A new G.I. Joe toy may remind some Ohio State students of the plight of many Japanese-Americans during World War II.The 12-inch action figure represents a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit of Japanese-American soldiers who fought in Europe for the United States during World War II, said Brian Savage, director of the Hasbro G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club. “The Japanese-American soldiers are American soldiers,” Savage said. “It is a great idea to honor any particular group we can pick out from the military.” Vu Luong, a Vietnamese-American senior majoring in mechanical engineering and business human resource management, learned about the 442nd team in a sociology class, which focused on the history of Asian Americans.Japanese-American soldiers won many medals, but they received little publicity, Luong said.After Japan attacked Peal Harbor, the American government was afraid Japanese-Americans might be spies for Japan, Luong said. After the attack, Japanese-Americans received harsh treatment by being forced to relocate to an internment camp, Luong said.A G.I. Joe Tuskegee Airmen toy was released last year to honor the country’s first black military pilots, Savage said.”All American soldiers should be honored regardless of their ethnic background or races,” said Billy Taylor, a black commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3764 in Columbus. “We believe there should be one unit regardless of race.” G.I. Joe helps children in role playing, Savage said.”Although, the funny thing is the bad guys are imaginary,” he added. “Hasbro Inc. has never made any enemies, such as Nazi soldiers. Kids just divide forces as good or bad.”