It was an emotional afternoon (as well as the past few weeks) as my grandfather was put to final rest at Punchbowl Cemetery. I felt so proud of my grandpa and reflected on the immeasurable amount of sacrifice that he and other nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) who fought during WWII gave to country and to all generations after. We really owe them so much.
Though he rarely spoke about his military career, he served bravely in the 442nd and 100th battalion, D Company (heavy weapons). He volunteered for military combat during WWII and started fighting for our country in March of 1943 under the 100th battalion (which eventually was assigned to the 442nd as their 1st battalion, but allowed to keep its unit designation in recognition of its distinguished fighting record). The war took him through many countries in Europe, which included France, Italy and Germany, where he fought in the Rome-Arno, Po Valley, North Appenines and the Rhineland Campaigns. Though he received wounds during the war, which earned him the Purple Heart Medal, they were fortunately not life threatening and he always said with some seriosness that "I was very lucky."
He was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge, EAME Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the American Campaign Service Medal. Grandpa reenlisted in the Army twice more after the war, finally ending his career in the military as a Sergeant in February of 1953.
Grandpa's Military Funeral Ceremony
The ceremony began with the honor guard rifle party (7 riflemen and their sergeant) marching out to take their positions. Two honor guards (Sergeant and a Specialist) then proceeded to walk toward the family with a folded American flag followed by my grandfather's urn. The flag and urn were placed on the ceremony table and given a salute. The flag was then unfolded and when it was held open in its full glory, the rifle squad initiated a 3 volley salute (firing 21 shots). It was very emotional as "Taps" began playing and the flag was carefully and ceremoniously refolded and reviewed for perfection. The flag was then taken to a captain for final review and three bullet casings (from the 3 volley salute) were placed inside the folded flag. The first casing stands for "honor," the second for "duty," and the final for "country." The flag was then presented to my grandmother by the Captain and a the Segeant Major ("On behalf of the President of the United States and the people of a grateful nation, may I present this flag as a token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service your loved one rendered this nation.").
Thank you so much grandpa for all you've done for me! I will dearly miss you...
Okage Sama De - I am who I am because of you
