Earl Finch

The "One-Man USO"

 

Summary

Learn about the incredible life of Earl Finch, warmly known as the

"one-man USO (United Service Organization)" to Nisei soldiers

during World War II and beyond. Though Finch was raised in poverty

in Mississippi, “his very being was in opposition to racism, classism,

and small-town meanness.”  It is this kindness that inspired him to

welcome to his small town of Hattiesburg the soldiers of the segregated all-Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team who were training at Camp Shelby in 1943.

 

Learning of their experiences with discrimination in Hawaii and the mainland, he threw picnics and parties for them centered around Japanese culture, bringing them small pieces of home during dark times. He worked to create the Aloha USO for Japanese American soldiers because of their exclusion from the white USO. He became the executor in the affairs of around 1500 Nisei soldiers. After trainibg, the 442nd was shipped to European battlefields, where they were sent into into thickest battle, earning more Purple Hearts and other medals than any other unit of its size. Finch spent much of the late 1940s making hospital visits across several states.

 

Accusations of spying for Japan and constant investigations did not stop him from showing love to the Nisei in his community. His dedication  continued when he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1949 and began a charity to bring students from Japan and Okinawa to study in the US. This ultimately led to the adoption of two sons, Seiji Naya and Hideo Sakamoto. Finch spent the next two decades working to bring rock and roll concerts to the islands of Hawaii. He was honored after his death in 1965 as a great ally to Japanese Americans during a time of immense hatred.

 

Discussion Questions

• In what ways did Earl Finch create community and belonging for Nisei soldiers away from home? Why is this important?

• How did Earl Finch dedicate his life to serving Japanese Americans?

• How does Earl’s variety of methods of activism demonstrate the many ways people can fight for change and resist oppression?

• The author writes, “love met with love creates more love; generosity and appreciation go hand and hand." In what ways have you seen examples of this in your own life?

 

Key Points

• Unlawful internment/incarceration – right to due process

• Equal protection

• Right to property