In January 1943, the US War Department announced the formation of the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team made up of Japanese American volunteers from Hawaii and the mainland.
Due to their outstanding bravery and the heavy combat duty they faced, they became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and length of service. There were over 18,000 individual decorations for bravery, 9,500 Purple Hearts, and seven Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations.
Feb. 1, 1943: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team is activated, made up entirely of Japanese Americans.
Oct. 27-30, 1944: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team rescues an American battalion which had been cut off and surrounded by the enemy.
Eight hundred casualties are suffered by the 442nd to rescue 211 men.
July 15, 1946: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team is received on the White House lawn by President Truman. "You fought not only the enemy but you fought prejudice - and you have won," remarks the president.
For more information, go to www.njahs.org.
