Ben Kuroki, a decorated Japanese American tail gunner in the Army Air Forces who flew on 58 bombing missions over three continents during World War II, died last week in Camarillo, California. He was 98.
Ben Kuroki Dies at 98; Overcame Bias Against Japanese-Americans to Fight for U.S.
Kuroki sought to join the U.S. Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor, but he was refused by a recruiter who questioned his loyalty as a Nisei, the child of Japanese immigrants. Determined to enlist, he and his brother drove 150 miles to another recruiter, who allowed them to sign up.
At the time, the Army did not want Japanese American soldiers on bomber crews, but Kuroki nonetheless became an airman and received three Distinguished Service Crosses, taking part in raids over Europe and North Africa and then, after receiving special permission from the War Department, in missions over Japan.
