|
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 2, 2011) -- Hundreds of
former Soldiers, wearing blue and red veterans caps bearing the
names of their World War II units, walked, shuffled or were wheeled
in to the Capitol Visitors Center here, Nov. 2, to witness the
presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded for their
bravery and contribution to country more than 66 years ago.
Rep. John Boehner presents the Congressional Gold Medal to a representative of the Military Intelligence Service, Grant Ichikawa, during a ceremony Nov. 2, 2011, at the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded by the American Congress, and is the highest civilian award in the United States. The medal was awarded to Nisei Soldiers -- American sons of Japanese-born parents -- who fought in World War II. Those Soldiers fought as part of segregated, all Japanese-American units that included the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service. The three units together were the most decorated units of that war.
Photo by by C. Todd Lopez |
They were Japanese-American Soldiers,
the American-born sons of parents who immigrated to the
United States from Japan, that were honored. In Japanese,
they are called Nisei -- the second generation.
But
those Soldiers are all American, and fought for the United
States during World War II as part of segregated,
all-Japanese-American units that included the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the
Military Intelligence Service. The three units together were
the most decorated units of that war.
Following the
attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese-Americans had
been rounded up and were forced to live in internment camps
inside the United States. They were branded enemies of their
own country.
"For Japanese-Americans, the days and
months after Pearl Harbor must have seemed like a giant and
painful step backward," said Rep. John Boehner. "Removed
from their homes and placed in camps, these loyal Americans
endured years of discomfort and disgrace. But out of this
story of prejudice comes another story that reaffirms
America's worth and America's exceptionalism. Today we honor
the thousands of Japanese-Americans who served in the Army's
three units we honor today, most of whom were recruited
during their internment."
These Japanese-American
Soldiers, Boehner said, distinguished themselves in nearly
every operation in every theater of World War II.
"On
behalf of my colleagues and the American people, thank you
for fighting to make this the greatest nation on Earth and
God bless all of you for all of your work," Boehner said.
Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Medal of Honor recipient, was also
a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. As a Nisei
himself, he had served as part of the 442nd Regimental
Combat Team during World War II.
After Pearl Harbor,
Inouye said, Japanese-Americans like himself were not
satisfied to sit and do nothing while America fought -- he
said those Japanese-Americans who had been interned
petitioned the government for an opportunity to demonstrate
their love of country and patriotism. Today, those Soldiers
are recognized for their commitment to the United States,
Inouye said.
"This has been a long journey, and a
glorious one," the senator said. "We wish to thank all of
you, all Americans, for this recognition. It's heartwarming,
and I am certain that I speak for all assembled here, but
more importantly I'm certain that those resting in
cemeteries, are pleased with this day."
Sen. Barbara
Boxer participated in getting the legislation passed to
allow the medal to be presented to the veterans.
"Granting this medal is a long overdue honor which
recognizes and expressed our long overdue appreciation for
your dedicated service during World War II," Boxer told
those in attendance. She said those servicemembers fought
the war on two fronts -- including both the enemy in combat,
and prejudice at home.
"While we can never repay the
debt that we owe you, we can and we must recognize your
valor and your patriotism, and that is what we are doing
here today," Boxer said.
Sen. John McCain said
America's Nisei veterans of World War II did "everything
that was ever asked of them and more. And what is most
remarkable is that they did so despite the fact that our
nation at times fell short of its responsibilities to them,
and Americans like them."
McCain also recognized that
while lawmakers are in disagreement about many things, the
merits of the Japanese-American veterans is something they
are in agreement on.
"It's not every day that the
leaders and members of Congress have an opportunity to put
aside our usual difference over the impending business of
the day, to join together with bipartisan unanimity, to pay
tribute to fellow citizens who have served a just cause
greater than their own self interests," McCain said. "When
it comes to honoring those among us who have given
everything to protect our nation, Americans have always and
will always stand as one, just as we do today."
Rep.
Nancy Pelosi said the gathering to award the Congressional
Gold Medal is not complete -- many of the Soldiers who
served were killed in combat, or have died since the end of
World War II.
"We remember those for whom today came
too late, and we particularly honor those who never came
home," Pelosi said. "In battle, today's awardees proved that
they were great fighters, in their service, they proved they
were great patriots. Your cause was not just the end of
fascism, but promoted the end of discrimination -- the
American ideal of equality, which is our heritage and our
hope."
The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded by the
American Congress, and is the highest civilian award in the
United States. Veterans in attendance at the ceremony
receive a bronze replica of the medal. A single gold medal
will be placed in the Smithsonian for all Americans to see.
Over 33,000 Japanese-Americans served in World War II.
Together, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team earned seven Presidential Unit
Citations, two Meritorious Service Plaques, 36 Army
Commendation Medals, and 87 Division Commendations.
Individually, Soldiers earned 21 Medals of Honor, 29
Distinguished Service Crosses, one Distinguished Service
Medal, more than 354 Silver Stars, and more than 4,000
Purple Hearts.
The units together are the most
decorated units in Army history. Today, they, along with the
Military Intelligence Service, also staffed by
Japanese-Americans, add the Congressional Gold Medal to
their list of decorations.
See story > Bronze Stars Awarded
To Japanese-American WWII Vets
More photos
of the ceremony for the 40 World War II Soldiers from the all-Japanese-American units
By C. Todd Lopez
Army News Service
Copyright 2011
Comment on this article |
