Going for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers in the War against Nazi Germany

By James M. McCaffrey.

A comprehensive history of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II, this new book by historian James M. McCaffrey traces the experiences of the men in the 442nd from training to some of the deadliest combat in Europe.

Weaving together the voices of numerous soldiers, McCaffrey tells of the men's frustrations and achievements on the U.S. mainland and abroad. Training in Mississippi, the recruits from Hawaii and the mainland have their first encounter with southern-style black-white segregation. Once in action, they helped push the Germans out of Italy and France. The 442nd would go on to become one of the most highly decorated units in the U.S. Army.

McCaffrey's account makes clear that like other American soldiers in World War II, the Nisei relied on their personal determination, social values, and training to "go for broke"-to bet everything, even their lives. Ultimately, their bravery and patriotism in the face of prejudice advanced racial harmony and opportunities for Japanese Americans after the war.