Pocket Life
November 2024
By Corky Mau
Battle Tested
His book traces hero’s life as Nisei soldier
Greenhaven resident Carl B. Williams found a creative outlet in retirement. He became a writer, using his imagination and love of World War II history to transport readers from Japan to France.
His latest book is “The Road to Sand Hills,” a fictional account based on heroic achievements of Japanese American soldiers during the battle for Bruyeres, a town in France’s Vosges mountains.
Bruyeres was one of the war’s bloodiest episodes, with Japanese Americans from the 442nd Regiment taking a prominent and costly role. More than 35,000 Allied soldiers died or suffered injuries. German casualties topped 70,000.
“The Road to Sand Hills” is Williams’ depiction of Sgt. George Washington Suyama, a real-life member of the 442nd.
The book is based on facts. It traces Suyama’s life from Great Falls, Montana, to his combat duty in Europe. Suyama was the oldest son of Japanese immigrants. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1941 and joined the 442nd as a replacement soldier.
The unit was ordered to the Vosges in October 1944 to liberate Bruyeres and rescue American soldiers trapped in the mountains. A year after the battle, Suyama was officially declared dead. He was 27.
Carl Williams joined the Air Force in 1955. He’s an amateur historian drawn to the 442nd through his wife’s two uncles who fought in the unit.
In 2011, Williams visited the Vosges and saw a crumbling stone memorial erected to honor the Nisei soldiers who liberated the area.
With the support from a local mayor and residents, Williams helped organize the monument’s restoration. A new memorial was dedicated in 2017.
“There are many stories about the 442nd,” Williams says. “These Nisei volunteered for combat duty while their family members were living in internment camps.”
Williams is a busy writer. He published a children’s book, “Marie of Bruyeres,” and completed a screenplay about two Florin neighbors with very different experiences during World War II.
For details about Williams’ books, visit vosgesheroes.org.
ELECTION SUPPORT
Vote Centers for the Nov. 5 election are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting sites in Pocket-Greenhaven include Belle Coolidge library, Elks Lodge No. 6, Centennial United Methodist Church and Robbie Waters Library. Vote in person or drop your ballot at a Vote Center.
CRAB FEED
The Marinated Crab Feed is back at Portuguese Hall on Saturday, Nov. 23. Tickets are $65 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. For tickets, contact Kelly Corsetti at (916) 947-0293 or email sacphss@gmail.com.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
