In 1950, the language of interpretation in Korea was Japanese. Kiyohito "Mike" Tsutsui was a Japanese civilian working for the Headquarters Battery, 63rd Field Artillery, 24th Infantry Division. When the unit was ordered to Korea, Mike went and was captured. For his brave actions, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom and was made an American citizen by an act of Congress.

Other Tiger Survivors who were pressed into service as interpreters were Henry Arakaki, Headquarters Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division; James Hunt, C Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division; Susumu Shinagawa, A Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division; Tomio Tadaki, A Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division; and, Goichi Tamaye, M Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. These men were severely beaten almost every time they were called upon to make an interpretation.