Final answer:
Alton and his fellow soldiers in Hawaii underwent intense military training preparing for the island-hopping campaign while experiencing the personal hardship of having family members interned as 'enemy aliens' back home. They became part of the highly decorated 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team.
Step-by-step explanation:
The time spent in Hawaii by Alton and his fellow soldiers is best understood within the broader historical context of World War II and the experiences of soldiers preparing for the Pacific campaign. During this period, the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team, an all-Japanese American unit, played a significant role in the war efforts. These men were composed of those who had joined the military before the attack on Pearl Harbor as well as recruits from internment camps on the West Coast and volunteers from Hawaii. Notably, second-generation Japanese soldiers from Hawaii were key members of the 100th Battalion, which later merged with the 442nd. The soldiers in Hawaii would be involved in arduous training and preparation for the island-hopping campaign that was crucial for advancing toward victory.
Their reality in Hawaii was one of bittersweet juxtaposition: intense military preparation and camaraderie on one hand, and on the other, the knowledge that many of their own families were interned back home as "enemy aliens." Despite such personal afflictions, these soldiers proved to be some of the most highly decorated in US military history, showcasing extraordinary bravery and commitment.