Bruce Henderson, 'Bridge to the Sun: Japanese Americans Who Fought in the Pacific in World War II'

Japanese-Americans were largely forbidden from serving in the Pacific theater in World War II over concerns about their loyalty in a war against their ancestral homeland. But a small number of soldiers did serve there as interrogators and translators and played a pivotal role in thwarting Japanese plans and saving American lives in several critical locations.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," author and historian Bruce Henderson discusses his new book "Bridge to the Sun: The Secret Role of Japanese Americans Who Fought in the Pacific in World War II." He explains how the Army scrambled to ramp up the language school after the attack on Pearl Harbor and how the soldiers faced the bewildering contradiction of being asked to fight for their country while their family members were held in internment camps.But Henderson also follows several of these men to the front lines in the Pacific. He details their heroism in Burma, the Solomon Islands, Okinawa, and other locations, including eavesdropping on enemy forces, tapping phone lines, and translating battle plans found on fallen enemy fighters. These soldiers proved their loyalty, provided invaluable assistance, and helped the Allies win the war.