland charge, preparing for potential jungle warfare scenarios.

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