"This work is quite different and is unique in that it
chronicles the internment of the only Japanese American
combat soldier captured during the Pacific campaign of
World War II. Frank 'Foo' Fujita, a Texan who served
with the 'Lost Battalion' of the 36th Infantry Division,
was captured during the defense of Java in early 1942. .
. . Despite the subject, the book reveals much of the
humor of Fujita and his comrades. . . . Foo is
refreshing in that it never deviates from its view of the
Japanese as the aggressors and barbarians of the Pacific
War—the view of a Japanese-American who served his
country with dignity and honor."—Southwestern
Historical Quarterly
"Fujita's chronicle is fascinating in its detail of the
day-to-day life of a prisoner of war. He vividly recounts
everything from the privations the POWs had to endure, to
living conditions in Japan, to the various sexual
encounters that occurred in the camp.The book itself is
based on a journal Fujita secretly kept while in captivity
and is liberally illustrated with drawings, maps, and
personal photographs. The writing style is simple and
unpretentious. . . . The book is amply footnoted with
information that complements Fujita's recollections. . . .
[A]n excellent first-person account, one which will add
greatly to the existing literature. Fujita's experiences
make for compelling oral history and deserve to be told."
—Journal of Military History
"Readers will be impressed with Fujita's ebullience and
humor that persisted despite the prolonged ordeal he
underwent. A gifted illustrator and cartoonist, his
artwork from the period gracefully illuminates the
narrative."—Publishers Weekly
"His candid retelling of his experiences is vivid and
powerful and . . . presents the portrait of an intelligent
and aware observer of life. A recommended memoir for both
general reading and World War II collections."—Library
Journal
"[A] gripping book . . . a story of courage, tenacity and
indomitable human spirit."—The Dallas Morning News
"[A] riveting account of brutality and the strength of the
human will. . . . Ably introduced and edited by Stanley L.
Falk, former chief historian of the U. S. Air Force, Foo
should interest readers of World War II and Asian-American
history alike."—Journal of the West
"The Fujita story is one of survival. Through a combination
of guile, bravery, adaptation to the enemy's mindset, and
sheer luck, Fujita was able to come through this experience
and tell his story. This was one tough man."—Ron Marcello,
Director of the Oral History Program, University of North
Texas
_________________________________________________________
The late FRANK "FOO" FUJITA was called back to active
duty as a reservist during the Korean War, and later
carved out a career as an illustrator for the Air Force.
STANLEY L. FALK is the former Chief Historian of the U. S.
Air Force. He is the author of Bataan: The March of
Death, Seventy Days to Singapore, and Decision at Leyte.
Number One: War and the Southwest Series
