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They Were Superb: The 442nd Japanese-American Unit in World War II and Self-Sacrifice

45 min

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

  • What challenges are you facing?
  • What fears or concerns might you have?
  • What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

  • Who were the 442nd Regimental Combat Team? Why was their role in World War II significant?
  • What was the purpose of the 442nd?
  • What did the members of the 442nd stand to lose while serving their country? Why did they take part in the war?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

  • What is the historical context of the narrative?
  • What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
  • How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
  • How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
  • How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
  • What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
  • Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
  • How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
  • Students will examine the actions of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and their self-sacrifice.
  • Students will apply their knowledge of self-sacrifice to their own lives.
  • Students will determine ways in which they can sacrifice in order to help others.

Student Handouts