Japanese-American Soldiers Honored

Editor's note: Aliso Viejo Patch contributor Lori Walker conducted a recent email interview with Shelly Hung, a teacher's aide at Canyon Vista Elementary School. Hung's father, Seichi Sakaida, was honored Nov. 2 at the U.S. Capitol for his service in the 442nd Regiment Combat Team. Sakaida, now 89 years old, received the Congressional Gold Medal for his military efforts as a Company K Staff Sergeant in WWII.

Aliso Viejo Patch: Why was your father's particular company unique? What contributions did it make — from a historical perspective?

Shelly Hung: They were the first army combat unit in U.S. history to be composed exclusively of Japanese Americans.  They had to overcome prejudice, discrimination and injustice at a time when America was at war with Japan.  They overcame all this and proved their loyalty.  They became the most decorated military army unit in U.S. history. 

Aliso Viejo Patch: How did he feel about serving during the time of the "camps"?  Where was the rest of your family when he was serving?

Hung: My dad and his family were living in Hawaii, so they were not placed in camps. Two of his brothers were also part of the 442nd but have recently passed away.

Aliso Viejo Patch: Did he volunteer or was he forced to serve?

Hung: He volunteered.

Aliso Viejo Patch: Who did his company fight during the war?

Hung:  He fought against the Germans in Italy and France. His company helped to rescue the “Lost Battalion” and were on the front lines.

Aliso Viejo Patch: How many years and when did your dad serve?

Hung: 1943-1945 (two years and 10 months)

Aliso Viejo Patch: Number of soldiers in this company?   

Hung: Approximately 200 men.   

Aliso Viejo Patch: How many of the soldiers survived the war? 

Hung: Approximately 33,000 served and approximately 8,000 died.  

Aliso Viejo Patch: How many of these soldiers are alive today?

Hung: Approximately 1,250.

Aliso Viejo Patch: Why his company is being honored?

Hung: They fought the enemy abroad and prejudice at home, but they won.  Their combat performance record contributed to Washington’s decision to reform the armed forces by allowing minorities to compete for any position and rank in the armed forces.

Aliso Viejo Patch: What was the ceremony like?

Hung: A very memorable event for all! Speeches were made by John McCain (R-Ariz.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif), House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Adam Schiff (D-Calif), Ralph Hall (R-Texas), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Harry Reid (D-Nev.), and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii.)

Aliso Viejo Patch: Does your dad still keep in touch with the other survivors?

Hung: Back in Hawaii, my dad has monthly reunions with the 442nd survivors. Approximately 800 attended the ceremony, but this included veterans from the 100th  Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service and the 442nd.

Aliso Viejo Patch: Does your dad have anything that he is particularly proud of that he would like to share?

Hung: My dad is quite humble and rarely speaks of the war.

Aliso Viejo Patch: Does he have any regrets?

Hung: No.