“A catalyst for change through cross cultural awareness–by learning from the past and influencing the future.”
Building 640, located along Crissy Field in the foreground of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, within the Presidio of San Francisco, is the original site of the clandestine language school for the Military Intelligence Service during World War II and home of the Fourth Army Intelligence School.* Japanese American soldiers secretly trained in Japanese military language one month before America’s entry into World War II. Although their top-secret work kept them from full public recognition, these soldiers applied their intellect, language skills, and cultural acumen to achieve victory. They saved countless lives, shortened the war and proved their loyalty to the United States. Their service in the face of racial prejudice, wartime hostility and global conflict can inspire us to understand what it means to be an American.
Take a self-guided tour through the Military Intelligence Historic Learning Center at Building 640. One of the most poignant and iconic home front stories of World War II in the Presidio. Discover the untold story of the Japanese American soldiers who secretly trained for the war against Japan. Only a mile away, Presidio officers issued military orders to exclude all persons from military establishments, eventually leading to mass removal and incarceration of Americans of Japanese ancestry behind barbed wire. Learn the remarkable stories of courage, sacrifice and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
*Forerunner of the Defense Language Institute and Foreign Language Center in the Presidio of Monterey.
Date & Time: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 12pm to 5pm
NJAHS reserves the right to refuse service to those visitors who fail to comply with parking protocols.
