Ben Kuroki Dies at 98; Overcame Bias Against Japanese-Americans to Fight for U.S.
Ben Kuroki, a decorated Japanese-American gunner in the Army Air Forces of World War II, who was hailed on the American homeland at a time when tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans were confined to internment camps as supposed security risks, died on Tuesday in Camarillo, Calif. He was 98.
His death was confirmed on Saturday by his daughter Julie Kuroki.
Many Americans of Japanese descent served with distinction in the Army’s ground forces. But the Air Forces had not wanted Mr. Kuroki, or, for that matter, any Japanese-Americans.
He nonetheless became an airman and received three Distinguished Service Crosses, taking part in raids over Europe, North Africa, and then, after receiving special permission from the War Department, in missions over Japan.
In the decades following the war, Mr. Kuroki faded from the public eye. But in his later years, he was recognized anew.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/06/us/ben-kuroki-dies-at-98-fought-bias-to-fight-for-us.html
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