Bringing History to Life: The Story of Lucy and the 442nd Battalion

How a Puppy, a Famed Animator, and a Passionate Historian Came Together to Tell an Untold WWII Story

At first glance, Lucy is a heartwarming children’s book about a spirited little dog who became the beloved mascot of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team’s (RCT) medics. Behind this seemingly simple story is a much deeper tale—one of resilience, loyalty, and the unbreakable spirit of the Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II.

In this video, Lucy’s co-creators, Willie Ito, an acclaimed animator whose career spans Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and Warner Bros., and Stacey Hayashi, a filmmaker and historian dedicated to preserving the stories of the legendary 100th Battalion and 442nd RCT, take us on a journey through history.

Meet the Creators: Willie Ito & Stacey Hayashi

Willie Ito grew up in San Francisco’s Japan Town. At just eight years old, his world was upended when his family was forcibly relocated to an internment camp during World War II. But even behind barbed wire, young Willie found ways to practice his craft, creating flipbooks out of Sears catalogs. That early passion for animation led him to an incredible career at Walt Disney Studios, where he worked on Lady and the Tramp, including the iconic spaghetti dinner scene. He later brought life to classics like Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, and Hong Kong Phooey during his time at Hanna-Barbera.

While Willie’s career was built on storytelling through animation, Stacey Hayashi is a storyteller of a different kind. A fourth-generation Japanese American from Hawaii, Stacey has spent years documenting the legacy of the 100th Battalion and 442nd RCT through film, books, and community outreach. Her film Go For Broke and accompanying graphic novel helped shed light on the incredible sacrifices of these soldiers. When she discovered a forgotten piece of their history—Lucy, the real-life war dog—she knew it was a story worth telling.

The Story of Lucy

In the summer of 1944, deep in war-torn Italy, a group of 442nd medics stumbled upon a group of kids in Luciana who had a litter of puppies. The medics decided to strike a deal with the kids, trading one of their puppies for some candies. The soldiers took the puppy in and named her Lucy after the village of Luciana where she was found.

Despite the horrors of war surrounding them, these battle-hardened medics found solace in Lucy, who became a symbol of hope and resilience. The soldiers fed her with an eyedropper, bought her her own dog tags, and carried her along their journey. She was more than just a pet—she was a reminder of home, of peace, and of the kindness that still existed even in the darkest times.

Lucy’s story was nearly lost to history—until Stacey came across a set of forgotten photographs in a veteran’s album. When she realized how much this dog had meant to the medics, she knew she had to bring Lucy’s story to life. And who better to illustrate it than Willie Ito?

Central Pacific Bank

Beyond its historical and emotional significance, Lucy has another connection—this time to Central Pacific Bank (CPB).

CPB was founded over 70 years ago by veterans of the 100th Battalion and 442nd RCT—men who had returned from war as highly decorated soldiers but still faced discrimination back home in Hawaii. Many banks refused to give them loans. So, they built their own.

Among CPB’s founding members was Kai Takahashi, a 100th Battalion veteran who served as the bank’s first chairman, and Senator Daniel Inouye, a 442nd veteran who helped shape modern Hawaii. These men fought not just on the battlefield but also in the fight for economic equality and opportunity.

Just like Lucy is a story of perseverance, CPB’s history is a testament to the resilience of the 442nd and their lasting impact on Hawaii.

Why Lucy Matters Today

For Willie and Stacey, Lucy is more than just a book—it’s a way to teach the next generation about an important part of history.

How You Can Support Lucy

If you’re interested in learning more about Lucy and sharing this incredible story with the next generation, the book is available for purchase at 442lucydog.com.

By reading and sharing Lucy, you’re not just buying a book—you’re helping to preserve a legacy.

Watch the full interview with Willie Ito and Stacey Hayashi and discover the remarkable story of a little dog who helped soldiers through one of the most challenging times in history.