Army Set To Honor 442nd Plan Impressive Welcome For Famed Combat Team Expected to Arrive Today

From The Nisei Weekender July 4, 1946

All New York is prepared to do honor to the returning 500 Japanese American soldiers who comprise the remnants of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Escorted by Army fighter planes and a Navy blimp from Lakehurst, N. J. The Wilson Victory will steam into New York harbor this afternoon, a few days ahead of schedule, according to the latest War Department announcements.

The Wilson is expected to dock at pier 84, North River, at approximately 3:30 p.m. At the mouth of the harbor they will be met by two Army welcome boats decorated with a 442’s regimental colors and Insignia, equipped with a band and loud speakers, and a press boat loaded with newsreel cameramen and correspondents.

Two fire boats from the city will stage a spectacular water display to entertain the soldiers as they dock. The men will be greeted by relatives and friends, officials of the city, high-ranking army officers, and interviewed by the press while their baggage is being unloaded.

Only a limited number of persons with passes issued by the New York Port of Embarkation will be allowed at the pier, it was announced. A reviewing stand will be erected on the pier to accommodate the guest.

At 6 p.m. brief ceremonies will be conducted with General Ewart Plank, Commanding General of the N. Y. Port of Embarkation, giving the initial welcome message, followed by Maj. Gen. Wiley, Deputy Chief of the Army Transport Corps. Colonel Arthur M. Sheets will deliver a message from Gen. Jacob Devers, Commanding General of the Army Ground Forces and former Commanding General of the 7th Army.

Among notables who will be on hand to welcome the men will be Hugo Rogers, boro president of Manhattan, representing Mayor O'Dwyer who is out of the city. It was stated that General Courtney Hodges, Commanding General of the First Army may be present if his schedule permits.

Following the ceremonies, refreshments will be served by the American Red Cross. At 7:30 they will board the ferry for the Jersey side. They will be preceded by the welcome boat and the Fort Hamilton band. From Jersey City they will entrain for Camp Kilmer.

The following afternoon a special program will be held at Camp Kilmer which will be open to the public and in the evening the men will attend a dance held at the local Armory, 125 W. 14th St.

They will remain at Camp Kilmer for five days, during which time they will be given 24-hour passes as long as processing does not interfere. On the morning of July 8th the 442nd will proceed to Ft. Belvoir as a unit to await further instructions.

Source Information

July 4, 1946

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