Jump to content

Sadao Munemori: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →Awards and decorations: replaced: Decorations → decorations
Monkbot (talk | contribs)
Bots
3,695,952 edits
m Task 20: replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 1);
 
(19 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|US soldier and Medal of Honor recipient}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name= Sadao Munemori
| name = Sadao Munemori
|birth_date= {{birth date|1922|8|17}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1922|8|17}}
|death_date= {{death date and age|1945|4|5|1922|8|17}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1945|4|5|1922|8|17}}
|birth_place= [[Los Angeles, California]]
| birth_place = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
|death_place= [[Killed in action]] at [[Seravezza, Italy]]
| death_place = [[Killed in action]] at [[Seravezza, Italy]]
|placeofburial=Evergreen Cemetery, [[Los Angeles, California]]
| placeofburial = [[Evergreen Cemetery (Los Angeles)|Evergreen Cemetery]], [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
|placeofburial_label= Place of burial
| placeofburial_label = Place of burial
|image= Sadao Munemori.jpg
| image = Sadao Munemori.jpg
|medal = cmoh army.jpg
| medal = cmoh army.jpg
|caption=
| caption =
|nickname=Spud
| nickname = Spud
|allegiance= {{flag|United States of America}}
| allegiance = {{flag|United States of America}}
|branch= {{army|United States}}
| branch = {{army|United States}}
|serviceyears= 1942–1945
| serviceyears = 1942–1945
|rank= [[File:US Army WWII PFC.svg|25px]] [[United States Army enlisted rank insignia of World War II|Private First Class]]
| rank = [[File:US Army WWII PFC.svg|25px]] [[United States Army enlisted rank insignia of World War II|Private First Class]]
|commands=
| commands =
|unit= US Army 100th Infantry Battalion
| unit = US Army 100th Infantry Battalion
|battles= [[World War II]]
| battles = [[World War II]]
|awards= [[Medal of Honor]]
| awards = [[Medal of Honor]]
|laterwork=
| laterwork =
}}
}}

'''Sadao Munemori''' ({{lang-ja|旨森 貞雄}}, August 17, 1922 &ndash; April 5, 1945) was a [[United States Army]] soldier<ref name="Tamashiro">{{cite web | last = Tamashiro | first = Ben H. | url = http://nisei.hawaii.edu/object/io_1149130450078.html | publisher = The Hawaii Herald, via the Hawaii Nisei Project, University of Hawaii | title = The Congressional Medal of Honor: Sadao Munemori | date = 1985-03-15 | access-date = 2012-12-27}}</ref> and [[Posthumous recognition|posthumous]] recipient of the [[Medal of Honor]], after he sacrificed his life to save those of his fellow soldiers at [[Seravezza, Italy]] during [[World War II]].<ref name="moh">{{cite web | publisher = US Army Center of Military History | url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/wwII-m-s.html | title = Medal of Honor Recipients, World War II (M-S) | date = 2011-06-27| access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref><ref name = "RafuShimpo1">{{cite news | publisher = Rafu Shimpo | url = http://www.rafu.com/2012/11/army-historian-tells-java-members-about-munemoris-patriotism-and-courage | title = Army Historian Tells Java Members About Munemori's Patriotism And Courage | date = 2012-11-19 | access-date = 2012-12-26}}</ref>
'''Sadao Munemori''' ({{langx|ja|旨森 貞夫}},<ref>[https://hojishinbun.hoover.org/?a=d&d=ytn19480326-01.1.1&e=-------en-10--1--img-------　Page 1ーYuta Nippō, 1948.03.26 - Hoji Shinbun Digital Collection]</ref> August 17, 1922 &ndash; April 5, 1945) was a [[United States Army]] soldier<ref name="Tamashiro">{{cite web | last = Tamashiro | first = Ben H. | url = http://nisei.hawaii.edu/object/io_1149130450078.html | publisher = The Hawaii Herald, via the Hawaii Nisei Project, University of Hawaii | title = The Congressional Medal of Honor: Sadao Munemori | date = 1985-03-15 | access-date = 2012-12-27}}</ref> and [[Posthumous recognition|posthumous]] recipient of the [[Medal of Honor]], after he sacrificed his life to save those of his fellow soldiers at [[Seravezza, Italy]] during [[World War II]].<ref name="moh">{{cite web | publisher = US Army Center of Military History | url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/wwII-m-s.html | title = Medal of Honor Recipients, World War II (M-S) | date = 2011-06-27| access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref><ref name = "RafuShimpo1">{{cite news | publisher = Rafu Shimpo | url = http://www.rafu.com/2012/11/army-historian-tells-java-members-about-munemoris-patriotism-and-courage | title = Army Historian Tells Java Members About Munemori's Patriotism And Courage | date = 2012-11-19 | access-date = 2012-12-26}}</ref>


Munemori was a [[United States Army enlisted rank insignia of World War II|private first class]] in the [[United States Army]], in Company A, [[U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion|100th Infantry Battalion]], [[442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name = "CMOHS">{{cite web | title = Munemori, Sadao S. | url = http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2904/munemori-sadao-s.php | publisher = Congressional Medal of Honor Society | year = 2011 | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref> For his actions, when the 442nd was part of the [[92nd Infantry Division (United States)|92d Infantry Division]], he was the only Japanese American to be awarded the Medal of Honor during or immediately after World War II.<ref name = "MilitaryTimes">{{cite web | url = http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=2826 | title = Military Times: Hall of Valor - Sadao S. Munemori | publisher = Military Times | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref>
Munemori was a [[United States Army enlisted rank insignia of World War II|private first class]] in the [[United States Army]], in Company A, [[U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion|100th Infantry Battalion]], [[442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name = "CMOHS">{{cite web | title = Munemori, Sadao S. | url = http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2904/munemori-sadao-s.php | publisher = Congressional Medal of Honor Society | year = 2011 | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref> For his actions, when the 442nd was part of the [[92nd Infantry Division (United States)|92d Infantry Division]], he was the only Japanese American to be awarded the Medal of Honor during or immediately after World War II.<ref name = "MilitaryTimes">{{cite web | url = http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=2826 | title = Military Times: Hall of Valor - Sadao S. Munemori | publisher = Military Times | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref>
Line 31: Line 33:
Munemori had volunteered for the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] in November 1941, one month before the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], and he was inducted in February 1942.<ref name="Tamashiro"/><ref name = "NARA">{{cite web | title = WWII Army Enlistment Record #39019023 Munemori, Sadao S. | publisher = U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) | url = https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&tf=F&q=Sadao+Munemori&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=7559539 | date = 2002-09-30 | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref> Along with all other Japanese American soldiers, he was soon after demoted to [[Selective Service System#Classifications|4-C class]], removed from combat training and assigned to menial labor.<ref name="Niiya3" /> While he was transferred to a series of Midwestern and Southern army bases (eventually winding up at [[Camp Savage]], Minnesota), his parents and siblings were [[Internment of Japanese Americans|incarcerated]] at [[Manzanar]].<ref name="Tamashiro"/>
Munemori had volunteered for the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] in November 1941, one month before the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], and he was inducted in February 1942.<ref name="Tamashiro"/><ref name = "NARA">{{cite web | title = WWII Army Enlistment Record #39019023 Munemori, Sadao S. | publisher = U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) | url = https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&tf=F&q=Sadao+Munemori&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=7559539 | date = 2002-09-30 | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref> Along with all other Japanese American soldiers, he was soon after demoted to [[Selective Service System#Classifications|4-C class]], removed from combat training and assigned to menial labor.<ref name="Niiya3" /> While he was transferred to a series of Midwestern and Southern army bases (eventually winding up at [[Camp Savage]], Minnesota), his parents and siblings were [[Internment of Japanese Americans|incarcerated]] at [[Manzanar]].<ref name="Tamashiro"/>


When Japanese American soldiers were allowed to reenter active service in March 1943, Munemori volunteered to be part of the all-''Nisei'' [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="GFB">{{cite web|publisher=Go for Broke National Education Center |url=http://www.goforbroke.org/history/history_historical_medal_munemori.asp |title=Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Sadao S. Munemori |access-date=2012-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813061808/http://www.goforbroke.org/history/history_historical_medal_munemori.asp |archive-date=August 13, 2012 }}</ref> This segregated army unit was made up entirely of Japanese Americans, with most initial recruits coming from Hawaii.<ref name = "GlobalSecurity">{{cite web | title = 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry | url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/100-442in.htm | publisher = Global Security | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref> The unit began as the [[100th Infantry Battalion (United States)|100th Infantry]], initially listed as a separate battalion, and fought as part of the [[133rd Infantry Regiment (United States)|133rd Infantry Regiment]] within the [[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]]. After the Allied [[Operation Shingle|capture of Rome]], the battalion withdrew from the front and became the 1st Battalion of the 442nd RCT.<ref name ="Niiya2">{{cite book | last = Niiya | first = Brian | title = Japanese American History: An A-To-Z Reference from 1868 to the Present | pages = 277&ndash;386}}</ref> Munemori was sent to [[Camp Shelby]] in January 1944 and, after completing his combat training three months later, joined the 100th Battalion in the European Theater. Fighting in Italy and France, he participated in the rescue of the [[Lost Battalion (World War II)|Lost Battalion]] before arriving on the [[Gothic Line]], where he was killed in action.<ref name="Niiya3" />
When Japanese American soldiers were allowed to reenter active service in March 1943, Munemori volunteered to be part of the all-''Nisei'' [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="GFB">{{cite web|publisher=Go for Broke National Education Center |url=http://www.goforbroke.org/history/history_historical_medal_munemori.asp |title=Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Sadao S. Munemori |access-date=2012-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813061808/http://www.goforbroke.org/history/history_historical_medal_munemori.asp |archive-date=August 13, 2012 }}</ref> This segregated army unit was made up entirely of Japanese Americans, with most initial recruits coming from Hawaii.<ref name = "GlobalSecurity">{{cite web | title = 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry | url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/100-442in.htm | publisher = Global Security | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref> The unit began as the [[100th Infantry Battalion (United States)|100th Infantry]], initially listed as a separate battalion, and fought as part of the [[133rd Infantry Regiment (United States)|133rd Infantry Regiment]] within the [[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]]. After the Allied [[Operation Shingle|capture of Rome]], the battalion withdrew from the front and became the 1st Battalion of the 442nd RCT.<ref name ="Niiya2">{{cite book | last = Niiya | first = Brian | title = Japanese American History: An A-To-Z Reference from 1868 to the Present | pages = 277&ndash;386}}</ref> Munemori was sent to [[Camp Shelby]] in January 1944 and, after completing his combat training three months later, joined the 100th Battalion in the European Theater. Fighting in Italy and France, he participated in the rescue of the [[Lost Battalion (World War II)|Lost Battalion]] before arriving on the [[Gothic Line]], where he was killed in action saving the lives of two of his comrades.<ref name="Niiya3" />

⚫
In 1990s, the awards issued to 442nd soldiers were reviewed after two studies revealed that racial discrimination had caused some to be [[Medal of Honor#Past discrimination|overlooked]], and twenty-one soldiers' Distinguished Service Crosses were upgraded to Medals of Honor.<ref name ="NiseiCMOHAfterWWII">{{cite news | last = Williams | first = Rudi | title = Army Secretary Lionizes 22 World War II Heroes | url = http://www.defense.gov/specials/medalofhonor | publisher = Associated Press | date = 2010-07-10 | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref>


⚫
In 1990s, the awards issued to 442nd soldiers were reviewed after two studies revealed that [[Medal of Honor#Past discrimination|racial discrimination had caused some to be overlooked]], and twenty-one soldiers' Distinguished Service Crosses were upgraded to Medals of Honor.<ref name ="NiseiCMOHAfterWWII">{{cite news | last = Williams | first = Rudi | title = Army Secretary Lionizes 22 World War II Heroes | url = http://www.defense.gov/specials/medalofhonor | publisher = Associated Press | date = 2010-07-10 | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref>
==Medal of Honor==
Medal of Honor Citation: "The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Sadao S. Munemori (ASN: 39019023), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 April 1945. Private First Class Munemori fought with great gallantry and intrepidity near Seravezza, Italy. When his unit was pinned down by grazing fire from the enemy's strong mountain defense and command of the squad devolved on him with the wounding of its regular leader, he made frontal, one-man attacks through direct fire and knocked out two machine guns with grenades Withdrawing under murderous fire and showers of grenades from other enemy emplacements, he had nearly reached a shell crater occupied by two of his men when an unexploded grenade bounced on his helmet and rolled toward his helpless comrades. He arose into the withering fire, dived for the missile and smothered its blast with his body. By his swift, supremely heroic action Private First Class Munemori saved two of his men at the cost of his own life and did much to clear the path for his company's victorious advance."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2826|title = Sadao Munemori - Recipient -}}</ref>


==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
Line 74: Line 73:
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Combat Team. Place and date: Near Seravezza, Italy, 5 April 1945. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif Birth: Los Angeles, Calif. G.O. No.. 24, 7 March 1946.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Combat Team. Place and date: Near Seravezza, Italy, 5 April 1945. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif Birth: Los Angeles, Calif. G.O. No.. 24, 7 March 1946.


<blockquote>He fought with great gallantry and intrepidity near Seravezza, Italy. When his unit was pinned down by grazing fire from the enemy's strong mountain defense and command of the squad devolved on him with the wounding of its regular leader, he made frontal, one-man attacks through direct fire and knocked out two machine guns with grenades. Withdrawing under murderous fire and showers of grenades from other enemy emplacements, he had nearly reached a shell crater occupied by two of his men when an unexploded grenade bounced on his helmet and rolled toward his helpless comrades. He arose into the withering fire, dived for the missile and smothered its blast with his body. By his swift, supremely heroic action Pfc. Munemori saved two of his men at the cost of his own life and did much to clear the path for his company's victorious advance.<ref name="CMOHS"/></blockquote>
<blockquote>"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Sadao S. Munemori (ASN: 39019023), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 April 1945. Private First Class Munemori fought with great gallantry and intrepidity near Seravezza, Italy. When his unit was pinned down by grazing fire from the enemy's strong mountain defense and command of the squad devolved on him with the wounding of its regular leader, he made frontal, one-man attacks through direct fire and knocked out two machine guns with grenades. Withdrawing under murderous fire and showers of grenades from other enemy emplacements, he had nearly reached a shell crater occupied by two of his men when an unexploded grenade bounced on his helmet and rolled toward his helpless comrades. He arose into the withering fire, dived for the grenade, and smothered its blast with his body. By his swift, supremely heroic action Private First Class Munemori saved two of his men at the cost of his own life and did much to clear the path for his company's victorious advance."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2826|title = Sadao Munemori - Recipient -}}</ref></blockquote>


==Namesakes==
==Namesakes==
*The interchange between the [[Interstate 105 (California)|I-105]] and [[Interstate 405 (California)|I-405]] freeways in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] is labeled the "Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Interchange."<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name = "CALegislation">{{cite web | title = California 1993-94 Senate Concurrent Resolution 41 | publisher = State of California | url = http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/93-94/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/scr_41_bill_940909_chaptered | date = 1994-09-09 | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref><ref name ="PC">{{cite news | last = Aoyagi-Stom | first = Caroline | publisher = Pacific Citizen | url = http://www.pacificcitizen.org/news/community/hometown-honor-sadao-munemori?page=show | title = A Hometown Honor for Sadao Munemori? | date = 2008-04-18 | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref>
*The interchange between the [[Interstate 105 (California)|I-105]] and [[Interstate 405 (California)|I-405]] freeways in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] is labeled the "Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Interchange."<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name = "CALegislation">{{cite web | title = California 1993-94 Senate Concurrent Resolution 41 | publisher = State of California | url = http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/93-94/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/scr_41_bill_940909_chaptered | date = 1994-09-09 | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref><ref name ="PC">{{cite news | last = Aoyagi-Stom | first = Caroline | publisher = Pacific Citizen | url = http://www.pacificcitizen.org/news/community/hometown-honor-sadao-munemori?page=show | title = A Hometown Honor for Sadao Munemori? | date = 2008-04-18 | access-date = 2012-12-25}}</ref>
*USAT Private Sadao S. Munemori is a reserved name in the U.S. Army, and was used as the name of a troop ship, USNS Private Sadao S. Munemori|T-AP-190, between October 31, 1947 and the 1970s.<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name = "NavalShip">{{cite web | title = Dictionary Of American Naval Fighting Ships: Private Sadao S. Munemori | publisher = U.S. Naval History And Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p12/private_sadao_s_munernori.htm | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref>
*USAT ''Private Sadao S. Munemori'' is a reserved name in the U.S. Army, and was used as the name of a troop ship, {{USNS|Private Sadao S. Munemori|T-AP-190}}, between October 31, 1947, and the 1970s.<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name = "NavalShip">{{cite web | title = Dictionary Of American Naval Fighting Ships: Private Sadao S. Munemori | publisher = U.S. Naval History And Heritage Command | url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/p/private-sadao-s-munernori.html |access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref>
*Sadao S. Munemori Hall, a building located on the grounds of the [[Captain (U.S. Army)|Captain]] [[Nelson M. Holderman]] U.S. Army Reserve Center in West [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], was dedicated in his honor in 1993.<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name = "LATimes-Hall">{{cite news | url = http://articles.latimes.com/1993-06-13/news/we-2648_1_training-facility | title = Army Facility Memorializes WW II Hero | date = June 13, 1993 | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref>
*Sadao S. Munemori Hall, a building located on the grounds of the [[Captain (U.S. Army)|Captain]] [[Nelson M. Holderman]] U.S. Army Reserve Center in West [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], was dedicated in his honor in 1993.<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name = "LATimes-Hall">{{cite news | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-13-we-2648-story.html | title = Army Facility Memorializes WW II Hero | date = June 13, 1993 | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | access-date = 2012-12-07}}</ref>
*Sadao Munemori is memorialized by a statue in Pietrasanto Italy.<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name="Pietrasanta Monument">{{cite news | last = Costello | first = Joyce | publisher = United States Army | title = Fellow Soldier's Monument in Pietrasanta | url = http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/04/20/35540 | access-date = 2012-12-07 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044115/http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/04/20/35540/ | archive-date = 2012-03-29 }}</ref><ref name="Doi">{{cite journal | last = Doi | first = Tonko | title = A Trip To Pietransanta | url = http://jaclchicago.org/JACL/PDF/Sept-Oct%202007%20Issue.pdf | journal = The JACLer | publisher = Japanese American Citizens League, Chicago Chapter | issue = September/October 2007 | access-date = 2012-12-27 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131016043035/http://jaclchicago.org/JACL/PDF/Sept-Oct%202007%20Issue.pdf | archive-date = 2013-10-16 }}</ref>
*Sadao Munemori is memorialized by a statue in Pietrasanto Italy.<ref name = "RafuShimpo1"/><ref name="Pietrasanta Monument">{{cite news | last = Costello | first = Joyce | publisher = United States Army | title = Fellow Soldier's Monument in Pietrasanta | url = http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/04/20/35540 | access-date = 2012-12-07 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044115/http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/04/20/35540/ | archive-date = 2012-03-29 }}</ref><ref name="Doi">{{cite journal | last = Doi | first = Tonko | title = A Trip To Pietransanta | url = http://jaclchicago.org/JACL/PDF/Sept-Oct%202007%20Issue.pdf | journal = The JACLer | publisher = Japanese American Citizens League, Chicago Chapter | issue = September/October 2007 | access-date = 2012-12-27 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131016043035/http://jaclchicago.org/JACL/PDF/Sept-Oct%202007%20Issue.pdf | archive-date = 2013-10-16 }}</ref>
*[[American Legion]] Post 321 in Los Angeles is named for Sadao Munemori.<ref name = "PC"/><ref name = "Together">{{cite web | url = http://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=PublicAssociationProfile&type=AssociationChapter&ID=275 | publisher = Togetherweserved.com, Inc. | title = Post 321 (Sadao Munemori) | access-date = 2012-12-26}}</ref>
*[[American Legion]] Post 321 in Los Angeles is named for Sadao Munemori.<ref name = "PC"/><ref name = "Together">{{cite web | url = http://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=PublicAssociationProfile&type=AssociationChapter&ID=275 | publisher = Togetherweserved.com, Inc. | title = Post 321 (Sadao Munemori) | access-date = 2012-12-26}}</ref>
Line 95: Line 94:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044115/http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/04/20/35540/ Statue of Munemori at Pietrasanto Italy]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044115/http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2009/04/20/35540/ Statue of Munemori at Pietrasanto Italy]


{{Portal bar|Biography|World War II}}
{{Portal bar|Biography}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Munemori, Sadao}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Munemori, Sadao}}
Line 104: Line 103:
[[Category:United States Army personnel killed in World War II]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel killed in World War II]]
[[Category:American military personnel of Japanese descent]]
[[Category:American military personnel of Japanese descent]]
[[Category:People from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:World War II recipients of the Medal of Honor]]
[[Category:World War II recipients of the Medal of Honor]]
[[Category:Burials at Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Burials at Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles]]

Latest revision as of 15:57, 28 October 2024

Sadao Munemori
Nickname(s)Spud
Born(1922-08-17)August 17, 1922
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedApril 5, 1945(1945-04-05) (aged 22)
Killed in action at Seravezza, Italy
Place of burial
Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Army
Years of service1942–1945
Rank Private First Class
UnitUS Army 100th Infantry Battalion
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsMedal of Honor

Sadao Munemori (Japanese: 旨森 貞夫,[1] August 17, 1922 – April 5, 1945) was a United States Army soldier[2] and posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor, after he sacrificed his life to save those of his fellow soldiers at Seravezza, Italy during World War II.[3][4]

Munemori was a private first class in the United States Army, in Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team.[5] For his actions, when the 442nd was part of the 92d Infantry Division, he was the only Japanese American to be awarded the Medal of Honor during or immediately after World War II.[6]

Early life

[edit]

Munemori was born in Los Angeles, California to Japanese immigrant parents Kametaro and Nawa Munemori.[7] He was a Nisei, a second generation Japanese American.[8] He grew up in the suburb of Glendale and graduated from Abraham Lincoln Senior High School in 1940 before becoming an auto mechanic.[7]

Soldier

[edit]

Munemori had volunteered for the U.S. Army in November 1941, one month before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and he was inducted in February 1942.[2][9] Along with all other Japanese American soldiers, he was soon after demoted to 4-C class, removed from combat training and assigned to menial labor.[7] While he was transferred to a series of Midwestern and Southern army bases (eventually winding up at Camp Savage, Minnesota), his parents and siblings were incarcerated at Manzanar.[2]

When Japanese American soldiers were allowed to reenter active service in March 1943, Munemori volunteered to be part of the all-Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team.[10] This segregated army unit was made up entirely of Japanese Americans, with most initial recruits coming from Hawaii.[11] The unit began as the 100th Infantry, initially listed as a separate battalion, and fought as part of the 133rd Infantry Regiment within the 34th Infantry Division. After the Allied capture of Rome, the battalion withdrew from the front and became the 1st Battalion of the 442nd RCT.[12] Munemori was sent to Camp Shelby in January 1944 and, after completing his combat training three months later, joined the 100th Battalion in the European Theater. Fighting in Italy and France, he participated in the rescue of the Lost Battalion before arriving on the Gothic Line, where he was killed in action saving the lives of two of his comrades.[7]

In 1990s, the awards issued to 442nd soldiers were reviewed after two studies revealed that racial discrimination had caused some to be overlooked, and twenty-one soldiers' Distinguished Service Crosses were upgraded to Medals of Honor.[13]

Awards and decorations

[edit]

Sadao "Spud" Munemori received these awards during World War II:

Width-44 scarlet ribbon with width-4 ultramarine blue stripe at center, surrounded by width-1 white stripes. Width-1 white stripes are at the edges. Width-44 purple ribbon with width-4 white stripes on the borders
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Combat Infantryman Badge
Medal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with seven campaign stars World War II Victory Medal

Medal of Honor citation

[edit]

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Combat Team. Place and date: Near Seravezza, Italy, 5 April 1945. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif Birth: Los Angeles, Calif. G.O. No.. 24, 7 March 1946.

"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Sadao S. Munemori (ASN: 39019023), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 April 1945. Private First Class Munemori fought with great gallantry and intrepidity near Seravezza, Italy. When his unit was pinned down by grazing fire from the enemy's strong mountain defense and command of the squad devolved on him with the wounding of its regular leader, he made frontal, one-man attacks through direct fire and knocked out two machine guns with grenades. Withdrawing under murderous fire and showers of grenades from other enemy emplacements, he had nearly reached a shell crater occupied by two of his men when an unexploded grenade bounced on his helmet and rolled toward his helpless comrades. He arose into the withering fire, dived for the grenade, and smothered its blast with his body. By his swift, supremely heroic action Private First Class Munemori saved two of his men at the cost of his own life and did much to clear the path for his company's victorious advance."[14]

Namesakes

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Page 1ーYuta Nippō, 1948.03.26 - Hoji Shinbun Digital Collection
  2. ^ a b c Tamashiro, Ben H. (1985-03-15). "The Congressional Medal of Honor: Sadao Munemori". The Hawaii Herald, via the Hawaii Nisei Project, University of Hawaii. Retrieved 2012-12-27.
  3. ^ "Medal of Honor Recipients, World War II (M-S)". US Army Center of Military History. 2011-06-27. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Army Historian Tells Java Members About Munemori's Patriotism And Courage". Rafu Shimpo. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
  5. ^ "Munemori, Sadao S." Congressional Medal of Honor Society. 2011. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  6. ^ "Military Times: Hall of Valor - Sadao S. Munemori". Military Times. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  7. ^ a b c d Niiya, Brian. "Sadao Munemori". Densho Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2014-10-29.
  8. ^ Niiya, Brian (1993). Japanese American History: An A-To-Z Reference from 1868 to the Present. New York: Japanese American National Museum and Facts On File. p. 241. ISBN 0-8160-2680-7.
  9. ^ "WWII Army Enlistment Record #39019023 Munemori, Sadao S." U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 2002-09-30. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  10. ^ "Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Sadao S. Munemori". Go for Broke National Education Center. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  11. ^ "100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry". Global Security. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  12. ^ Niiya, Brian. Japanese American History: An A-To-Z Reference from 1868 to the Present. pp. 277–386.
  13. ^ Williams, Rudi (2010-07-10). "Army Secretary Lionizes 22 World War II Heroes". Associated Press. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  14. ^ "Sadao Munemori - Recipient -".
  15. ^ "California 1993-94 Senate Concurrent Resolution 41". State of California. 1994-09-09. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  16. ^ a b Aoyagi-Stom, Caroline (2008-04-18). "A Hometown Honor for Sadao Munemori?". Pacific Citizen. Retrieved 2012-12-25.
  17. ^ "Dictionary Of American Naval Fighting Ships: Private Sadao S. Munemori". U.S. Naval History And Heritage Command. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  18. ^ "Army Facility Memorializes WW II Hero". Los Angeles Times. June 13, 1993. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  19. ^ Costello, Joyce. "Fellow Soldier's Monument in Pietrasanta". United States Army. Archived from the original on 2012-03-29. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  20. ^ Doi, Tonko. "A Trip To Pietransanta" (PDF). The JACLer (September/October 2007). Japanese American Citizens League, Chicago Chapter. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2012-12-27.
  21. ^ "Post 321 (Sadao Munemori)". Togetherweserved.com, Inc. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Sadao_Munemori&oldid=1253923317"