War produces many heroes and the greatest of them are memorialized in films, books and by statues erected in their honor. Many of these great patriots gave their lives for their country and those who returned home lived forever changed by the haunting experience of war. These great men sacrificed an ultimate price for the good of humanity and their legacy lives on in those they served.
It is with great reverence to recognize one such group of heroes that stands apart from the rest. This group is the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), the most decorated unit in the US Army during World War II. While the badges of honor these men carry signifies their place in history, what makes them so special is the realization these men were of Japanese ancestry whose families had been interned by the very country they served. Their determination to act above and beyond the stigma of their race and rise up in defense of the very society that shunned them was an act of heroism all in itself.
The 442nd was organized on March 23, 1943, after more than a year during which Americans of Japanese descent were declared enemy aliens, 4-C, by the U.S. War Department. It had taken over two years plus several key events to convince the Roosevelt Administration that these men should be allowed to enter combat for their country.
The 442nd was comprised of 2,686 volunteers from Hawai'i and 1,500 from the U.S. mainland. Their first engagement was in August 1944 in the Battle of Normandy. In the winter 1944, the 442nd fought German troops in France and were recognized for their tenacity and courage in rescuing soldiers from the 36th "Texas" Division who were surrounded by German troops and running out of food and ammunition. After two failed attempts by other units to rescue these men, the 442nd rescued the Texans but had suffered casualties several times the number of men they had saved. In April 1945, the 442nd fought in northern Italy and broke through German defenses that had held the Allies in a stalemate for six months. Once through, the Allies pursued the Germans until their surrender in May 1945.
In addition to their successes on the battlefield, the 442nd liberated the French towns of Bruyeres, Belmont, and Biffontaine, and upon discovering the notorious Dachau extermination camp, rescued numerous Jews from their imprisonment. To this day, the people these men freed continue to honor the 442nd with monuments, museums, and streets named in their honor.
Of the 4,186 men of the 442nd, 800 lost their lives or were missing by the end of the war. Their heroic actions in France and Italy earned the 442nd the distinction of being the most decorated unit in the US Army in WWII earning them 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 9,486 Purple Hearts and numerous other distinctions. In one ceremony presided by President Harry Truman, he stated, “You fought the enemy abroad and prejudice at home and you won.” No truer words can be said for the men of the 442nd.
Upon their return home, they were met with great admiration by the people of Hawaii, but to a much lesser degree on the mainland. Many pursued higher education through the GI Bill and became the business and political leaders of their day. Most notably, was the beloved Senator, Daniel Inouye (Hawaii – D) who served from 1963 – 2012.
When we consider the legacy the 442nd gifted to our generation, one only has to turn on the news and see the equally divided nature of our society today in stark comparison to the 1940’s. It is unfortunate that time has not changed racial divides where once prejudice was driven by war, and now in our time, prejudice is driven by social economic factors. Equally, it is unfortunate that we do not have a 442nd today to serve as a role model for our society. It is times like these where movements such as Black Lives Matter could learn from the heroes of our past and rise above their grievances to make our country whole.
The legacy of the 442nd also serves as a definition of what true heroes are. These men fought for the right to put themselves in harm’s way to serve their country. They demonstrated courage and a level of fortitude many of my generation cannot fathom. In battle after battle, these men faced extreme risk and hardship, yet as their brothers fell by their side, they stood by their motto, “Go for broke,” and forcibly engaged the enemy. In comparison to what our society has deemed “heroic” today, a transgender individual going public, it is with utter dismay to realize society has completely forgotten the meaning of the word.
When the last remaining member of this small band of brothers passes into the twilight, we will have lost a legend. What many will remember as a group of soldiers doing their duty to God and Country, many more will remember they did so against significant obstacles and willingly met their challenges in the face of great danger. It is with deep respect that we hold their gift to us; their legacy, to treasure. For that is what the legacy of the 442nds truly is; a treasure.