Newsletter - Hawaii Army Museum Society

HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Newsletter
Inside This Issue
A Congressional Gold
Medal for the 100th/
442nd Regimental
Combat Team and the
Military Intelligence
Service
2
4
By Pierre Moulin
Announcement
From the President:
5
2011 Ihe Award Breakfast
Nominee
By GEN (Ret.) David Bramlett
Living History Day,
May 21, 2011
6
A Fun Day to Celebrate Our
Past
Photos By
Earl Nishioka
The 2011 General
Herbert E. Wolff
Memorial Golf
Tournament
From the Director:
Summer, 2011
Vicki Olson
Aloha!
By Pierre Moulin
NINE Presidential
Unit Citations for the
100th/442nd RCT?
www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org
9
Photos By
Tony Grillo &
COL (Ret.) Jimmie Lackey,
HAMS 1st Vice President
May found re-enactors mingling with active duty soldiers and civilians
on the front lawn of the US Army Museum of Hawaii. This event continues to
grow and I wish to thank Museum Store Manager, Sheldon Tyau, for his
energy and contacts in helping the Museum Staff put on another wonderful
event for the public.
On 27 June 130 players joined the 30th Annual
General Herbert E. Wolff Memorial Golf Tournament.
The tournament was held at Kaneohe due to
renovations at the “home” course of Leilehua. Our
energetic and dedicated golf committee and volunteers
didn’t miss a beat at the new venue. It was a beautiful
day with a sprinkle of liquid sunshine and an offshore
“breeze” on the Oceanside holes
We had eleven teams of four Soldiers and
Marines that were sponsored by individuals and
organizations. The community of sponsors outdid
themselves with donations. Please see the Mahalo pages (9 and 10) of this
newsletter.
Midweek photographer, Tony Grillo (808-393-0424), covered the event
and his 138 photographs are available for viewing and/or purchase online at:
Army Museum Fundraiser Golf at Klipper Course - Galleries
http://www.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=8127809. Then
click "Continue." There is no need to log in unless you wish to make a
purchase.
We are close to 2 months away from celebrating the presentation of the
Ihe Award to Mildred Courtney on 9 November at 7 am. All members will
receive an invitation to help celebrate the contributions of our long serving
trustee and selfless community servant.
Vicki Olson
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 2
A Congressional Gold Medal for the 100th/442nd
Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service
By Pierre Moulin
The Congressional Gold Medal is an
award bestowed by the United States Congress
and is, along with the Presidential Medal of
Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. The
decoration is awarded to an individual who
performs an outstanding deed or act of service to
the security, prosperity, and national interest of the
United States. American citizenship is not a
requirement.
The Gold Medal Bill S 1055 passed the
House of Representatives on September 23,
2010, thanks to the leadership and work of
Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Adam
Schiff. This bill recognizes the 100th Infantry
Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and
the Military Intelligence Service with the nation's
highest civilian honor by the United States
Congress. The recognition extends not only to
those who are living but to those who were killed
in action and those who have since passed on.
Congressman Adam Schiff, who
introduced the House version of the bill, had
stated: "... Man for man they were the most
highly decorated combat units of the war. I can't
imagine a group more deserving of Congress'
highest honor."
Terry Shima and Grant Ichikawa, who are
World War II Veterans and leaders of the
Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA),
worked tirelessly with JACL staff in visiting Senate
offices on Capitol Hill to ask for co-sponsorships of
the bill. The Senate had passed S 1055
unanimously and also passed the amendment to
include the Military Intelligence Service to the bill.
With the passage of the amended version in the
House, the next step is for the President to sign
the bill.
JACL National Executive Director, Floyd
Mori, commented on the debate. "It was very
emotional to listen to Congressman after
Congressman extol the valor of the Japanese
American soldiers during World War II in spite of
the fact that their families were incarcerated
behind barbed wire for no reason other than their
race. Many referred to the similarity of then and
today's hatred aimed at loyal Muslim Americans.
We thank the veterans, and we commend the
Congress for the unanimous support of a measure
that provides a great lesson that patriotism is
beyond color and ethnicity."
David Kawamoto, JACL National
President, stated: "The Japanese American
veterans of World War II are absolutely deserving
of this recognition with the nation's highest civilian
honor. Their patriotism during difficult times is
exemplary. This honor is long overdue but
welcome. We are very happy that this bill has
passed so overwhelmingly."
Continued on P. 3.
Photo by Pete Souza
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 3
Photo by Pete Souza
Washington DC – On October 5, 2010 President
Obama officially signed S. 1055 which will grant
the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's
highest civilian award, collectively, to the U.S.
Army's 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team and the Military
Intelligence Service for their extraordinary
accomplishments in World War II. The men in
these units, comprised almost entirely of persons
of Japanese ancestry, fought with uncommon
bravery and valor against our nation's enemies on
the battlefields in Europe and Asia, even while
many of their parents and kin were held in
internment camps. Their record demonstrates an
abiding faith in the American dream, and provides
an indelible testimonial to the meaning of
American patriotism.
Senator Daniel K. Inouye, congress
members Mike Honda, Mazie Hirono, Adam
Schiff, Bob Filner, and Charles Djou were proudly
in attendance along with Secretary of Veteran
Affairs, General Eric Shinseki. Terry Shima, Grant
Ishikawa, Osamu "Sam" Fujikawa, Jimmie
Kanaya, and Yeiichi "Kelly" Kuwayama
represented the veterans at the event. Christine
Yamazaki, Chairperson for the National Veterans
Network also was in attendance. The National
Veterans Network, is a coalition of 22 Japanese
American veteran and civic organizations
nationwide established to serve the interests of
Japanese American WWII and subsequent war
veterans.
Get It at the Museum Store!
WHAT’S NEW: A CD collection of 32 rarely seen films
from WWII and Vietnam.
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 4
NINE Presidential Unit Citations for the 100th/442nd RCT?
By Pierre Moulin
The Presidential Unit Citation, originally
called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded
to units of the Armed Forces of the United States
and allies for extraordinary heroism in action
against an armed enemy on or after 7 December
1941. The unit must display such gallantry,
determination, and esprit de corps in
accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult
and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from
other units participating in the same campaign.
The Citation is carried on the unit's regimental
colors in the form of a long and wide blue
streamer. In the Army, only on rare occasions will
a unit larger than battalion qualify for award of this
decoration.
Since its inception by Executive Order
9075 on February 26, 1942 retroactive to
December 7, 1941 to 2008, the Presidential Unit
Citation has been awarded in such conflicts as the
Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam War,
Iraq War, Afghanistan War and the Cold War. The
degree of heroism required is the same as that
which would warrant award of the Distinguished
Service Cross to an individual.
Currently, the 100th/442nd Regimental
Combat Team has been awarded eight
Presidential Unit Citation streamers, as
follows:
Unit Citation to 100th Bn for action at
Belvedere and Sassetta (Belvedere)
Unit Citation to 2nd Bn, 442nd RCT for
action near Bruyeres (Belmont)
Unit Citation to 2nd Bn for action near
Biffontaine (Biffontaine)
Unit Citation to Company "F" and "L" for
action near Belmont (Belmont)
Unit Citation to 100th Bn for combat action
near Biffontaine (Biffontaine)
Unit Citation to: 232nd Engineer Combat
Company Biffontaine (Vosges)
Unit Citation to 2nd Bn, 442nd RCT for
action near Massa (France & Italy)
Unit Citation to 442nd RCT for Serravezza,
Carrara and Fosdinovo (Gothic line)
Just as the recipient of the Medal of Honor
is recognized by the public not by the General
The Current Eight Streamers Awarded
th
nd
to the 100 /442 RCT
Order paper authorizing it but by the visible blue
medal proudly worn around the neck or the ribbon
on the chest, the Presidential Unit Citation is not
known to everyone by the General Order but by
the streamer attached to the flag. In the case of
the 100th/442nd RCT, this unit now claims eight
Presidential Unit Citations since they display eight
blue streamers on the flag.
However, if one goes by the General
Orders authorizing the banners, the 100th/442nd
RCT could claim NINE citations. Taking a look at
War Department General Order 83 - 6 August
1946, this document should be read in two parts
as the 2nd Battalion received TWO different
streamers at that time:
2nd Battalion
442nd Regimental Combat Team (A)
U.S. Army 1944-5 Biffontaine, France; War
Department General Orders 83, 6 August 1946:
28 and 29 October 1944. On 28 October 1944,
the 2nd Battalion secured its objective in a 2-day
operation, which eliminated a threat to the flanks
of two American divisions. In the face of intense
enemy barrages and numerous counterattacks,
the infantrymen of this battalion fought their way
through difficult jungle-like terrain in freezing
weather and completely encircled the enemy.
For this action, a blue streamer with the
designation “BELMONT” was awarded as follows:
Continued on P. 5.
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
2nd Battalion
442nd Regimental Combat Team (B)
U.S. Army 1945 Massa, Italy; War Department
General Orders 83, U.S. Army 1944 Bruyeres,
France; 19 October 1944 - The 2nd Battalion
executed a brilliant tactical operation in capturing
Hill 503, to expedite the forward movement
beyond Bruyeres, France and to erase the
German threat from the rear.
6 August 1946: 6 to 10 April, 1945 - Maintaining its
admirable record of achievement in the vicinity of
Massa, Italy the 2nd Battalion smashed through
and exploited the strong Green Line on the
Ligurian Coast. Surging over formidable heights
through strong resistance, the 2nd Battalion, in 5
days of continuous, heavy fighting, captured a
series of objectives to pave the way for the entry
into the important communications centers of
Massa and Carrara, Italy, without opposition. In
this operation, the 2nd Battalion accounted for
more than 200 Germans and captured or
destroyed large quantities of enemy materiel.
For these two engagements, a blue
streamer with the designation “FRANCE and
ITALY” was awarded.
Page 5
In my personal opinion, this latter banner
seems inappropriate. If it was awarded as a
general recognition for the 2nd Battalion
campaigns it could be acceptable but in fact
there were two different heroic actions, two
different years, two different battles, two
different theatres of operations, and two
different countries involved. So instead of
having a single streamer, the 2nd Battalion could
claim two different streamers that could be named
“BRUYERES” for the action on October 19, 1944
that liberated the town of Bruyeres and “MASSACARRARA” for an entirely different and heroic
action that took place on April 6 to 10, 1945 in
Italy.
Just as President Truman dramatically
recognized and awarded the 100th/442nd RCT in
1946, I think that the celebration in Washington
DC would be a great opportunity for President
Barrack Obama to replace the streamer “France
and Italy” with two blue streamers named
“Bruyeres” and “Massa – Carrara,” and make the
proclamation that the 100th/442nd RCT is
awarded with 9 Presidential Unit Citations and 21
Medals of Honor, making it without any question
regarding size or length of service, the most highly
decorated unit in the US Army history.
Announcement from the President:
2011 Ihe Award Breakfast Nominee
I am pleased to announce the 2011 Ihe Award Honoree to be Mildred Courtney.
Mildred's contributions to our military community are far too numerous and varied to list in a short
announcement paragraph, and she has concurrently reached out to the larger civilian community to
promote a better appreciation for those who serve and their families. She has also worked to develop
venues for those in uniform to have the opportunity to better understand their role within the expanded
communities of our island and state. She has touched literally thousands in the military community through
her work as an Outrigger Enterprises Group executive, through her volunteer work on several boards
dedicated to the support of the military, and through her personal leadership of so many projects designed
to improve the quality of life for the military in Hawaii. You all know much of what she does for HAMS (but
not all that she does), and that is but a sample of the larger body of generous contributions in many forms
from Mildred Courtney.
We can look forward to a special morning and the opportunity to honor Mildred and her singularly
outstanding example of dedication, compassion, tenacity, and commitment to those in uniform and their
families.
David A. Bramlett
General, U.S. Army (Retired)
President, Hawai’i Army Museum Society
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Living History Day, May 21, 2011:
A Fun Day to Celebrate Our Past
Photos by Earl Nishioka
Page 6
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 7
Living History Day, 2011: Artifacts from the Past
The Army Museum hosted a full display of authentic equipment, weapons, uniforms
and models from various eras of the US Army, thanks to the Hawaii Military Vehicle
Preservation Association, The Hawaii Historic Arms Association, Birds of Paradise
and the Hawaii Civil War Roundtable as well as private owners who donated their
belongings for the occasion.
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 8
Living History Day, 2011: A Full Day of Activities
The Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii, Ka Pa Lua Hawaiian Martial Arts,
the 25th Infantry Division (active duty soldiers and dogs) and US Army
Corps of Engineers provided fun and informative activities including
Celtic dancing and bagpipe playing, performances by dogs and trainers
to show work with search and rescue, and the presentation of famous
and historic films.
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 9
Hawaii Army Museum Society (HAMS)
GEN Herbert E. Wolff Golf Tournament
Our annual golf tournament was held on May 27, 2011 at the Klipper Golf Course, Kaneohe Marine Base.
All who attended enjoyed the fine Hawaiian weather and good food and contributed in a very great way to
support the Hawaii Army Museum. Our big mahalo to all those who participated as players, organizers,
donors and volunteers!
MAHALO to our SPONSORS & DONORS!
Title Sponsor: Tawani Foundation, Pritzker Military Library
Dinner & Lunch Sponsor: Island Palms Community, LLC
Cart Sponsor: TriWest Healthcare Alliance
HOLE-IN-ONE INSURANCE:
John Buttine Insurance Company, NYC
PATRIOT SPONSORS:
BAE Systems
Frank Boas
Dr. Ann Carroll & Dr. Miguel Vasquez
Dubik Associates, LLC
HEW Limited Partnership
Leilani & Ed Keough
LTC (Ret.) Ed Keyes
Pasha Hawaii
Ambassador Charles B. Salmon, Jr.
United Laundry Services, Inc.
Thomas M. Ushijima
GOLD SPONSORS:
Outrigger Enterprises Group
SILVER SPONSORS:
David & Nora Bramlett
HEW Limited Partnership
Harriet Aoki
Royal Aloha Vacation Club
go! Mokolele Airlines
DONORS
COL Ken Batts
Mrs. Joan S. Bellinger
Buddy Bess
COL (Ret.) Gordon W. Cho
Clinton R. Churchill
Mike Culkin
Bobbee Mills Diaz
Walter A. Dods, Jr.
Wilfred K. Dunn
Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Du Pont
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Guild
ADM (Ret.) Ronald J. Hays
Island Network Solutions
LTC (Ret.) Glenn A. Kowal
COL (Ret.) Jimmie R. Lackey
William F. & Mary B. Murdy Fund
John F. Nielsen
CW4 (Ret) Howard S. Okada
Vicki Olson
COL (Ret.) Walter M. Ozawa
COL (Ret.) David M. Peters
Alfred B. Rodrigues
Jean E. Rolles
COL (Ret.) John B. Seely
CMSgt (Ret.) Richard D. Semmel
COL (Ret.) Gerald J. Silva
COL (Ret.) Albert F. Turner
COL (Ret.) Richard E. Van Ness, Jr.
Mary H. Weyand
Glenn M. Winterbottom
Background photo by Tony Grillo
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 10
Hawaii Army Museum Society (HAMS)
General Herbert E. Wolff Memorial Golf Tournament
30th Year
Grand Prize:
2 Nights Kamaole Sands (Castle Resorts & Hotels), Maui,
4 Rounds of Golf at Kaanapali Golf Course,
& 2 Roundtrip Tickets on go! Mokulele Airlines
The Grand Prize was won by Marine SGT Julian Ranas.
Mahalo to Our Prize Donors:
Bess Press
Big Island Candies
Castle Resorts & Hotels
Dole Food Company, Hawaii
Four Seasons Golf Lana’i
Germaine’s Luau Hawaii
go! Mokolele Airlines
BGen (Ret) Jerome T. Hagan
Halekulani
Dr. Nora Harmsen, DDS
Hawaii Kai Golf Course
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Telcom
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
& Spa
Gerald P. Joering
Kaanapali Golf Resort
Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course
LTC (Ret) Leonard Katsarsky
Maj (Ret) & Mrs. Rodney Kimura
Ko Olina Golf Club
KOP Distributors, LLC
Le Bistro
Makalei Golf Club
Maui Divers
Mauna Lani Resort Golf
McKinley Car Wash
Michele’s at the Colony Surf
Poipu Bay Golf Course
Pukalani Country Club
Royal Aloha Vacation Club
SONY Hawaii Company
James D. Swoish, Inc.
The Plaza Club
U.S. Army Garrison Golf Courses
Waikoloa Beach & Golf Resort
COL (Ret) Philip M. Whitney, Jr.
Rick Wolff
Zippy’s Restaurant
Other Winners
Closest to the Pin:
Hole # 4: Zeke Schmus
Hole # 6: Scott McLaughlin
Hole # 11: Brandon Phillips
Hole # 18: Ed Pei
Putting Contest: Pat Nelson
Female Winner – Most Accurate Drive: Sue Murray
Male Winner – Most Accurate Drive: Robert West
Team Prizes A Flight: Peter Bulanow & Don Birdseye
Team Prizes B Flight: Chester Kaneshiro & Denis Nekoa
Patriot Flight: Brandon Phillips & Evan Hilty
Background photo by COL (Ret.) Jimmie Lackey
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Photos by Tony Grillo
Page 11
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Photos by Tony Grillo
Page 12
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Photos by Tony Grillo
Page 13
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Après Golf Activity Photos by COL (Ret.) Jimmie Lackey
Page 14
HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM SOCIETY
Page 15
Mahalo to all!
Hawaii Army Museum Society
P. O. 8064
Honolulu, HI 96830-0064
To:
Hawaii Army Museum Society News (HAMS)
HAMS’ 2011 Officers and Trustees
HAMS Events for 2011
HONORHONORARY TRUSTEE: TRUSTEES:
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
PRESIDENT:
David A. Bramlett
1st VICE PRESIDENT:
Jimmie R. Lackey
VICE PRESIDENTS:
Frank Boas
Mildred M. Courtney
Francis I. Mossman
Walter M. Ozawa
Gerry Silva
SECRETARY:
Albert F. Turner
TREASURER:
Ronald T. Y. Choo
INTERNAL AUDITOR:
David M. Shanahan
Charles N. Cardinal
Irwin K. Cockett
Harvey Gray
Edward Y. Hirata
Leonard G. Katsarsky
Edward B. Keyes
Darrell R. Large
Victoria W. Olson
Edward V. Richardson
Frank D. Slocum
Thomas M. Ushijima
Philip M. Whitney, Jr.
TRUSTEES EMERITUS:
Jack R. Corteway
Robert N. Katayama
Henry S. Kuniyuki
Donald L. MacGregor
Barbara F. Mills
John F. Nielsen
William W. Paty, Jr.
David M. Peters
Alfred B. K. Rodrigues
Walter K. Tagawa
Arthur T. Yamamoto
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Victoria W. Olson
HAMS Board of Trustees
Meetings for 2011:
Living History Day:
U.S. Army Museum of
Hawaii, May 21, 2011
Apr, 27 July 27, Oct 26
Golf Tournament:
HAMS Executive
Committee Meetings for 2011:
Klipper Golf Course,
MCB Kaneohe
May 27, 2011
Ihe Award Breakfast
Nov. 9, 2011, 7:00 AM
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18,
Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 17,
Sept 21, Oct 19, Nov 16
Dec 21
Meetings are held at noon at Hawaii Army
Museum Society Diamond Head Parapet
on Wednesdays as noted above.
Hours of operation for the U. S. Army Museum of Hawaii
and the Museum Store are:
Tuesday through Saturday from
9 AM until 5 PM.
Museum Store:
Store Manager:
808-955-9552
Sheldon Tyau