Former Internment Camp Detainee Speaks at HMSUD monthly meeting

At the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Historic USO Building, 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd., history enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to hear the dramatic story of former China Lake aerodynamicist Kinge Okauchi, who was held in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. Kinge was 17 when the bombing of Pearl Harbor brought the United States into the War. Although he was born in Sacramento, he and his family were among the thousands of Japanese Americans who were sent to relocation camps away from the Pacific Coast. They were sent to Topaz, a camp near Delta, Utah.  Upon his family’ release from Topaz, Kinge came to work at China Lake in 1950.  Now, age 90, Kinge still resides in the valley.  The public is  invited to attend this free special presentation and to meet Kinge in person. For more information about this and other HSUMD events, please call the HSUMD at 760-375-8456