Shizuya Hayashi: The Japanese-American Soldier Who Showed Astounding Bravery on His First Day of Combat

During the Italian Campaign in World War II, German soldiers faced a sight they’d never expected: Japanese-American soldiers. The battalion fought bravely throughout the Italian Campaign and earned the respect of their peers and enemies, but when they made first contact with the Germans, one man showed his courage above the rest. In his first day of combat, Shizuya Hayashi and the rest of the 100th Infantry Battalion were advancing toward an enemy position on high ground.