Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II

After serving his sentence in Arizona, Gordon Hirabayashi returned to Spokane, where he returned to working at the American Friends Service Committee with Floyd and Esther Schmoe. He and Esther wanted to get married but feared social ostracization, because of his ancestry and political activism, even though interracial marriage was legal in the state of Washington. Gordon had received the loyalty questionnaire, but he refused to complete the form, returning it with a note about racial discrimination. Aware of “where it would lead” (228), Gordon also sent his address and a statement to attorney J. Charles Dennis. Gordon was not the only one refusing to follow the rules set by the federal government. Dozens of Nisei men at different camps like Topaz and Tule Lake refused to serve while their families remained in camps. They were taken to jail for “violating the Selective Service and Training Act of 1940” (230).

Meanwhile, Kats Miho sailed on SS John Hopkins and worked on mastering his artillery skills. To pass time, the Hawaiians put on performances playing the ukuleles. In addition to George Oiye, Kats also became friends with