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Yuki "Uke" Minaga photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: P1433

Scope and Contents

The Yuki "Uke" Minaga photograph collection contains 1 black-and-white copy print of Yuki Minaga and Nelson Akagi, members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, on the way up to the Observation Post in the Maritime Alps at the France and Italy border. The image dates from December 1944. Included with the image are handwritten notes about Minagi's service record. This image was collected in conjunction with an exhibit on Japanese American veterans.

Dates

  • 1944

Creator

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Yuki "Uke" Minaga photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Biographical Note

Yuki “Uke” Minaga (1919-2012) was born on July 18, 1919 in Ogden, Utah to Yasuzo and Takano Tanabe Minaga. He attended Wilson School and Weber High School, where he became interested in mechanical engineering and science. After graduating from high school, Minaga studied typing, mechanics, and obtained an amateur radio license. He was drafted into the United States Army on June 2, 1941, serving first with the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Later, Minaga was a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made primarily of Japanese American soldiers. The 442nd helped to liberate France from Nazi control; they were also among the United States troops who liberated Dachau concentration camp in Poland. Minaga was awarded a Silver Star for his actions in the rescue of the 'Lost Batallion' near Biffontaine, France. He also received Expert Rifleman awards three times during his service. Minaga was discharged from the Army on November 26, 1945.

After returning to the United States, Minaga moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he studied television engineering. He worked for Motorola and then was self-employed offering television repair and service. After selling his business, Minaga concluded his career working for the ABC Network setting up equipment. In 1966, Minaga married Martha Seymour. After retiring, the couple moved to Wisconsin. In 2011, Minaga was given the Congressional Gold Medal for his military service. Yuki Minaga died on November 11, 2012. (Adapted from obituary.)

Extent

1 Items (1 box)

Abstract

Yuki "Uke" Minaga was a Japanese American veteran who served in World War II. This collection contains a photograph of Minagi and a fellow soldier, Nelson Akagi, taken in December 1944.

Arrangement

Arranged by subject

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Mitsugi M. Kasai and Yuki “Uke” and Martie Minaga in 2007.

Related Materials

This collection forms part of the Mitsugi M. Kasai Memorial Japanese American Archive.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff.
Title
Guide to the Yuki "Uke" Minaga photograph collection, 1944
Author
Finding aid created by Claire A. Kempa
Date
2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863