The Nisei Warriors of World War II


"Go for Broke!"

All school children that receive this study assignment
will learn about the medals and the men that earned them.

In 1944, the 100th Infantry Battalion became part of the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team.  Though the 100th Infantry kept their
designation, this combined unit became the single, most decorated
military unit in history.  It also became a unit that would go down in
history as one of the most legendary.
 
The Nisei Warriors were the heroes of those legends. This is their story.

..........100th Infantry Battalion......... Crest

442nd Regimental Combat Team Shoulder Patch

442nd Regimental Combat Team Crest

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"The Last Clip"
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This is a picture of S/Sgt Kazuo Otani battling in the foothills of Italy 
during World War II. One of his men was wounded on open ground.
S/Sgt Otani crawled out alone and dragged the man back to a shallow
ditch and treated him before becoming mortally wounded himself.
Many other Asian-American recipients also served in Italy 
and risked their lives in aiding fallen comrades back to safety.

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Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii

This is my 4th of July, 2000 gift to these
twenty-two Asian-American Heroes.
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"Go For Broke"
Hawaiian slang for
to risk everything, 
give everything you have
--all or nothing!.

for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty: First Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo,
Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction,
First Lieutenant Inouye (then Second Lieutenant) skillfully directed his platoon
through a hail of automatic weapons and small arms fire in a swift enveloping
movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought
his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock
formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns.
With complete disregard for personal safety, First Lieutenant Inouye boldly
crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun
and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could
retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest with a burst
from his submachine gun. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued
to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered
his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to
direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again
deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and
eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable
leadership, he enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and
was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. First Lieutenant Inouye’s
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.

I just received this wonderful letter from Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
Thank you very much Senator. It is the least that I could do for you heroes.
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Daniel K. Inouye
United States Senator
Hawaii

July 19, 2000 .

Dear Mr. Henriott:

On June 21st, together with nineteen of my comrades of my regiment, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, I received the Medal of Honor from the President at a White House ceremony.  I find myself unable to find the appropriate words to express my deep gratitude to my country for this highest of honors.

An honor of this nature should be shared with many others.  The emotions and commitment that led to that moment were made a part of me by my grandparents and parents.  I regret that they were not here to share this moment with me.  Furthermore, my military contributions to America’s cause were made possible because of the unwavering support I received from the gallant men of my platoon.  This Medal of Honor belongs to my grandparents, parents and the men of my platoon.  I accept this great honor in their behalf.

I shall long remember your warm words of congratulations and friendship.  I hope my conduct will continue to merit your gracious words of support.

I am honored to learn that you have taken the time to develop web pages for the twenty-two recipients of the Medal of Honor.

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Our family has a Hawaiian connection. Our son, Curt, was born in the Territory 
of Hawaii 1958 and our daughter, Desiree, was born in the State of Hawaii 1960.
Last but not least my lovely wife made her citizenship in Hawaii 1960. I was 
stationed at Schofield Barracks with the 25th Infantry Division 1958 to 1961.
Aloha from the Webmaster

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
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The Painting
"The Last Clip"
View the full sized digital painting by DreamWorks artist Matt Hall
http://www.cmohs.org/recipients/aa_paint.htm
specially commissioned for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
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By Rudi Williams 
American Forces Press Service 
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2000 
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Teacher and Student References: 
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/moh1.htm
http://www.cmohs.org/recipients.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/7737/
 http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/7737/moh/living/
http://www.defenselink.mil:80/news/May2000/n05192000_20005191.html
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This Web Page was created by and
is maintained by Paul D. Henriott
Last updated 22 March 2006