1399th Engineer Construction Battalion “The Chowhounds”

The only all-Japanese American unit to serve in the Pacific Theatre during World War II was the 1399th Construction Battalion. The Chowhounds completed more than fifty-four major defense related projects during the war including the Flying Fortress airfield at Oahu and a million gallon water tank at Wahiawa still in service. When General Douglas MacArthur asked that the unit be used in the Philippines the White House refused his request, stating that they were essential to the defense of the Hawaiian archipelago. As it never actually participated in combat during the war, the 1399th Engineer Battalion stands in the shadow of the other Japanese American units which participated in the war. This, however, should not be construed as a slight on the 1399th, but rather a reminder of the fantastic exploits of the100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service.