Clippings

Birthday Party for Pvt. Suneo Yamaguchi

From Hattiesburg American May 8, 1943
Pvt. Suneo Yamaguchi celebrated his birthday May 7, with a cake sent to him by his parents in Hilo, Hawaii. His family appealed to the USO in Hilo to arrange for a birthday cake to be given him on Friday. The cake, a beautifully decorated one with “Happy Birthday from Home” inscribed on it, was presented to Pvt. Yamaguchi by his company commander, Lieut. Christopher R. Keegan, in behalf of the Yamaguchi family, as the dessert course for the Friday evening meal.
Pvt. Yamaguchi stated that he was certainly pleasantly surprised, saying, “When they called my name, I went on eating and didn't pay any attention.”
“You thought it was for a detail.” chimed in one of his well-wishers.
Pvt. Yamaguchi laughed and continued, “Yes, but when they called me again, I stood up and Lt. Keegan gave me the cake. Gee! I was surprised!”
Pvt. Yamaguchi was working in a sugar mill before entering the army as a volunteer. When asked how he liked Mississippi, he answered, “It's all right. Just like the Islands. Only it's too hot now!”