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During the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes in the West Coast because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage. As the war progressed, many of the young Nisei, Japanese immigrants' children who were born with American citizenship, volunteered or were drafted to serve in the United States military. Japanese Americans served in all the branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Merchant Marine. An estimated 33,000 Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military during World War II, of which 20,000 joined the Army. Approximately 800 were killed in action.
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The "Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal" is a Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment by President Barack Obama, at an official ceremony on June 10, 2014. On May 19, 2014, the United States House of Representatives passed the Bill, known as HR 1726 and three days later on May 22, 2014, the Senate approved Bill S. 1174. With the approval of both houses, the president signed the legislation which awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry, the first segregated Hispanic military unit, and the first unit of the Korean War, to receive such distinction.
The Nisei Soldiers of World War II Congressional Gold Medal is an award made for the Japanese American World War II veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service. The Congressional Gold Medal is the most prestigious award given to civilians in the United States for achievements and contributions. The medal was approved by Congress under Public Law 111–254 in 2010 to honor the Japanese Americans who had served in the war. It was collectively presented on November 2, 2011.
James Takemori was an American judoka and World War II veteran.
References
- ↑ Congressional Record - House. 1963. p. 10664-10664.
- ↑ Congressional Record - House. 1963. p. 10664-10664.
- ↑ Harrington, Joseph D. (1979). Yankee Samurai: The Secret Role of Nisei in America's Pacific Victory. Detroit, Michigan: Pettigrew Enterprises, Inc. p. 252.
- ↑ Armstrong, Michael (November 12, 2011). "Homer WWII veteran honored with others". Deseret News. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
- ↑ Armstrong, Michael (November 13, 2011). "Homer WWII veteran receives medal". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
- ↑ Armstrong, Michael (November 12, 2011). "Homer WWII veteran honored with others". Deseret News. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
- ↑ Harrington, Joseph D. (1979). Yankee Samurai: The Secret Role of Nisei in America's Pacific Victory. Detroit, Michigan: Pettigrew Enterprises, Inc. p. 252.