Ross Shimabukuro of Lihue said he can picture the faces of the veterans of the 100th Battalion as the names of the veterans were read during the Roll Call Sunday during the West Kauai Club 100 73rd Memorial Service honoring the battalion’s fallen comrades at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe.
“As the names are read, and the people go up with their floral remembrances, I can see their faces,” said Shimabukuro, whose father was a 100th Inf. Btn veteran. “I remember your dad because Santa Claus. He was always Santa Claus at the Christmas party.”
More than 50 people, described by Rep. Dee Morikawa as “mostly family,” turned out for the annual commemorative service officiated by West Kauai Club 100 president Ken Morikawa.
“Wednesday morning, Sept. 29, 1943, Sgt. Shigeo ‘Joe’ Takata led his platoon through the Italian countryside,” said Capt. Vincent Johnson, commanding officer of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana. “The enemy opened fire with mortars and artillery. This first taste of combat rattled the untested 100th and drove them to cover. Sgt. Takata rose and advanced to the sound of the guns, exposing himself in order to locate the enemy’s position. This action drove his troops to rally and overtake the position, but not before Joe Takata became the first member of the 100th Btn to be killed in action. We have chosen this date in September to gather for the 73rd time for this memorial.”
Brandi Yamamoto, whose roots trace back to the 100th Inf Btn, filled the quiet morning air with strains of the
national and state anthems as well as “Wind Beneath My Wings,” a favorite tune of the 100th veterans.
“Their story is truly a
hero’s journey,” Johnson said. “The call to service, the perseverance through training while being doubted by others, the voyage across not one, but two oceans to fight. The loss — nearly 800 wounded, or killed in the first year alone for the 100th; 1,703 Purple Hearts, 238 Bronze Stars, 147 Silver Stars, 24 Distinguished Service Crosses, and eight Medals of Honor — more than 4,340 awards for the 3,147 soldiers of the One Puka Puka.”
Johnson said there was loss. But there was triumph as well.
“Most came home and all continued to serve,” he said. “You see their influence everywhere. They were taught Japanese values at home, and American principles of democracy in school.
These men took both of these ideals and translated it into their Hawaiian host culture — what a powerful combination to use to become better soldiers. And better men.”
He noted this is the legacy of the brave and noble men of the 100th Btn.
“This was the very first event I was asked to speak after assuming command of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in 2016,” Johnson said. “It is always my honor and privilege to be invited by Ken to join in this service for the men who served in the 100th Inf. Btn. — The Purple Heart Battalion.”
Johnson continued, “To the Waimea High School JROTC, I am always impressed by your service to our community. Soon, you will inherit the legacy of the men and women who have worn our nation’s cloth. Your time will come like it did for the men of the 100th, and whatever challenge you are presented, I know you will be equal to the task. Remember these men. Celebrate these men, and honor them by trying to be better people.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
