Washington, D.C. — In July 2000, 22 World War II heroes were recognized with Medals of Honor for their gallantry and valor in combat.
Eight of them were members of the Hawaii National Guard.
In April 2011, an additional Hawaii guardsman was recognized for valorous service in Korea.
Today, January 28, these American heroes will be added to the National Guard Medal of Honor Gallery in Washington, D.C , including nine former members of the Hawaii National Guard .
* MIKIO HASEMOTO, Private, USA, WWII-Italy
* SHIZUYA HAYASHI, Private, USA, WWII-Italy
* YEIKI KOBASHIGAWA, Technical Sergeant, USA, WWII-Italy
* ANTHONY T. KAHO‘OHANOHANO, Private First Class, USA, Korea
* KAORU MOTO, Private First Class, USA, WWII-Italy
* MASATO NAKAE, Private, USA, WWII-Italy
* SHINYEI NAKAMINE, Private, USA, WWII-Italy
* ALLAN M. OHATA, Staff Sergeant, USA, WWII-Italy
* FRANCIS BROWN WAI, Captain, USA, WWII-Philippines
The nine names are inscribed on a 4-foot tall wooden panel.
Maj Gen Darryll Wong, Hawaii’s Adjutant General, and Lt Col K. Mark Takai, who is the Immediate Past President of Hawaii National Guard Association will participate in the ceremony. Takai spearheaded this project.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz and U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard are expected to attend.