performed must have been one of THE personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous that it clearly distin- guished the individual above his or her comrades and must have The Medal of Honor involved risk of life. The Medal of Honor was awarded to twenty-two World War II veter is not something soldiers seek. ans of Asian ancestry on June 21, 2000. This event resulted from a review of military records requested by Con- No one can train for it. In fact, Fewer Than 3,500 American War Heroes Have Received This Honor gress in 1996. The Secretary of the Army was instructed to review the ser- The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action vice records of all Asian Americans and against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an indi- Pacific Islanders who were awarded the no one expects people to make vidual serving in the Armed Forces of the . Gen- Distinguished Service Cross in World erally presented to its recipient by the President of the United War II to determine if any should be States in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congres- the kinds of sacrifices required upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Of sional Medal of Honor. the 104 names submitted, 22 were up- graded, including 20 Japanese Ameri- The roots of the award date back to December 9, 1861, when in order to receive it. cans, one Hawaiian/Chinese Ameri- Senator James W. Grimes of Iowa introduced a bill that au- can, and one Filipino American. thorized distribution of “medals of honor” to be bestowed Excerpted from remarks made at the ceremony inducting recent upon sailors and marines who distinguished themselves by Considering the millions of Americans Medal of Honor recipients into the Hall of Heroes at the their gallantry in action during the Civil War. Two months Pentagon, June 22, 2000, by General Eric K. Shinseki, who have served in our nation’s armed later, on February 17, 1862, Massachusetts Senator Henry Chief of Staff, U.S. Army forces since 1862, the fact that fewer Wilson introduced a similar bill, authorizing the distribution than 3,500 individuals have received of medals to soldiers in the Army. When President Abraham the Medal of Honor clearly demon- Lincoln signed both of these bills, the Medal of Honor was strates that it is reserved only for those born. With this simple and rather obscure act, Congress cre- individuals whose heroism is beyond ated an award that would achieve unique prominence in question. American history.

The Medal of Honor is not awarded frequently. Since it was established in 1862, fewer than 3,500 soldiers, sailors, ma- rines, airmen, and coastguardsmen have been awarded the Medal of Honor, and fewer than 600 of them received the award posthumously. It is reserved for those individuals who, while a member of the Armed Forces engaged in combat, dis- tinguished themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty. The deed

3 IIN THE DEADLY CHAOS OF BATTLE, SOLDIERS HOLD TO TRUST, AND WHEN THEY FIGHT,

THEY FIGHT FOR EACH OTHER BECAUSE

OF THAT TRUST RESIDENT IN ONE ANOTHER.

WASHINGTONIANS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE MEDAL OF HONOR IT IS A BOND THAT DEFIES INTELLECTUAL

UNDERSTANDING. YOU CAN’T QUANTIFY IT,

PRIOR TO AND YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN IT, BUT THE MEN Coxswain Harry Fadden U.S. Navy WE HONOR TODAY [WITH THE MOH] Pvt. Edward Lyon U.S. Army, Amboy ARE PROOF THAT IT EXISTS. WORLD WAR I Medal of Honor recipients and the families of those receiving the award posthumously gathered in , DC, on June 21, 2000 to accept their awards. June Oshima (back row, second from left) accepted the award Capt. Edward C. Allworth U.S. Army, Crawford General Eric K. Shinseki for her brother, William Nakamura. Nobuyo Okubo (second row, far right) accepted the award for her husband, James Okubo. 1st Lt. Deming Bronson U.S. Army, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army

WORLD WAR II PFC Richard Beatty Anderson U.S. Marine Corps, Tacoma ★ 1st Lt. Arnold L. Bjorklund U.S. Army, Clinton In addition to William Nakamura WASHINGTONIANS NAKAMURA AND OKUBO HONORED I HAFC Robert Eugene Bush U.S. Navy, Tacoma and James Okubo, there have been S.Sgt. Jesse R. Drowley U.S. Army, Spokane ALONG WITH 20 OTHERS OF ASIAN ANCESTRY thirty-five other Medal of Honor Maj. Robert Edward Galer U.S. Marine Corps, Seattle Sgt. John D. Hawk U.S. Army, Bremerton recipients who either were born in Along with William Nakamura and James Okubo, twenty other Asian American 1st Lt. Victor L. Kandle U.S. Army, Roy ★ or lived in Washington State. veterans, mostly Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans), were awarded the BM1 Reinhardt John Keppler U.S. Navy, Ralston ★ Medal of Honor on June 21, 2000, for their service in World War II. PFC Dexter J. Kerstetter U.S. Army, Centralia PFC Joe E. Mann U.S. Army, Rearden ★ In addition to these men, two other Nisei soldiers have received the Medal of Honor: Pvt. Lloyd G. McCarter U.S. Army, Tacoma PFC Sadao S. Munemori, U.S. Army, of Los Angeles, California, received the award Lt. Richard Miles McCool U.S. Navy, Bainbridge Island in 1946 for his service in World War II; and Cpl. Hiroshi H. Miyamura, U.S. Army, of SM1 Douglas Albert Munro U.S. Coast Guard, Cle Elum ★ Gallup, New Mexico, was honored for his service in the . S.Sgt. Jack J. Pendleton U.S. Army, Yakima Capt. Albert Harold Rooks U.S. Navy, Colton ★ 2nd Lt. Rudolph B. Davila U.S. Army, El Paso, Texas Pvt. Wilburn K. Ross U.S. Army, Dupont Pvt. Barney F. Hajiro U.S. Army, Punene, 1st Lt. James Elms Swett U.S. Marine Corps, Seattle Pvt. Mikio Hasemoto U.S. Army, Honolulu, Hawaii Lt. Cmdr. Bruce Avery Van Voorhis U.S. Navy, Aberdeen ★ Pvt. Joe Hayashi U.S. Army, Salinas, California ★ Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright U.S. Army, Walla Walla Pvt. Shizuya Hayashi U.S. Army, Waialua, Hawaii 1st Lt. Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Army, Honolulu, Hawaii WAR If you would like to read more about T.Sgt. Yeiki Kobashigawa U.S. Army, Hilo, Hawaii I ★ the Medal of Honor, please visit the S.Sgt. Robert T. Kuroda U.S. Army, Aiea, Hawaii PFC Walter C. Monegan, Jr. U.S. Marine Corps, Seattle PFC Kaoru Moto U.S. Army, Hawaii S.Sgt. Archie Van Winkle U.S. Marine Corps, Arlington following Web sites: ★ PFC Kiyoshi K. Muranaga U.S. Army, Los Angeles, California ★ 1st Lt. Benjamin F. Wilson U.S. Army, Vashon www.army.mil/cmh-pg/moh1.htm Pvt. Masato Nakae U.S. Army, Lihue, Hawaii ★ www.cmohs.org/ Pvt. Shinyei Nakamine U.S. Army, Waianae, Hawaii ★ ★ www.homeofheroes.com PFC Joe M. Nishimoto U.S. Army, Fresno, California PFC Lewis Albanese U.S. Army, Seattle ★ S.Sgt. Allan M. Ohata U.S. Army, Honolulu, Hawaii Maj. Patrick Henry Brady U.S. Army, Sumner T.Sgt. Yukio Okutsu U.S. Army, Koloa, Hawaii Capt. James P. Fleming U.S. Air Force, Kent PFC Frank H. Ono U.S. Army, North Judson, Indiana Sgt. Bruce Alan Grandstaff U.S. Army, Spokane ★ S.Sgt. Kazuo Otani U.S. Army, Visalia, California ★ Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson U.S. Air Force, Kent Pvt. George T. Sakato U.S. Army, Colton, California S/4 Thomas James Kinsman U.S. Army, Renton T.Sgt. Ted T. Tanouye U.S. Army, Torrance, California 2nd Lt. Robert Ronald Leisy U.S. Army, Seattle ★ Capt. Francis B. Wai U.S. Army, Honolulu, Hawaii ★ 1st Lt. Frank S. Reasoner U.S. Marine Corps, Spokane ★ Killed in action CM3 Marvin G. Shields U.S. Navy, Port Townsend ★ ★ Killed in action

4 5 Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. These camps were INTERNMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICANS DURING THE WAR surrounded by barbed wire fences, guard towers, and searchlights and were guarded by fellow Americans armed with machine Loyalty Despite Injustice guns and ordered to shoot anyone who at- OONE OF THE PROUDEST MOMENTS OF MY The valiant service of Japanese American soldiers tempted to escape. PRESIDENCY CAME ON FEBRUARY 19, 1976, in World War II must be viewed in the context of one of the most disgraceful events in the history To comply with General DeWitt’s order, WHEN I ISSUED A PROCLAMATION OFFICIALLY of our country—the imprisonment of Japanese Japanese Americans had to leave their TERMINATING EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066. Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens, liv- homes with only a few days’ notice, with ing on the West Coast only the possessions they could carry with WE NOW KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD HAVE during the war. Even after them. Their property was hurriedly sold, KNOWN THEN – NOT ONLY WAS THE EVACUA- being forced into concen- abandoned, or given away. With their bank tration camps, even while accounts frozen and no way to meet tax TION WRONG, BUT JAPANESE AMERICANS WERE their loved ones remained and mortgage payments, many lost their LOYAL AMERICANS. ON THE BATTLEFIELDS AND in the camps, these men homes, businesses, and farmlands. served the United States— AT HOME, JAPANESE AMERICANS HAVE BEEN AND the country they loved. Life in the camps was harsh and demoral- CONTINUE TO BE WRITTEN IN OUR HISTORY FOR izing. People lived in rows of black The internment was the tarpaper barracks. Large families or some- THE SACRIFICES AND CONTRIBUTIONS THEY culmination of an atmo- times groups of unrelated individuals were HAVE MADE TO THE WELL-BEING AND SECURITY sphere of escalating suspi- stripped of their privacy and squeezed into cion and prejudice. In the fall of 1941, prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl tiny, partitioned 20 by 25 foot units. The barracks had no insula- OF THIS, OUR COMMON NATION. Harbor, war with Japan seemed inevitable. That prompted the U.S. State De- tion and offered little protection from cold winter weather, desert Former President Gerald R. Ford partment, the FBI, and Naval Intelligence to conduct secret, independent in- heat, or incessant dust storms. February 2001 vestigations to evaluate the loyalty of Japanese Americans living on the West IF A MAN MAY BE DEPRIVED OF Coast and in Hawaii. They concluded that Japanese Americans were extremely Most mainland Japanese Americans—roughly 120,000 people— I loyal to the United States, and Japanese immigrants were no threat to national remained in these concentration camps until January 1945. HIS LIBERTY…SIMPLY BECAUSE security. MEN NOW LIVING IN THE Ironically, it is from these camps that many of the young Japanese Despite the loyalty of Japanese Americans, war hysteria turned public opinion American soldiers who fought so hard in World War II volunteered COUNTRY WHERE HIS GRAND- against them in the weeks following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Elected offi- or were drafted. FATHER WAS BORN HAVE cials, city councils, and civic organizations in California, Oregon, and Wash- ington demanded their ouster and incarceration. In response to these pres- To learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans, BECOME THE ACTIVE ENEMIES ABOUT THE ARTIST sures and against objections from Attorney General Francis Biddle and FBI Di- please visit: OF THE UNITED STATES, THEN rector J. Edgar Hoover that it was unnecessary and unconstitutional, President ★ The San Francisco Museum, World War II exhibit, at Henry Sugimoto painted the images on this page while Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942. www.sfmuseum.org imprisoned at the Jerome Relocation Camp in WE ARE DISREGARDING THE Arkansas during World War II. The paintings ★ The Libraries, Japanese American illustrate the conflicting emotions of those imprisoned VERY PRINCIPLES FOR WHICH Using the authority granted by the Order and under the guise of “military Exhibit and Access Project, at www.lib.washington.edu in concentration camps in America while their sons, necessity,” General John L. DeWitt, commander of the Western Defense Com- ★ A collection of information husbands, and family members went to war to fight THIS WAR IS BEING WAGED mand, first instructed all persons of Japanese ancestry to voluntarily leave the about Japanese Americans for their country. The paintings shown here, along with other painting by Mr. Sugimoto, are gifts of West Coast and the southern half of Arizona. That instruction soon became an during World War II at AGAINST THE AXIS NATIONS. Madeleine Sugimoto and Naomi Tagawa to the order. In March 1942, Japanese Americans in California, parts of Arizona, www.geocities.com/Athens/ Japanese American National Museum. Used with Colorado Governor Oregon, and Washington (Japanese Americans in Hawaii were not included) 8420/main.html permission. Ralph L. Carr, 1942 were ordered to report to temporary detention camps near their homes—a move they were told was “for their own protection.” From there, detainees were moved to ten concentration camps located in desolate and remote areas of Arizona,

6 7 In February 1943, the War Department activated the all-Japanese American 442nd Regimental Com- bat Team (RCT). When the Army called for volunteers, surprisingly, more than 2,500 men from Hawaii and 1,300 men from the mainland joined. Most of the mainland volunteers—determined to win back their rights as American citizens by spilling their blood if necessary to prove their loyalty—came from the concentration camps that still held their wives, parents, and siblings. Ironi- THE LEGENDARY 100TH BATTALION/442ND REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM cally, these Nisei had been classified as 4C (enemy aliens, unavailable for draft). The newly formed 442nd RCT began training at Camp Shelby, Mis- Honor Triumphs in Battle and Against Prejudice sissippi, in May 1943.

The history of Japanese Americans who fought in Meanwhile, in Italy, the 100th Battalion estab- World War II against Hitler’s Third Reich is remark- lished a reputation as an elite fighting unit, beat- able in that it rises from the ashes of hysteria and ing back the German forces, making difficult river suspicion to its present day position of honor and crossings, joining in the breakout from the Anzio respect. The 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental beachhead, and opening the road into Rome. The Combat Team (RCT), the segregated regiment of battalion fought so hard and suffered such high Nisei soldiers, is the most decorated unit for its size casualties that it became known as the “Purple and length of service in the history of the U.S. Army. Heart Battalion.” THEIR [THE 100TH/442ND T The unit received a total of 18,143 individual deco- RCT] RECORDS IN BATTLE rations for valor and was the only unit to be per- With the 100th Battalion’s extraordinary combat sonally received by the President of the United record and the 442nd RCT’s excellent training HAVE BEEN MARKED BY ONE States upon its return home after the war. President record, the units were combined in Italy in June OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Harry S Truman presented the 100th/442nd with 1944 and named the 100th Battalion/442nd Regi- its seventh Presidential Unit Citation on July 16, mental Combat Team (100th/442nd). One of its AFTER ANOTHER. THEY HAVE 1946. most famous assignments was with the 36th In- WRITTEN A BRILLIANT CHAP- fantry Division from Texas, fighting in the vicin- The 100th/442nd RCT suffered the highest combat ity of Epinal, France. Its first task in October 1944 TER IN THE HISTORY OF casualties of any American fighting unit—a casu- was to liberate the town of Bruyeres. In three days AMERICAN FIGHTING MEN. alty rate of 314%. In spite of it all, they spearheaded of bitter fighting through heavy forest, the unit major campaigns, turned the tide of battle, never suffered 1,200 casualties while securing Bruyeres Lt. General Mark W. Clark, complained, and never took one step backwards. and Belmont. Commanding General 5th Army in Italy These Americans’ love of country, family, and com- munity, and their willingness to risk everything, jus- tified their regimental motto, “Go For Broke.” Soldiers from the 100th/442nd evacuate captured German soldiers.

It all began in Hawaii when the 100th Infantry President Harry S Truman salutes the 100th Battalion/442nd RCT at a ceremony Battalion was formed in June 1942, with men who welcoming the unit home after the War. had been members of the Hawaii National Guard. After extensive training – training that broke records for excellence – the 100th landed on the shores of Salerno, Italy, attached to the “Red Bull” 34th Infantry Division on September 22, 1943. AAS FIGHTING MEN, AS REAL AMERICAN SOLDIERS, THEY [THE 100TH]

ARE TOPS – ABSOLUTELY TOPS.

Photos in this section courtesy of The National Japanese American Historical Society. Private Joseph E. Palmer, Beach Head News

8 G[GENERAL] EISENHOWER’S STAFF With only two days’ rest, the 100th/442nd was called upon to rescue the so-called “Lost Battalion” of DECLINED THEM [THE the 36th Infantry Division, which had been cut off by German forces. After two rescue attempts by the In less than two years, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 36th Division, the Lost Battalion had been isolated almost a week, was low on food and ammunition, JAPANESE AMERICAN 100th Battalion/442nd RCT fought in eight major campaigns. and was in very grave danger. Although the 100th/442nd was at only half strength, the unit fought The service record speaks for itself: 100TH BATTALION]. four of the bloodiest and fiercest days of the war, which resulted in more than 800 casualties, and ★ 7 Presidential Unit Citations successfully rescued the 211 men of the Lost Battalion. In gratitude, several years after the war, Texas GENERAL CLARK ★ 21 Medals of Honor Governor John Connolly officially proclaimed all former members of the 100th/442nd “Honorary ★ 33 Distinguished Service Crosses TOOK THEM. THEY Texans.” ★ 1 Distinguished Service Medal THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A WERE SUPERB! THEY ★ 559 Silver Stars, plus 28 Oak Leaf Clusters In early March 1945, General Mark ★ T 22 Legions of Merit CASE OF DESERTION OR TOOK TERRIFIC Clark personally requested the return ★ 15 Soldier’s Medals of the 100th/442nd to Italy to create a ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE CASUALTIES. THEY ★ 4,000 Bronze Stars, plus 1,200 Oak Leaf Clusters diversionary attack on the western end ★ 9,486 Purple Hearts IN THE 100TH. ALTHOUGH SHOWED RARE of the German Gothic Line, which had ★ 2 Meritorious Unit Service Plaques withstood six months of Allied Army THERE WERE TWO COURAGE AND ★ 36 Army Commendations efforts. In the predawn hours of April ★ 87 Division Commendations REPORTED CASES OF TREMENDOUS FIGHTING 5, 1945, three battalions of the 100th/ ★ 19 decorations from the Allied nations 442nd silently climbed the sheer faces “REVERSE AWOL.” BEFORE SPIRIT…EVERYBODY ★ A special plaque of appreciation from the of steep mountain cliffs in total dark- Texans of the Lost Battalion. THEIR BATTLE WOUNDS WANTED THEM. ness. At 5:00 a.m., after an artillery bar- rage, they successfully overtook the sur- WERE COMPLETELY HEALED General of the Army President Harry S Truman summed it up prised German defenders, and in just George C. Marshall best when he pinned the seventh Presidential IN A FIELD HOSPITAL 32 minutes broke the unbreakable Unit Citation on the 100th/442nd colors Gothic Line. Their advance continued during a ceremony on the lawn in BEHIND THE LINES, from the mountains just north of July 1946, “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate TWO SOLDIERS LEFT THE Azzano, past Massa, Carrara, the shore the privilege of being able to show you just how guns at La Spezia, Genoa and into Aulla much the United States thinks of what you have HOSPITAL AND HITCH- and the Po Valley. This diversionary at- done. You fought not only the enemy but you fought HIKED BACK TO THEIR tack became the key, final offensive that prejudice –and you won. Keep up that fight and we will ended the war in Italy in May 1945. continue to win – to make this great Republic stand for COMPANIES ON THE what the Constitution says it stands for…” BATTLEFIELD. In an ironic twist of fate, Nisei soldiers from the 522nd Field Artillery To read the full story of the 100th Battalion/442nd RCT, Army-Navy Register Battalion of the 442nd – soldiers whose August 12, 1944 please visit the e-books section of www.homeofheroes.com families were still imprisoned by their to download the e-book: Go For Broke. Also, please visit own government in concentration www.katonk.com for additional history and links. camps back home in America – Soldiers in the 100th Battalion/442nd RCT advanced through rugged terrain, liberated survivors from Hitler’s against overwhelming odds, to help win the war in Europe. notorious Dachau death camp near Munich, Germany.

10 11 Bill’s father died in 1965, followed by his sister Mary, in 1985, and his brother George, in 1998. Within Bill’s im- PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM KENZO NAKAMURA mediate family, only his sister, June Oshima, and his wife, Hisako, who remarried after his death, survive him.

William Kenzo Nakamura was born in Seattle, attended Wash- In honor of Bill’s service and his sacrifice on behalf ington Elementary School, and graduated from Garfield High of his country, the United States Courthouse in Seattle School in 1939. At school, he was called Bill, but in the neigh- was renamed for William Kenzo. Nakamura on borhood, he was known as Kenzo. After high school, he en- November 9, 2000. rolled in the University of Washington, where he was plan- ning to study medicine. Bill worked in an Alaskan salmon cannery during three summers and also helped supplement his family’s income by picking berries in the countryside near Renton. TTHOUGH HE FACED PREJUDICE His father, George, formerly a sword maker in Japan, worked as a barber in AT HOME, WILLIAM NAKAMURA FACED Seattle. His mother, Asa, was a picture bride who also worked cutting hair, in addition EVEN GREATER DANGER ON BATTLEFIELDS to tending the family garden and caring for her four children. Bill had three siblings: George, the oldest, and sisters Mary and June. FAR AWAY. BECAUSE OF HIS EFFORTS, MEN WHO WOULD HAVE DIED ON Bill’s mother died in January 1942, a month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and two months before the Nakamuras were moved to the Minidoka concentration camp A FOREIGN BATTLEFIELD INSTEAD near Hunt, Idaho. While at Minidoka, Bill’s brother George volunteered for the Army, RETURNED HOME TO THEIR LOVED ONES. and Bill followed soon afterward. Shortly before Bill shipped out overseas, he mar- ried Hisako Deguchi. IN SEATTLE, NAKAMURA’S HOMETOWN, THIS GENERATION AND GENERATIONS On July 4, 1944, PFC Bill Nakamura saved the lives of his entire platoon twice in one day before he was fatally shot by an enemy sniper. His body is buried at Evergreen- TO COME WILL REMEMBER HIS GALLANTRY Washelli Cemetery in Seattle. WHEN PASSING THE UNITED STATES

COURTHOUSE NOW NAMED FOR HIM.

Washington State Attorney General T THIS CEREMONY HONORS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO, WILLIAM NAKAMURA, WHO FOR FIFTY-SIX YEARS WAS DENIED THE RECOGNITION HE SO JUSTLY DESERVED.

WILLIAM NAKAMURA EMBODIES THE AMERICAN SPIRIT – AN INDIVIDUAL WHO FACED ENORMOUS

INEQUITY IMPOSED BY HIS COUNTRY, YET HE NOBLY VOLUNTEERED TO PROTECT IT AND PAID

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. PFC WILLIAM NAKAMURA’S COURAGE AND VALOR STAND TO REMIND US

THAT THE FREEDOMS WE ALL ENJOY OFTEN CARRY A HIGH PRICE.

U.S. Congressman Jim McDermott

12 13 TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE JAMES K. OKUBO T THE PHYSICAL ACTS OF HEROISM BY JAMES OKUBO ARE BEYOND THE IMAGINATION. DESPITE MISTREATMENT BY HIS James Okubo was born in 1920 in Anacortes, Washington, one of six children of Kenzo and Fuyu Okubo. Jim and his family later moved to Bellingham, where the Okubos ran the Sun- NATIVE COUNTRY, JAMES OKUBO DEMONSTRATED HIS PATRIOTISM rise Café on Holly Street. After the death of Mrs. Okubo’s sister, the Okubos added three AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM nephews and one niece to their family. BY VOLUNTEERING FOR THE U.S. ARMY. HE SERVED Jim played football at Bellingham High School, and after graduation, he attended Nobi, his wife, and Jim at a K Company VALIANTLY AND SELFLESSLY, SAVING THE LIVES reunion in Hawaii in 1961. Western Washington University, where he was a member of the ski club. OF MANY OF HIS FELLOW SOLDIERS. In 1942, the entire Okubo family was relocated first to the Tule Lake concentration camp in HE WAS A TRUE HERO. California, and then to the Heart Mountain concentration camp in Wyoming. After two years of incarceration, the Okubo family was allowed to settle in Detroit, Michigan. Bellingham Mayor Mark Asmundson

Despite their internment, Jim, along with his brothers Sumi and Hiram and his cousins Isamu and Saburo Kunimatsu, volunteered to serve in the military. The three Okubo brothers – T/5 Jim Okubo, S.Sgt. Hiram Okubo, and PFC Sumi Okubo – and cousin Isamu Kunimatsu were assigned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Saburo Kunimatsu, Jim’s cousin and T/5 Jim Okubo served as a medic for the 442nd RCT Isamu’s brother, served in the Military Intelligence and risked his life many times to evacuate and treat his Service. Sumi and Hiram Okubo were disabled as a wounded comrades during battle. Several Washingto- result of their war injuries, and Isamu was killed in nians remember Jim tending to their wounds includ- action in Italy. ing John Matsudaira and Frank Matsuda of Seattle, and Fred Shiosaki of Spokane. Members of “K” Company of the 442nd also remember Jim giving first aid classes to other platoons. II AM DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCES OF MR. JAMES OKUBO AND HIS FAMILY. IT IS DIFFICULT After the war, Jim joined his family in Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University and received a TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT COULD Doctorate of Dentistry from the University of Detroit. FORCIBLY RELOCATE MR. OKUBO’S FAMILY TO PRISON CAMPS After graduation from dental school, he started a pri- vate practice and joined the faculty at the University of AND THEN TO MICHIGAN SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY WERE Detroit’s Dental School. Jim and his wife, Nobi, had JAPANESE AMERICAN. AFTER HIS HEROIC SERVICE, TEC-5 two sons, John and William, and a daughter, Anne. Tragically, Jim died in a car accident in 1967. OKUBO JOINED HIS FAMILY IN MICHIGAN RATHER THAN

RETURNING TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WE LOST A VALUED T/5 James Okubo (left) regularly risked his life to evacuate At gatherings of “K” Company veterans, Jim’s name was and treat his wounded comrades during battle. mentioned frequently with awe and respect. But, as was MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND YET, the case with many World War II heroes, Jim did not share his heroic actions with friends and relatives WASHINGTON’S LOSS WAS MICHIGAN’S GAIN. after the war. Even after years of marriage, his wife was unaware of her husband’s heroics until Jim took his whole family to their first “K” Company reunion in 1961. Since then, Nobi has attended five U.S Congressman Rick Larsen reunions, the last in 1998.

14 15 Nakamura/Okubo Medal of Honor Commemorative Program – March 25,2001 Mercer Arena,Seattle Center U NITED STATES ARMY M EDAL OF HONOR CITATIONS MUSICAL PRELUDE Fort Lewis Band, Conductor SFC Steve Donahue Washington Middle School Choir, Director Taryn Webber WELCOME Mistress of Ceremonies, Julie Ogata, KOMO-TV Niece of James Okubo The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to POSTING THE COLORS Fort Lewis Color Guard PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Allison Brocher, Granddaughter of T-5 James Okubo PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM K. NAKAMURA, NATIONAL ANTHEM Jim Hopkins, CWO, USMC Reserve for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: INVOCATION Rev. Kerry Kaino, Chaplain, USN Reserve and Pastor Private First Class William K. Nakamura distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 4 July Japanese Presbyterian Church 1944, near Castellina, Italy. During a fierce firefight, Private First Class Nakamura’s platoon became pinned OPENING REMARKS Robert S. Sato, Commander, Nisei Veterans Committee down by enemy machine gun fire from a concealed position. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura crawled 20 yards toward the hostile nest with fire from the enemy machine gun barely missing him. Reaching a RECOGNITION OF DIGNITARIES point 15 yards from the position, he quickly raised himself to a kneeling position and threw four hand grenades, GREETINGS Paul Schell, Mayor, City of Seattle killing or wounding at least three of the enemy soldiers. The enemy weapon silenced, Private First Class Nakamura Mark Asmundson, Mayor, City of Bellingham crawled back to his platoon, which was able to continue its advance as a result of his courageous action. Later, his Ron Sims, King County Executive company was ordered to withdraw from the crest of a hill so that a mortar barrage could be placed on the ridge. Gary Locke, Governor, State of Washington On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura remained in position to cover his comrades’ withdrawal. RECOGNITION OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS Dr. James McNaughton, Command Historian While moving toward the safety of a wooded draw, his platoon became pinned down by deadly machine gun fire. Department of the Army Crawling to a point from which he could fire on the enemy position, Private First Class Nakamura quickly and accurately fired his weapon to pin down the enemy machine gunners. His platoon was then able to withdraw to READING OF NAKAMURA CITATION Jim McDermott, US Congressman safety without further casualties. Private First Class Nakamura was killed during this heroic stand. Private First PRESENTATION George Yamane, Chair Class Nakamura’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of Nakamura/Okubo MOH Committee military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army. READING OF OKUBO CITATION Tom Deal, Commander Madigan Army Medical Center TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE JAMES K. OKUBO, UNITED STATES ARMY PRESENTATION George Yamane for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: PRESENTATION OF FLAGS Robert S. Sato SPEAKERS Eric Saul, Historian Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and 29 Major General Roger L. Brautigan October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, I Corps and Fort Lewis a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left Representing General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, US Army his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician A VOICE IN THE NIGHT Poetry reading by Joel Onodera, Author’s Nephew Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at (by Satoru Onodera, KIA July 5,1944, 100th/442nd RCT) him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN Jim Hopkins Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the BENEDICTION Rev. John Iwohara, Seattle Buddhist Temple highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army. TAPS RETIRE THE COLORS CLOSING Julie Ogata

RECEPTION Hosted by NVC Women's Auxiliary

16 17 TTHE NISEI [IN THE MIS] SHORTENED THE BY TWO YEARS AND SAVED POSSIBLY NISEI IN THE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SERVICE A MILLION AMERICAN LIVES.

Major General Charles Willoughby, General MacArthur’s Chief of Intelligence America’s Supreme Secret Weapon

Approximately 6,000 Nisei men and women served in the U.S. Military Intelligence Service (MIS) during World War II and fought covertly against the land of their ancestry—contribut- ing tremendously to the Allied victory in the Pacific. They were America’s supreme secret weapon, and their activi- ties have been one of the best-kept secrets of the war.

The Nisei in the MIS were indispensable and irreplaceable, for they employed a devastatingly effective weapon – their knowledge of Japan’s complex and difficult language, which few on the Allied side could understand or use. They were superbly resourceful, courageous and loyal soldiers Yet, despite these contributions and sac- who served side by side with Allied forces in all campaigns rifices, their remarkable efforts for their and on all fronts of the far-flung war, throughout the Pa- country remained a strict military secret cific and in China, India, Burma, and even Europe. until only recently.

As translators of captured documents, interrogators The story of the Nisei in the MIS includes of prisoners, and persuaders of surrender, the Nisei mem- small units assigned to every combat di- bers of the MIS were extraordinarily effective. They labori- vision in every Pacific campaign, as well ously translated millions of captured documents – maps, as larger groups that served at the three battle plans, diaries, letters, records, manuals – producing main intelligence centers at the Army and extensive intelligence that influenced Allied strategy and Area Headquarters level. These intelli- operations. MIS soldiers were deemed so valuable to Ma- gence centers were absolutely critical to jor General Frank Merrill that he ordered his troops to pro- the success of U.S. operations and in- tect them with their own lives. cluded the ATIS (Allied Translator Inter- preter Section), where as many as 3,000 Nisei translated more than 20 million pages under General Douglas MacArthur; the JICPOA (Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Area) under Admiral IF YOU JAPANESE AMERICANS Chester Nimitz; and the SEATIC (South- I Nisei interpreters attend class on Japanese characters, part of a program to enable them ARE EVER QUESTIONED AS TO YOUR LOYALTY, to more rapidly recognize Japanese characters. east Asia Translation and Interrogation Center) under General Joseph “Vinegar DON’T EVEN BOTHER TO REPLY...YOUR GALLANT Joe” Stilwell. DEEDS UNDER FIRE WILL SPEAK SO LOUDLY

THAT YOU NEED NOT ANSWER.

Major General Clayton Bissell, Chief of the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department

18 19 ★ With the help of MIS code breakers and translators, American forces The story of the MIS starts in September 1941 when knew in advance that Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the Supreme Lt. Col. John Weckerling began recruiting Japanese- Commander of the Imperial Navy and strategist behind the attack speaking Nisei for a Japanese-language school at the on Pearl Harbor, would be flying from Truk to Rabaul. American Presidio of San Francisco, which would lead to as- fighters shot down his plane on April 18, 1943, an event deemed B[BECAUSE OF THE MIS] signment to the MIS. After the Japanese attack on by General MacArthur as one of the most significant of the war. NEVER IN MILITARY HISTORY Pearl Harbor, and subsequent removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast, the school was re- ★ In early 1944, MIS translators deciphered the Japanese “Z” plan for DID AN ARMY KNOW SO MUCH named the Military Intelligence Service Language the defense of the Marianas, giving Admiral Raymond Spruance ABOUT THE ENEMY PRIOR TO School and moved to Camp Savage, Minnesota. Nisei the advantage he needed. He sailed for the Marianas with 500 ships in the MIS made the following contributions to the and 125,000 troops. On June 20, 1944, American pilots shot down ACTUAL ENGAGEMENT. Allied forces: 400 Japanese planes and sank a multitude of vessels, including three General of the Army, aircraft carriers. After such devastating losses, the Japanese Navy Douglas MacArthur ★ Due to the work of the MIS and Navy code break- ceased to threaten the Allied advance. ers assigned to Admiral Nimitz’s intelligence units, the U.S. Navy was able to predict the Japa- ★ On October 20, 1944, Nisei soldiers landed along with four divi- nese invasion of Midway. When the battle began sions of U.S. troops at Leyte in the Philippines. With the help of in June 1942, the American fleet commanders captured documents translated by the MIS, General MacArthur’s knew the Japanese fleet location and handed the field commanders decided they could proceed without waiting for Imperial Navy its first major defeat, which turned reinforcements. The landings at Leyte and Lingayen enabled Allied the tide of the war. forces to isolate General Tomoyuki Yamashita, known as the “Tiger of Malaya.” ★ As American forces began their offensive in the South Pacific in August 1942, the MIS interro- ★ As American troops pushed north toward Japan, MIS members were One of the most miraculous escapes from a bomb explosion is pictured here. gated captured Japanese pilots, revealing critical key in flushing Japanese soldiers and civilian residents from caves In this foxhole in the side of the shell crater is S.Sgt. Dye Ogata. information that helped the Allies capture on Saipan and Iwo Jima. The Americans planned to use Okinawa in February 1943. as the staging area for the final assault on Japan, which would have been difficult if not for the MIS translation of captured maps that ★ In the fall of 1942, the MIS translated the Japanese Imperial Navy’s Order of Battle gave Allied forces the exact locations of Japanese gun emplacements. document, which gave Admiral Nimitz the call signs and code names for every Japa- This information enabled American artillery to pinpoint any tar- nese naval air squadron and air station and for every transport and warship in the fleet, get, thus assuring an Allied victory in Okinawa.

including names and descriptions of ships the U.S. Navy did not know existed. Japanese American interpreters with [then] Brig. Gen. Frank Merrill's ★ After Japan’s surrender, the MIS infantry troops in Northern Burma in May of 1944. ★ The MIS translated an updated roster of all 40,000 Imperial Army officers along with helped identify war criminals, trans- their ranks, units, and job titles. This knowledge enabled General MacArthur to accu- lated for both prosecution and de- rately determine the locations and strengths of the Japanese units he faced, which fense at war crimes trials, and inter- contributed to the success of his campaigns in the South Pacific. preted for the military occupation. The many talents of the MIS short- ened a bitter and devastating war AS FOR THE NISEI [IN THE MIS] A and assisted in Japan’s recovery. I COULDN’T HAVE GOTTEN

ALONG WITHOUT THEM.

Major General Frank Merrill of Merrill’s Marauders

20 Artist’s rendition of the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in Washington, D.C.

National Monument to Japanese American Patriotism in Washington DC

The National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism was dedicated in Washington, JAPANESE AMERICAN VETERANS REMEMBERED D.C., on November 9, 2000. The Memorial not only commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of Japanese Americans who fought and died in defense of their country during World War II, but it tells how, despite both the violation of their civil rights and their Honoring Their Sacrifice imprisonment, 120,000 brave men, women Each Memorial Day in Seattle and children maintained their loyalty on the home front. The Memorial also honors the Every Memorial Day at 10 a.m., the Nisei Vet- United States for its admission of the wrongs erans Committee conducts a memorial service committed during the hysteria of war and for at the Nisei War Memorial Monument at Lake its forthright apology to Japanese Americans View Cemetery on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. The through the Civil Liberties Act enacted by ceremony honors all Japanese American sol- VISITORS [TO THIS MEMORIAL] WILL LEARN Congress in 1988. diers from the Northwest who were killed in V action during the Spanish-American War, A DEFINITION OF PATRIOTISM MORE PERSONAL The Memorial is located on a triangle of fed- World War II, the Korea and Vietnam Wars, and AND POWERFUL THAN ANY DICTIONARY eral land bordered by Louisiana Avenue, New in the Grenada invasion. Jersey Avenue, and D Street. The site is about COULD CONVEY. THEY WILL LEARN ABOUT 600 yards north of the U.S. Capitol, between A 21-foot obelisk carved from Minnesota Rain- PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED IN FIDELITY TO AMERICA, the Capitol and historic Union Station. bow Colspring granite stand there in honor of their sacrifice. The top of the monument lists EVEN WHEN AMERICA WAS WRONG, IN THE The Memorial tells three stories within its the major campaigns fought during World War BELIEF THAT ONE DAY IT WOULD BE RIGHT three-cornered site: First, the journey of Japa- II and conveys our eternal respect and thanks nese Americans within the American culture; for the service of those who made the ultimate AGAIN. THEY WILL LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE WHO second, the hardship endured by those in- sacrifice for their country. CONTINUED TO LOVE AMERICA AT A TIME WHEN terned during World War II; and third, the valor of those who served their country in the MANY IN AMERICA LOOKED ON THEM WITH military during the war. FEAR. THEY WILL LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE WHO

BELIEVED IN THEMSELVES EVEN WHEN OTHERS

DOUBTED. BECAUSE EACH AND EVERY ONE

OF THEM, ESPECIALLY OUR VETERANS, HAD

A LOYALTY THAT TRANSCENDED ANY

QUESTIONNAIRE – A LOYALTY TO WHAT

Nisei War Memorial, Lake View Cemetery, AMERICA COULD BE AND SHOULD BE. Seattle, Washington. Deputy Secretary of Defense Rudy de Leon, excerpted from remarks at the dedication of the memorial, November 9, 2000

22 23 EPILOGUE Making Amends Upholds the Honor of the United States of America WWE CAN NEVER FULLY RIGHT THE WRONGS OF THE PAST. BUT, WE CAN TAKE A CLEAR Despite the clear injustices done to them by their country and their fellow Americans, Japanese ★ In October 1990, President George Bush sent re- Americans served loyally and valiantly to uphold the Constitution of the United States. They never dress payments along with signed letters of apol- STAND FOR JUSTICE AND RECOGNIZE THAT lost faith in the ideals on which our country was built. Our Nation has taken many steps since the ogy to survivors of the Japanese American intern- SERIOUS INJUSTICES WERE DONE TO end of World War II to honor and uphold their example: ment. JAPANESE AMERICANS DURING WORLD ★ In January 1948, President Truman ended segregation in the armed forces. ★ On June 22, 1999, Japanese American General Eric K. Shinseki assumed duties as Chief of Staff of the WAR II…IN ENACTING A LAW CALLING FOR ★ In 1952, the McCarran-Walter Act allowed Asian immigrants, including Issei (first- U.S. Army. generation Japanese Americans), to become naturalized U.S. citizens RESTITUTION AND OFFERING A SINCERE ★ On June 21, 2000, the Medal of Honor was awarded ★ In 1955, the California Alien Land Act, which prevented immigrant Japanese from owning or APOLOGY, YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS to 22 Asian American World War II veterans after a leasing land, was repealed. review of service records to assure that deserving HAVE, IN A VERY REAL SENSE, RENEWED ★ On February 19, 1976, President Gerald Ford officially terminated Executive individuals were properly recognized. THEIR TRADITIONAL COMMITMENT TO Order 9066. ★ On November 9, 2000, the National Japanese THE IDEALS OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY, ★ In 1980, Congress established the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of American Memorial to Patriotism was dedicated Civilians. The official report in 1982 concluded, “Executive Order 9066 was not justified by in Washington, D.C. AND JUSTICE. military necessity. The broad historical causes for the mass internment of Japanese American ★ On November 9, 2000, President William Clinton civilians were racial prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership.” President George Bush, October 1990 signed a bill to rename the United States Court- ★ On August 10, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which house in Seattle for Medal of Honor recipient Wil- provided an official Presidential apology and symbolic payment of $20,000 to each person liam Kenzo. Nakamura. of Japanese ancestry who lost liberty or property because of discriminatory action by the ★ Japanese Americans are now welcomed as mem- Federal government during World War II. The Act also created the Civil Liberties Public Edu- bers of military veterans organizations that for- cation Fund to help teach the public and especially children about the internment period. merly excluded them.

First Memorial Day Service, May 30, 1946 at Lake View Cemetery: Front Row (l-r): Kaun Onodera, Misashi Nishimura, Ted Higashi, Satoru Sakuma, Poison Kato, Haruo Kato, Roy Tanagi, Mack Shoji, (?), Mac Nishimoto, Terry Kurimura, Shig Momoda, Shadow Nakashima, (?), Art Susumi, Tatsumi Tada, Shiro Iwana, Ben Sugawara, Hiro Nishimura, Roy Fujiwara, Shig Sumioka and Hiromi Nishimura Second Row Kneeling: Sho Higashi, Mickey Kimura, Shig Kosugi, Ken Tanaka, Ish Aoki, Harry Kataoka, Joe Nakatsu, Canon Watanabe, (?), Mich Shinoda, Mas Watanabe, Charles Okada, Koichi Arita, Dick Setsuda, Howard Minato, Pancho Tsujimoto, Kay Nakamura, Min Masuda, Mits Yamamoto, John Ogishima, George Abe and Mits Sato Standing: Frank Koriyama, Kai Matsushita, Kenji Ota, Tom Okazaki, Kiyoshi Uomoto, Gus Murakami, Ossi Hirata, Pat Hagiwara, Tad Katayama, Ken Higashi, Kohei Ikeda, Sam Sakai, Tod Fujioka, Mac Nogaki, Bill Yanagimachi, Morio Makauchi, Tak Nakawatase, Sid Katayama, George Kanda, Pete Kozu, Nobie Tanaka, Hiroshi Yahagi, Dave Hirahara, Salty Mizuta, Juggo Hata, Jack 24 Sameshima and Harry Takagi. Photo by T. Amano and courtesy of NVC. REFLECTIONS ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS The recognition of William Nakamura and James Okubo for their heroic conduct and service during World War II is both well deserved and long overdue. Against incredible odds, both at OF JAPANESE AMERICANS TO OUR GREAT NATION home and abroad, these men served proudly to defend one of our most precious freedoms as Americans—equality. They responded to the prejudices and suspicions of their fellow Ameri- Private First Class Nakamura and Technician Fifth Grade Okubo displayed extraordinary heroism cans by making incredible personal sacrifices in the name of freedom for all, and we will re- and devotion to duty that exemplifies the highest traditions of military service. Their sacrifices for main forever grateful for their loyalty and heart. our freedom, and the freedom of others around the world will not be forgotten. By remembering WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR GARY LOCKE Mr. Nakamura and Mr. Okubo and their service in World War II, [we] help teach young people and remind all Americans of the importance of never again questioning the loyalty or patriotism of any American based on their race, religion, or national origin. We owe our freedom today to Americans like Okubo and Nakamura who were willing and did make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It saddens me that it PRESIDENT GEORGE W. B USH took over fifty years for our Nation to recognize their heroics and that many of their relatives, friends, and fellow soldiers passed away without knowing just how They risked their lives, on their own initiative, sometimes even against orders, to much we appreciate them. take out machine guns, give aid to wounded soldiers, draw fire, pinpoint the U.S. CONGRESSMAN NORM DICKS enemy, protect their own. People who can agree on nothing else fall silent before that kind of courage. How humbling to pay tribute to William Nakamura and James Okubo, two Washingtonians FORMER PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON who made such great contributions to our Nation. It is a privilege to honor these two soldiers who selflessly and bravely fought to protect our freedom. William Kenzo Nakamura and James Okubo were men of extraordinary heroism and devotion. U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN JENNIFER DUNN Without hesitation, both men gallantly put themselves in harm’s way on behalf of their comrades and our nation. They repeatedly risked their lives above and beyond the call of duty and left a legacy of courage, patriotism, and honor that will inspire and guide future generations. Our nation owes William Nakamura and James Okubo weren’t prominent Washingtonians, they these heroes our deepest gratitude. were so much more. Barely out of high school, these young men were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. Even with their families MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT AND U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII DANIEL K. INOUYE interned, both men served proudly and heroically, demonstrating that simple vir- tues of patriotism can be transcendent. This recognition and the completion of I greatly admire the World War II generation. Their remarkable patriotism saved the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in Washington, D.C., will democracy and built a prosperous nation. James Okubo and William Nakamura serve as a fitting tribute to the proud history of Nisei soldiers and the Japanese were the embodiment of the best ideals of the United States. Today we honor and American community. remember these two men for their service, along with all of those who have sacri- U.S. CONGRESSMAN GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR. ficed on behalf of our Nation. MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT AND FORMER U.S. SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA BOB KERREY I am very pleased that our Nation has recognized the contributions of the Japanese Americans during World War II. James Okubo and William Nakamura are two native Washingtonian World William Nakamura and James Okubo now stand where they belong among the most decorated and War II veterans who are not only deserving of their Medal of Honor, but are also deserving of honored Washington State veterans. Their historic service and sacrifices are as powerful and impor- our Nation’s gratitude and recognition. tant today as they were more than 50 years ago. This is a proud day for Washington State as we U.S. CONGRESSMAN ADAM SMITH gather for this lasting tribute to Nakamura and Okubo. U.S. SENATOR PATTY MURRAY We all are proud of William Nakamura and James Okubo, and are honored to stand with the families of these Nisei veterans to recognize their legacy today. It is In the face of profound prejudice and bigotry, Japanese Americans served their my hope that this ceremony will help ease the pain of the many in Puget Sound Nation proudly in World War II. Americans of all backgrounds owe them a tre- whose families endured internment and discrimination during World War II. mendous debt, and their contributions should never be forgotten. U.S. CONGRESSMAN JAY INSLEE U.S. SENATOR MARIA CANTWELL

26 27 I am so proud that our country has seen fit to honor the extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty exhibited by Private First Class Nakamura and Technician Fifth Grade Okubo by awarding them the Medal of Honor. Too often, we as Americans living in the last few years of one century and entering the first few years of the next one, don’t take time to stop and reflect upon the sacrifices made by S PONSORING ORGANIZATIONS those who came before us. These brave men, like so many of their generation, put duty, honor and Nisei Veterans Committee country above all other things. And for Japanese Americans like PFC Nakamura and T/5 Okubo, Military Intelligence Services, Northwest they did so at a time when their government forced more than 100,000 Asian Americans into deten- SPONSORS Cathay Post 186 tion camps and barracks. Our Nation can never fully repay their sacrifice, but we can honor to their Japanese American Citizens League, Seattle Chapter memory by dedicating ourselves to the principles for which they fought and died—fighting for Japanese American Citizens League, Pacific NW District freedom, standing up for equality and insisting on fairness from ourselves and our leaders. Seattle Center U.S. CONGRESSMAN BRIAN BAIRD The Nisei Veterans Committee and the P ARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS TNakamura/Okubo MOH Committee wish Congressional Medal of Honor Society With great pride I write to express the gratitude of a great Nation; greater because of to thank our corporate sponsors for their Association of the US Army, Seattle Chapter patriots such as Medic James Okubo and Private First Class William K. Nakamura. I generous support of this celebration. American Legion Post 1, Seattle am humbled by their acts of bravery and selflessness. Men of this caliber symbolize American Legion Post 7, Bellingham the courage of the World War II generation, serving gallantly the country they love Veterans of Foreign Wars and preserving democracy. Seattle School District WASHINGTON STATE LT. GOVERNOR BRAD OWEN University of Washington Alumni Association UWAA WWII Memorial Committee Japanese Community Service of Seattle They fought for freedoms their families didn’t have. They fought in a spirit of selflessness and self- sacrifice. Yet William Nakamura and James Okubo were passed over for honors they very clearly had P ARTICIPATING INDIVIDUALS earned. We have forgotten their names for too long. I am proud to stand with others today to Washington State Governor Gary Locke recognize two heroes of combat who take their proper place in the history of our Nation and our Congressman Jim McDermott community. King County Executive Ron Sims KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE RON SIMS Seattle Mayor Paul Schell Seattle City Councilmember Jan Drago

The heroism of Private First Class William Kenzo Nakamura and Medic James Okubo C ORPORATE SPONSORS serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary patriotism of Japanese Americans Airlines who volunteered to join the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most deco- Mayflower Park Hotel rated military units in U.S. history. Northwest Airlines SEATTLE MAYOR PAUL SCHELL Ogishima and Associates Renaissance Madison Hotel Southwest Airlines The City of Issaquah is grateful to all those who have given their lives in defense of freedom. It is Unigaard Insurance singularly appropriate to honor heroes who sacrificed themselves for a freedom of which they were United Airlines deprived and in so doing apologize for a wrong done to them. May we learn from their magnanim- Western Graphics, Inc. ity and as a nation never prejudge any person’s patriotism. Westin Hotel ISSAQUAH MAYOR AVA FRISINGER A CKNOWLEDGMENTS Steve Finley, Consultant Washington State sons William Kenzo Nakamura and James Okubo were heroes in Mo Naito, Western Graphics every sense of the word, each risking his life under heavy fire to save fellow soldiers, Charley Okada, Banner Design with Nakamura dying in that effort. It took the federal government 56 years to ac- Tom Ikeda, Densho Project, MIS Photos knowledge that military racism had deprived these two men of the Congressional Maria Meredith Communications, Writer Medals of Honor they had earned. Yori Sasaki, Sasaki Design, Design WESTERN GRAPHICS INC. SEATTLE CITY COUNCILMEMBER JAN DRAGO

It is high time that we recognize the bravery of these heroic men who served their country so well. RENTON MAYOR JESSE TANNER

28 29 MR. & MRS. MITSUJI ABE KAY & SHIZUKO FUKUMA MS. KIMI IWAMOTO ROSE & SATOSHI MASUDA ISO & AL NISHIMURA MR. MATHEW SETO MIN & CHERRIE TSUBOTA MR. GEORGE ABE MICHAEL & MARION FUKUMA MR. YOSHITO IWAMOTO MR. & MRS. HENRY MATSUBU MR. & MRS. HIRO NISHIMURA MR. & MRS. ZEN SHIBAYAMA MR. KIWAMU TSUCHIDA ARTHUR & AIKO ABE MS. HISAKO FUNAI ANDREW & COLLEEN IWANO FRANK & YURI MATSUDA MR. WILLIAM NISHIMURA MR. TAD SHIBUYA FLORENCE & TAK TSUCHIDA ROBYN & THEODORE ACHILLES TOSHIO & YAEKO FUNAI ARTHUR & TERI IWASAKI MS. BARBARA MATSUDAIRA MR. TETSUO NOBUKU HENRY & CLARA SHIBUYA MR. TAD TSUJII YOSHIO & SAE AKADA HIROSHI & SAYOKO FURUKAWA MR. GEORGE IWASAKI JOE & BRENDA MATSUDAIRA MS. FUMI NOJI KEN & MARY SHIGAYA MR. & MRS. FRANK TSUJII MS. TERIE AKADA WAYNE & FUJIKO GARDNER DR. VICTOR & RICHARD IZUI JOHN & LILLIAN MATSUDAIRA MS. MUTSU NOMURA HARRY & TERUKO SHIGAYA MR. JOE TSUJIMOTO HIRAM & HELEN AKITA MS. MARGARET GOJIO GEORGE & RUBY IZUI MR. MITCH MATSUDAIRA MS. SHINAKO NORITAKE IVAN & CAROLYN SHIMABUKURO BEN & SALLY TSUTSUMOTO TAKASHI & HIROKO AKIYAMA ARTHUR & ANN GORAI J.A.E. AWARDS VINCENT & CHARLOTTE SHARON MAE & LARRY NUMATA MARY & JIM SHIMIZU MINORU & MARIANNE UCHIMURA MS. SUMIE AKIZUKI MS. MARY GRUENEWALD MR. CARL JARVIE MATSUDAIRA TORU, BILL & SHEILA OGA RICHARD & KAREN SHIMIZU MASAYOSHI & MARGARET MR. HERBERT AMANO TED HACHIYA MR. GEORGE KODAMA GEORGE & HIDY MATSUI BILL & SHEILA OGASAWARA FLOYD & PAULINE SHIOSAKI UCHIMURA DONORS MR. & MRS. GISH AMANO MARY ANN & HORACE HALL TED HACHIYA & JANET KAKISHITA TAKASHI & M. MATSUI TORU BILL & SHEILA OGASAWARA MS. YOSHIKO SHIOTA MRS. SHIGEKO UNO AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 1 EDWIN & SUZANNE HAMADA MR. JOSEPH KAMIKAWA JOHN & SADAKO MATSUMOTO DR. YOSHITAKA & MABEL OGATA MR. & MRS. SAM SHIRASAGO KENT & MARCIA USUI TAKAO & RUTH AOKI ROBERT Y. HANDA GEORGE & LAURA KAMINISHI BEN & PAT MATSUMOTO MS. HOPE OHASHI MACK & AIKO SHOJI TOMEO & GWEN UTLEY MS. SHEA AOKI MS. AMY HARA JIMMIE & KIMIKO KANAYA GEORGE & MARTHA MATSUNO MR. KATASHI OITA DR. RUBY SHU DR. BEN UYENO MR. KATSUMI AOYAMA LLOYD HARA MS. SAJI KANAZAWA JAMES & AMY MATSUOKA PETER & MUTSUKO OKADA PENTSON & TOSHIKO SUGAMURA VFW POST #1135 MR. GEORGE AOYAMA MS. SHUKO HARA JOHN & GRACE KANDA TORU & SHIZU MATSUOKA ROY & MARY OKADA B.I. & KIYOKO SUGAWARA MR. & MRS. JOE WAKAZURU MR. ISAMU AOKI MR. MACK M. HARADA MS. YOSHI KANEMORI MITSUO & YASUKO MATSUSHITA MR. & MRS. TOSH OKAMOTO EDDIE & MITSUE SUGURO EDITH & HARVEY WATANABE MR. GEORGE ARAKAWA MR. MARK HARADA DR. SCOTT KANEMORI MS. KAZUKO MCCOLLEY MS. AKIKO OKAMOTO MR. TAKESHI SUGURO JAMES & LAURA WATANABE The Nisei Veterans Committee AUGIE & YASUKO ARATANI KEICHI ECHIGO & WANDA HARRIS MS. MIYOKO KANETA DEBRA & BRUCE MCQUILKEN FRANK & ITSUMI OKAZAKI MS. SUEKO SUMIOKA SAMUEL & MATSUE WATANABE Tand the Nakamura/Okubo MS. SUMIKO ARMSTRONG WAYNE & JILL HASHIGUCHI TOSHIYE & TSUTOMU KANZAKI GEORGE & AIKO MINATO MASAYUKI & JEAN OKAZAKI MS. TOSHIKO SUNOHARA ROY WILLIAMS & KATHLEEN OKAZAKI MOH Committee wish to thank TAKA & MOMOYE ASABA KIYOTO & STELLA HASHIMOTO PAUL & FUMI KASEGUMA MR. & MRS. HOWARD MINATO MS. ARLENE OKI MR. & MRS. ARTHUR SUSUMI YORK & PAULA WONG MR. FRANK ASHIDA MS. MARY JANE HASHISAKI MRS. LOUISE KASHINO MR. & MRS. PAUL MINATO SGM. KUNITAKA OKINAKA MS. DORTHY SUTOW JOE & HIDEKO YADA the following individuals and or- ASSN. OF THE US ARMY, JOSHUA & SHIZ HATA MR. & MRS. CHRIS KATO MIS NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION & YASUKO OKINAKA MS. MARY SUZUKI JEFFREY & CHRISTINA YADA ganizations for their gifts, which SEATTLE CHAPTER JUN & ALICE HAYAKAWA TADASHI & LILLY KATO MR. SAM MITSUI MR. GEORGE OKITSU TERESA & HIROSHI SUZUKI MS. SUMA YAGI made this celebration possible. GEORGE & NOBUKO AZUMANO MR. & MRS. PHILLIP HAYASAKA MITSUO & KAZUKO KAWACHI NORIO & LAURETTE MITSUOKA MS. PATSY T. OMATA HARRY & GRACE TADA ED & MAXINE YAKUSHIJIN MR. GEORGE BECK GEORGE & TOYO HAYASHI IWAO & SADAKO KAWAKAMI MR. & MRS. GEORGE MIYAKE TAKETO & NOBUKO OMOTO KOJI & YOHKO TADA MASAO & SUMIKO YAMAGUCHI We deeply apologize if we have GENE & YOSHIKO BETZ DR. TOM HAYASHI MR. & MRS. JAKE KAWAKAMI MR. & MRS. CLEMENT MIYAYA MR. & MRS. CRAIG OMOTO CALVIN & NAOKO TAKAGI FLOYD & KIMI YAMAMOTO failed to mention anyone. BLAINE MEMORIAL UNITED ROBERT HAYMAN & BARBARA YASUI JIM & SAKAYE KAWAMINAMI MR. KIYOSHI MIZUHATA MS. MICKIE ONISHI MAE DEGUCHI & CAROL TAKAGI YOSHIMI & KINUYO YAMAMOTO METHODIST CHURCH HIROMU & MASUE HEYAMOTO TOM & MARY KAWANO ROBERT & LILY MIZUKAMI HAROLD & ELSIE ONISHI HARRY & HELEN TAKAGI MR. & MRS. CRAIG YAMANE JONATHAN & BOBBE BRIDGE AMY & PAMELA HIDAKA MS. ANN M. KAWASAKI ROBERT & SACHIKO MURAKAMI KENJI & MARTHA ONISHI MR. & MRS. MITSURU TAKAHASHI CURTIS & JUKLIETTE YAMANE HERBERT & SHIRLEY BRIDGE MS. RACHEL HIDAKA EDWARD & CAROL KIBBLE REIKO & KIYOMI MIZUMOTO MR. KAZUO ONO GEORGE & TOSHI TAKAHASHI MR. DICK YAMANE HUGH & KIMIE BURLESON MR. & MRS. ALBERT HIDESHIMA JOANNE & VICTOR KIMURA DR. MICHAEL & MARGARET MS. SUMIE ONODERA MS. LYNN T. TAKAKI MASAYE & DUDLEY YAMANE MS. J. REIKO CALLNER AKIKO & KEN HIGASHI MASAO & CHARRY KINOSHITA MIZUMOTO YUTAKA & KAZUKO ONODERA DR. JAMES & TSUKIYO TAKANO MR. & MRS. DUDLEY YAMANE CATHAY POST #186 MS. HANNAH HIRABAYASHI MR. & MRS. JAMES KINOSHITA MR. & MRS. YOSHITO MIZUTA WALTER & YOSHIYE OSAKA BOBBY & LILY TAKATSUKA GEORGE & CHARLOTTE YAMANE CARMEN & PAUL CHAN BRUCE & SHIRLEY HIRAHARA MR. ROY KIRITA MR. KEN MOCHIZUKI MR. GEORGE OSAWA MR. & MRS. VICTOR TAKEMOTO MR. & MRS. JEFFREY YAMANE HONORABLE WARREN TOM & SALLY HIRAI MR. & MRS. T. KITANO SHIG & JUNE MOMODA MR. & MRS. KATSU OSHIMA MR. FRED TAKENAKA TONNEY & NAOMI YAMANE & NOBIE CHAN TOM & MARY HIRAKI SUE KITASAKO TAK & KIMI MOMODA SUE & HOSEN OSHITA NOBORU & TAKAKO TAKI YOSHIYE & TETSUO YANAGAWA JOE & JEAN CHIHARA WILLIAM & KIMI HIRATA ATSUSHI & BEVERLY KIUCHI GERALD & JUNE MOMODA MAY & AKIRA OTANI MS. ALICE TAKIGUCHI MS. MARGARET YANAGIMACHI MR. THEODORE CHIHARA MR. & MRS. ED HIROTA EDWARD & TERU KIYOHARA MS. A.C. HANDA MOORE SHIGETO & MARY OTANI MR. TOSHIO TAMURA MR. & MRS. GEORGE YANO T. & SUE CHIHARA SAMUEL & MARY HOKARI MS. NANCY KLOSTER KENZO & CAROL MORIGUCHI S.S. & MIYOKO OWADA MS. YOSHIKO TANABE MR. & MRS. TED YASUDA MS. EVA CHIKUSA MR. ROBERT Y. HONDA MS. ISAKO KOBA MR. GEORGE MORIHIRO ROY & NORI OYAMA MARIKO & CAROLYN TANAGI CHARLES & BERTHA YASUDA CALVIN N. CHIN MS. LILY HORI MR. JOE KOBAYASHI NOBORU & MARY MORIO SUNAKO & TETSUYA OYE NOBUICHI & ITSUKO TANAKA ROBERT HAYMAN & BARBARA YASUI LESLIE & GLADYS CHINN DR. FRANK HORI KAZUO & AMY KOBAYASHI MS. MITSUKO MORISHITA TED & SHIRLEY PANG MR. STEVEN TANAKA TOSH & FUMI YASUTAKE WINSTON & ROSE CHINN AKIRA & LILLIAN HORITA MR. TOM KODAMA MR. TOMEO MUKAI STEWART & HAN WOO PATTERSON MS. GAIL TANAKA CHARLES & DIANNE YATSU JAMES & SUE CHINN MR. EDWIN HORIUCHI MAX & YURI KOGA JOHN & SUMI MURAKAMI MARY NAITO & JUNE PERSONS T. & PEGGY TANEMURA YOSHIKO & TAKU YATSU GENE & SUSAN CHINN T. & HAZEL HORIUCHI ESTHER & TATS KOJIMA MR. KAZUO MURAKAMI HENRY L. ROBB THOMAS & KAZUKO TANIGAWA DONALD & ELIZABETH YEE SUE KITASAKO & JANE CHO MS. SONO HOSHI Y. L. KOJIMA KIM & MASAKO MUROMOTO R. KUROSE & NATHAN ROTHMAN THEODORE & AKICO TANIGUCHI YENTURE LAW GROUP MR. JAMES COWARD MR. LLOYD HOSHIDE THOMAS & JANET KOMETANI MS. TAMA MUROTANI MR. STANLEY SAGARA HARRY & ELSIE TANIGUCHI YESLER HARDWARE & PLUMBING DELORA & JOHN COX SHIZUKO & HIDEO HOSHIDE TOM & HANAKO KONISHI EDDIE & JEAN NAGAI JOE & NELLIE SAITO TOSHIO & LOIS TANIGUCHI MS. SUMIE YOKOTA KAZE DAIKO PAUL & MARY HOSODA TSUYOSHI & MISAO KOREKIYO ERNEST & SANAYE NAGAI MR. TORU SAKAHARA MR. WILLIAM F. TASHIMA MITSUO & TOSHIKO YONEJI TOM & JEAN DEGUCHI MR. WILLIAM HOSOKAWA MARY & BECKY KOSUGI MR. & MRS. HIDEO NAGANAWA MS. JEAN SAKAHARA KAZ & KIKU TATSUMI DR. GEORGE & JANET YORITA JAMES & MARY DOI MR. HENRY IDETA MR. NOBORU KOURA HIROE & MAY NAGASAWA GRACE & KATSU SAKAI MR. ELMER TAZUMA VIVIAN YORITA & BEULAH SAKAGAMI KEISHI ECHIGO JOE & MIYOKO IKE COL. & MRS. SPADY KOYAMA MARY NAITO TOM & TAMA SAKAI YO & KIMI TAZUMA MR. ARTHUR YOROZU MS. KAY ENDO TETSUO NOBUKU & SUMIE IKEDA MS. AYAKO KOZU MR. & MRS. RICHARD NAITO HARUO & ALYS SAKAJI MITSUKO AND ALVIN TERADA MR. & MRS. YUKIO YOSHIHARA CINDY FLORESCA & MIYOKO MS. KACHI IKEDA GEORGE & MARY KOZU GIRO & MIYOKO NAKAGAWA MS. KAY SAKANASHI MR. & MRS. YOSHIO TESHIMA KIYOSHI & MIDORI YOSHII KODAMA MR. TSUGUO IKEDA SHIG & YURIKO KOZU MR. FRED NAKAGAWA MARLIN & MARY JANE SAKATA MR. & MRS. JIRO TODO MR. SHUNJI YUASA MR. & MRS. MARK FUGAMI VICTOR & MARY IKEDA MR. SHINJI KOZU JONI & M. Y. NAKAGAWA DR. KAREN SAKUMA MS. TAMA TOKUDA MR. ETSUO YOSHITOME SHIRO & TERUKO FUJIHARA YUKIO & YUKINO IMADA YEICHI & AIDA KOZU MS. LINDA NAKAGAWA FREDERICK & CHERYL SAKURA TOSHIO & DOLLY TOKUNAGA NOBUO YUTANI MR. KAZUO FUJII FRANK & FUMI INABA EIJI & ELLEN KUBOKAWA MR. MINORU NAKAGAWARA MS. K. CATHERINE SAKURA MR. MITSUO TOKUNAGA JAMES & TOMIKO ZUMOTO MICHAEL & MARY FUJII FUMIKO & CHIEKO INASHIMA TERUO & MARY KUMAGAI SABURO & YOSHIKO NAKAGAWA MR. JACK SAMESHIMA MS. MASAKO TOMITA NISEI VETERANS COMMITTEE SUE & HARRY FUJINO BETTE & ROY INUI MS. MISAYO KUMAKURA TSUYOSHI & MARY NAKAHARA BRIAN ITO & LAURA SAMESHIMA YOSHIO & DAISY TOMITA EAST WEST INVESTMENT CO., INC. KAZUMA & YOSHIKO FUJITA FRED & LILLY IRINAGA HENRY & JANICE KUMASAKA MS. FUJIE NAKAMURA HIDEO & MAY SASAKI MR. & MRS. FRANK TSUBOI YAMAGUCHI KENJINKAI MARY BETH FUJITA & YONE KUBOTA WAYNE & JOAN ISA MR. JEFFREY KURASHIGE MR. GEORGE NAKAMURA RAYMOND & TEDDY SASAKI BEN & SALLY TSUBOI MR. GENE FUJITA HAL & MIYOKO ISE MARIE & TERRY KURIMURA KENJIRO & IRENE NAKAMURA NOBUO YUTANI & PAMELA SASAKI MR. FRANK TSUBOI MS. FLORENCE M. FUJITA JOHN & LILLIAN ISHII SUMIKO & KATHERINE KURIYAMA MS. KIM NAKAMURA JOHN & REIKO SATO MS. GAIL TSUBOI MR. & MRS. HENRY FUKANO MR. SHIGEKO ISHIKAWA DR. JOHN KURODA RUBY & JIMMIE NAKAMURA FRANK & JUNE SATO MS. NORMA TSUBOI PATRICIA & FRANCIS FUKUHARA MR. RICHARD ISHIKAWA TUSHI & OKIKO KUROSAKI MR. TED NAKAMURA FRED & AMY SATO MR. SABURO TSUBOI ROBERT & HELEN ISHIKAWA MS. RUTHANN KUROSE DR. THEODORE NAKAMURA MR. & MRS. BOB SATO ISHIMITSU & SONS, INC. MS. NANCY KUWADA MS. KIMI NAKANISHI JOHN & RUTH SATO MR. & MRS. JOE ISHINO TRACY LAI & STANLEY SHIKUMA SATOKO & MITSUO NAKANISHI MR. & MRS. KEN SATO NOBUO & MARY ISOMURA STEVEN TANAKA & LAI LAU RUTH & AKIRA NAKANO MS. HAMAYO SATO MR. HERBERT ISONAGA JAMES & JULIE LOCKE KENNY & AKIKO NAKATANI SHINJI KOZU & EVELYN SCHMIDT TAKUJI & KAY ITO ROY & JOYCE MAEDA MS. MIYOKO NAKATSU DENVER & HELEN SCOTT TOSHIO & AKIKO ITO DON & KIYO MAEKAWA FRANK & MICHIKO NAMBA JACL, SEATTLE CHAPTER MR. & MRS. HENRY ITOI MR. YOSHI MAEKAWA TEIJIRO & CHIYOKO NAMATAME MARY HIRATA & STEVE IWAGO MS. BETTY MAEKAWA JEAN & GEORGE NISHI TOSH & TOMI MANO JOE & JANE NISHIKAWA GEORGE & IRENE MANO T & C NISHIMORI JO ANNE & JOHN MASKER FRANK & HARU NISHIMURA

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II R WA D g L R O lin W M ea O F R H T S N nd IE a CIP pe RE o OR H O N of F H L O ation DA elebr ME A C N G TO AS H I N S A LU TI N G W America AT ITS BEST