Japanese-American vets humbled by honor

George Harada was more than willing to travel from his home on Molokai all the way to Washington, D.C., for a ceremony in which he and fellow veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service will be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors.

His only concern was the dress code.

"Somebody had blazers made for us," said Harada, 88. "But they told us we had to wear a white shirt and tie with it. I never wear a white shirt! I just go around in shorts and aloha shirt."

Still, for an honor of this magnitude, Harada was willing to compromise: He’s going to keep his sleeves rolled up under the blazer.

Harada was one of a group of 23 veterans and 43 family members who left Honolulu Sunday for the nation’s capital. They’re scheduled to arrive this morning at Reagan National Airport, where they will be greeted by Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, former Hawaii adjutant general.

"It’s about time," Harada said of the recognition. "We went into the Army in 1943. How long ago was that? It’s too bad that a lot of guys aren’t here anymore to be part of this."

Tadashi "Tad" Fukumoto, 87, was 19 when he enlisted to serve with the Military Intelligence Service. At the time, he was glad to have shed the insulting 4C ("enemy alien") designation that had been applied to Americans of Japanese ancestry and to be cleared to serve his country.

"As Americans we did the best we could to serve the United States of America and the Army, and we were thankful that they took us in the Army," said Fukumoto, who helped to coax Okinawan residents out of hiding following the Allied invasion of April 1945 and helped some 10,000 people get food, clothing and medical care. "We believed in democracy and freedom, and we were willing to fight for those things."

Takashi Shirakata, 90, was a member of the 442nd’s regimental band. He says he still remembers the fierce combat he and his comrades faced in Europe and the heavy toll they suffered.

"A lot of friends got killed in action," he said.

Shirakata says he’s looking forward to renewing acquaintances with veterans from his old unit, some of whom he has not seen in 60 years.

"It’s really something," Shirakata said. "I never dreamed that we would be recognized like this. It’s quite an honor."

Congress voted last year to award the medal collectively to those who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd RCT and MIS during World War II. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, hosted by House Speaker John Boehner.

MIS veteran Frank Tanabe, 92, said he was "humble and honored" by the recognition.

"I’d like to accept it on behalf of all hyphenated Americans, including American-Americans," he said. "We all served together in defense of our country."