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| T/5 Sam Rokutani |
Shinobu Samuel Rokutani ( Poston 308-6-D) was born on November 20, 1917 in Alameda County to Japanese immigrants, Otoji and Tsuruno Rokutani. In 1939, Sam graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Japanese Club and south-paw pitcher for the University's varsity baseball team.
On August 4, 1942, Sam and his (widowed) mother, Tsuruno Rokutani and his brother, George's family, voluntarily evacuated from Alameda County and relocated to Reedley. After a few months, they were evacuated to the Poston, Arizona internment camp block 308-6-D. At Poston camp III, Sam worked in the Accounting Department. On November 20, 1942, he volunteered for the U.S. Military Intelligence Service, after the recruiting team of Major Karl Gould, M/Sgt Joe Masuda and T/Sgt Jerry Shibata visited Poston. He left Poston and went to Camp Savage, Minnesota for intense Japanese language training at the Language School section 16, and graduated in December 1942.
After the end of World War II, Sam Rokutani became a member of the University of California, Berkeley Bullpen Club, a team of Bear Backers who specifically donate to and fundraise for Cal Baseball. In 1980, Sam and his wife, Jun, moved from Minnesota to Bella Vista, Arkansas. In 1986, Sam served as President of the Bella Vista Men's 18 Hole Golf Association.
Sam Rokutani died on January 28, 2011 in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Otoji and Tsuruno Rokutani; wife, Jun (2001); and brother, George (2000).
Sam Rokutani died on January 28, 2011 in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Otoji and Tsuruno Rokutani; wife, Jun (2001); and brother, George (2000).
Sam is survived by daughter, Laurie Rokutani Gresard of Williamsburg, Virginia.
