100TH INfANTRY BATTALION VETERANS Clue

E 2007

THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT by Robert Arakaki

The Board meeting was held on March 9, 2007 at 10:00 AM. At the outset, a moment of silence was observed.

Mike Harada and Ann Ishida-Ho attended the meeting, representing the Descendants Chapter. They announced that the following are slated to be named as officers of the chapter: Ann Ishida-Ho, Bert Hamakado, and Dexter Tanaka.

The minutes of the February meeting, the Office Manager's report and the Treasurer's report were approved unanimously. The following committee reports were made:

Apartment: The apartments are fully occupied. House: The driveway and the front parking area will be paved, free of charge, by the fIrm

which employs GOlO Sumida's son-in-law. Long Range: A report will be made at the next meeting. Scholarship: No report. _ Anniversary Banquet: 35 registration forms have been received so far. Deadline for early­

bird discount is April 6, 2007.

On April 20, 2007, Brian Tsutsui, a teacher at Pearl City High School, will bring his students to the Clubhouse to learn more about the accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion. As part of their lesson, they would like to talk to the veterans themselves about their experiences. They expect to be at the Clubhouse from 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM. I hope that many of you veterans will be there to be a part of their learning process. Please call Amanda if you can attend.

The Board approved a letter supporting the reappointment of Maj. Gen. Robert G. F. Lee as State Adjutant General.

Sgt. Major Harold Estabrooks, who is the driving force behind the group of Reservists who tum out to help the veterans maintain our clubhouse, will soon be reassigned to the Fort Benning Combat Training Replacement Center. We can't thank. him enough, not only for his volunteer work but for instilling in his men the values learned from the men of the 100th.

Amanda Stevens thanked the Board for allowing her to attend the Not-for-Profit Management Certificate Program at KCC. She received a full scholarship from KCC and from the Government Employee Training Fund which means that there is no cost to the club.

For updates regarding the grants, please read the Office Manager's Report.

PPPVOLUNTEERS by Joy Teraoka

Despite having our February collation on a Wednesday instead of a Friday, many volunteers reported for duty ever-faithfully. Things started out rather "bumpy" as the early birds who started collating from 7:00 am had missed including the flyer insert. However, things were corrected in time, and your PPP newsletter was in due course assembled and ready for mailing.

Thanks again for our collators, staplers, creasers, labelers, stampers, and others whose tasks contributed to the distribution of our Puka Puka Parade: Otomatsu Aoki, Alfred Arakaki, Robert

Arakaki, Akira Akimoto, Kunio Fujimoto, Mary Hamasaki, Ed !kuma, Susumu Kunishige, Don and Kimi Matsuda, Philip Matsuyama (who brings cans of fruit drinks), Masanori Moriwake, Joichi Muramatsu, Saburo Nishime, Tom Nishioka, AId Nosaka, Nancy Sakaki, Mamoru Sato, Robert Sato, Hiromi Suehiro, Goro Sumida, Dot Tamashiro, Drusilla Tanaka, Denis and Joy Teraoka, Martin Tohara, Rikio and Evelyn Tsuda, Tom Tsubota, and Takako Umamoto.

Our thanks to Kimi Matsuda for volunteering to learn the procedure of preparing the bulk mail postal forms. She will be a great help to me. Please check our PPP calendar for the next collation date.

65TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE

Please remember, the early bird registration deadline is April 6th so please send your completed registration form and payment right away! You will save up to $15 per person ($5 for the Bash and $10 for the luncheon) if we receive your completed registration by the 6th. Additional copies of the registration forms can be picked up at the Clubhouse or you can access our website at hqp://home.hawaii.rr.com/ong?ukapukal to download the form.

Your committee continues to work hard planning the various events in the hope that you will remember the 65th Anniversary Celebration as a weekend to remember!

Please contact Joyce Doi at phone (808) 677-9398 if you have any suggestions. Also, we still need volunteers, especially from the Sons & Daughters (and their sons and daughters). Please contact Warren Yamamoto at daisyy@hawaiiantel.net to offer your help.

GALLERY OF HEROES by Evelyn Tsuda

On March 8, 2007, the Hawaii Army Museum Society held a ceremony to induct and memorialize into the Gallery of Heroes at Fort DeRussy four recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross. All four inductees were members of the 100th Battalion who were residents of Hawaii at the~

. nme=tfiey entere<fthemibtarY servlce.- TbeFourhonoreeswere: .-- .. . .... . . - .

DIS11NGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Pfc. Kiiehi Koda (A Co.) for heroism near Castellina, Italy, on

July 9, 1944.

S/Sgt. Itsumu Sasaoka (A Co.) for his valor near Belmont, France on October 22, 1944.

Cpl. Masaru Suehiro (A Co.) for heroism near Cerasuolo, Italy, on November 29,1943.

Pfc. Robert H. Yasutake (C Co.) for valor near Lanuvio, Italy, on June 2, 1944.

(The heroes were represented by their family members.)

The ceremony, held under cloudy skies with just a hint of vog, was very impressive, complete with the Hawaii National Guard band offering stirring music. Ret. General David Bramlett, President of the Hawaii Army Museum Society, introduced the heroes and read the citations. He was especially moved to do so since he is an honorary member of the 100th Battalion.

The 100th members and spouses who were present at the ceremony were Shizuya Hayashi, Robert and Nancy Arakaki, Goro Sumida, Riki and Evelyn Tsuda, Stu Tsubota, Otomatsu Aoki, Mieko Muroshige, Kunio Fujimoto, Alfred and Paulette Arakaki, and Marge Toma.

The Gallery of Heroes at the US Army Museum of Hawaii honors Hawaii's citizens who served in the Nation's defense with focus on the recipients of the Nation's two highest valor awards, the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, or its equivalents, the Navy Cross and the Air Force Cross. Persons who were born in Hawaii, entered service from Hawaii, or permanently resided in Hawaii for at least 10 years are eligible for induction. Counting the four newly inducted men, there are 21 MOH and 51 DSC recipients memorialized in the Gallery of Heroes.

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IN !M.~!M.02U.7t:M.

Arthur M. !kama A Company December 6, 2006

James M. Uehara DCompany December 15,2006

Paul T. Tamura BCompany March 5, 2007

Masao Sakaida CCompany February 28, 2007

Masaru Nambara CCompany March 1, 2007

Ted Ohira Mainland - Honorary March 12, 2007

Our ~epest sympatny to tfieir famiCies.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF MARTY BIGGINS

Many veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion will remember him as a true friend who dedicated much of his time and energy in telling the public about the 10Otb/442nd's role in saving the Lost Battalion in France, and how these Japanese-Americans deserved to be recognized as true Americans who deserved the equality, rights and privileges bestowed by our Constitution upon its citizens.

Even when his own health was waning, he went out of his way to honor the 100thl442nd RCT. He, too, was a man of great courage and integrity.

May he rest in peace.

Denis K. Teraoka (IOOth Inf. Bn., Co. D)

SALUTE AND EULOGY TO MARTY BlooIlfS by Joy Teraoka

Another heroic figure of World War II, Martin "Marty" J. Higgins, passed away on February 26,2007. We first wrote about Marty in our July 2004 issue when he was invited to participate in the World War II Memorial Dedication festivities in Washington, D.C. The Library of Congress Veterans History Project and the J:Tanese American Veterans Association jointly arranged a reunion of the veterans of the 100th/442n and the 1st Battalion, 141 81 (Alamo) Regiment, 36th (Texas) Division. Marty, Commanding Officer of the encircled 1st Battalion (Lost Battalion), was the guest speaker.

Higgins described his unit's seemingly hopeless situation in October 1944 in the Vosges Mountains of France. Higgins recalled his unit's dire situation in being trapped in an iron encirclement bl German forces and the failure of two sister battalions to break through to them. When the 100 1442nd was then committed to battle, Higgins described his unit's elation on being rescued by the Japanese Americans. He expressed his criticism of the division command for not publicly crediting the 100th/442nd for the rescue at the time and condemned the internment and loss of homes and possessions of the families of the JA troops who performed so bravely. He told the 100th/442nd veterans, "You have spared the US Government the embarrassment of having lost a battalion."

Marty said, "When I visited the Japanese American National Memorial near the U.S. Capitol Building and faced the wall of over 600 Nisei names chiseled into the granite wall, I had the same chill that ran down my spine on two previous occasions - one, when I visited Punchbowl a few years

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ago and the other when I saw the Nisei as they broke through the German lines to save us. Two hundred eleven survived because of you but I grieve every day for the casualties you took. I felt highly respectful and humbled facing the best fighting force in the United States Army."

After waiting endlessly for relief, when the Nisei soldiers fmally broke through the lines to rescue the "Lost Battalion" Higgins' message to General John E. Dahlquist's headquarters was, "Patrol 442 here. Tell them we love them." Thereafter, throughout his life, whenever there was an opportunity to advocate the rights of or to recognize the achievements of the AlA citizenry, Marty was there to lend his voice to their cause.

Martin Higgins was born on January 29, 1916, and raised in an Irish Catholic household in Jersey City, New Jersey. It is interesting to note that in those days, especially on the east coast, "one's ethnicity defmed one's life." Prejudices and discrimination existed among different ethnic groups. Higgins encountered prejudice against those of Irish descent and even of Catholic faith. He lived "on the hill" among the "Lace Curtain-Irish" as opposed to the ''Shanty-Irish.'' At the bottom of the hill, on his way to school, he had to pass through the Italian neighborhood where "he took and gave his fair share of lumps." But with Marty's winning personality he soon made friends with an Italian fellow, Ed Salli, who became his lifelong friend. Despite experiencing discrimination, Marty himself did not see color, race or religion. He took people at face value, and assessed them by their deeds. He bore no prejudice because of the color of one's skin. One of Marty's early military assignments was serving with great pride as a young officer with the legendaty Black unit known as the ''Buffalo Soldiers" of the 10th Cavalry.

When the 10th Cavalry was disbanded in March 1944, Higgins joined the 36th Infantry and served with Company A, 141 st Regiment which traced its origin back to Colonel William Travis of the famous battle of the Alamo. He fought with his troops during the invasion of Southern France at San Raphael on August 15, 1944. They moved up the Rhone Valley through the Vosges Mountains where they were almost annihilated when the Germans completely surrounded them from the 23rd to the 31 st of October 1944. Isolated from their own units, Lt. Higgins was chosen by his peers to assume command of his organization. Despite heavy artillery and mortar fife, he skillfully directed his men in establishing a perimeter defense. Without food and water they also suffered from a series of lJ.eayy_Germ~atU!Cks._Lt. J:!iggins worked tirele~sly and_ ~~eo~1y ~o I!!aintain t1!~ m.0ra!e of his men. He exposed himself to hostile fire to recover supplies that missed their mark and landed close to enemy territory. His courage and leadership inspired his men and kept them well organized. For his dynamic leadership and valor he was awarded the Silver Star.

In December 1944, near Sigolsheim (Alsace), Marty was captured by the Germans. He described this episode as one of his worst experiences of the war. He suffered horribly at the hands of the enemy. Hitler's henchman, Heinrich Rimmler, interrogated him before sending Marty off to OFLAG 64 in Szubin, Poland. He was one of 475 out of the 1400 officers who began the "Winter Death March" from OFLAG 64 to STALAG 3A (Luckenwalde, Germany) which lasted two months, covering 360-miles through sub-zero freezing temperatures. On April 22, 1945, when Higgins regained his stren~ he managed to escape from STALAG 3A. During his period of imprisonment, he had won a field commission to the rank of captain.

When the war ended, he began a successful career in sales with the United States Playing Card Company in New York which lasted 33 years until his retirement. Then at 66 years of age, Higgins returned to the college and earned a master's degree in education, and devoted his time teaching literacy to adults and tutoring young people.

In the year 2000, Marty was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 442nd's Memorial Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). It was one of the most awesome moments of his life. To Marty it was a debt of honor he directed to the old veterans offering "my regrets for your losses, to give you thanks for your bravery and sacrifice, for myself, for the others in the Lost Battalion, and for the country for which you fought."

Although we grieve his passing, we are thankful that such a man as Marty has affected the lives of so many by his strength of character, integrity, courage and sensitivity. To Marty, farewell. You have done your duty. Rest in peace.

(Sources: July 2004 issue of Puka Puka Parade, pg. 4; "Eulogy for Martin J. Higgins -Delivered Saturday 10 March 2007" by Michael Higgins; "Message from the Battalion Commander" address delivered by Martin Higgins at the 442nd ReT 57th Anniversary Memorial Service, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific-Punchbowl, March 25,2000; Jwt Americans by Robert Asahina)

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NISEI 'PURPLE HEART BATTALION' EARNS PLACE IN HISTORY trom VFW Magazine '1InnI'.vfw.orgJlDdex.cfm?fa=newa.ma gDt1&dtl=4&mld=3897J

(please read the Office Mahalo Report on pages 12-13 for more details on this article).

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, no unit.in WWII had more to prove to a wary nation than the Nisei soldiers (second-generation Japanese-Americans) who made up the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT). And of that group, the 100th Infantry Battalion has been regarded by some as among the greatest fighting units on the battlefields of Italy and France. In June 1942, the Hawaii Territorial Guard's 298th and 299th infantry regiments were reformed into the first all-Nisei unit, the 100th Infantry Battalion. They chose as their motto "Remember Pearl Harbor."

After training on the mainland, the l00th was sent to Oran, Algeria. By early September 1943, it w~ attached to the 133rd Regt., 34th Inf. Div. From there, 1,432 soldiers of the 100th landed at Salerno, Italy, on Sept. 22. Combat with the Germans came seven days later, along with the 10Oth's first KIA, Sgt. Joe Takata. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the first of many to be awarded in the unit. The 100th helped push the Germans northward, fighting along the Volturno River to Monte Cassino and Anzio. Cassino was remembered as the toughest of all the battles in the Italian campaign. During freezing temperatures and rain, well-entrenched Germans, especially snipers, wreaked a deadly toll-48 KIA and 134 WIA.

By May 1944, the newly trained "Go For Broke" 442nd RCT had arrived in Naples, Italy. The l00th became its first battalion, though retaining its 100th designation. By then, nine months of heavy casualties had reduced the unit to 521 men, thus earning its famed nickname, "Purple Heart Battalion. "

By the end of September 1944, the 442nd was fighting in France in the Vosges Mountains near the towns ofBruyeres and Biffontaine. After successful campaigns there, the 442nd's next battle became its most famous-the rescue of the "Lost Battalion." The 1st Bn., 141st Inf., 36th Inf. Div., had been surrounded near Biffontaine since Oct. 24. Hitler had sent orders to prevent any relief of the battalion despite attempts of the 141st Regiment's other two battalions. On Oct. 31, after five bloody days and nights of continuous fighting in dense woods, the 442nd at last broke through to the "Lost Battalion. "

The 442nd was ordered back to Italy in March 1945. Its mission now was to help crack the German's Gothic Line protecting the Po Valley. Employing a diversionary tactic, the 100th led a frontal charge against a well-fortified hill while the other battalions flanked the Germans. The battle lasted only 32 minutes. A massive U.S. offensive followed the breakthrough that eventually led to the end of the German army in Italy. By the war's end, the 100th had earned eight Medals of Honor, 24 Distinguished Service Crosses, 147 Silver Stars, 1,703 Purple Hearts and three Presidential Unit Citatfons.

In 1947, the l00th was reactivated in Hawaii as an Organized Reserve unit. During the Korean and Vietnam wars, individual members were activated and attached to other units, but never served collectively as the tOOth. During the Korean War, one member, Hiroshi Miyamura, received the Medal of Honor, and seven were killed. Nine members died in Vietnam.

In the mid-1950s, the battalion was uniquely authorized to wear its own patch, "Torch of Freedom." It is the only battalion-sized Army unit allowed to do so today.

Preserving the Legacy: Since their first days of training in WWII, soldiers of the 100th had put aside $2 of each paycheck into a fund that, by the war's end, had amassed to $50,000. In 1952, the 100th Infantry Battalion Association used the funds to build a clubhouse and an apartment complex in Honolulu. Today, by renting the apartments out, enough revenue is generated to cover all of the club's operating expenses. Less than 500 members of the 100th are still living. Each September, near the date of its first KIA, the lOOth along with other WWII Japanese-American veterans holds a memorial ceremony to remember those killed in the war.

The 100th maintains a strong bond to the current battalion and adopted the unit during its recent deployment to Iraq. Robert Arakaki, the IOOth Association's president, said his group was proud of the 10Oth's service in Iraq. "They maintained our legacy," he said. "And they did it from the heart" Sgt. Maj. Harold Estabrooks says he makes sure 100th soldiers stationed on Oahu contribute their time to activities at the clubhouse. "I want them to understand the heritage of the battalion," he said.

That connection was most apparent during a funeral in December 2006 for Edward Harada, an original member of the 10Oth. Estabrooks' soldiers provided the color guard and burial service. Harada's son, Michael, who sits on the board of directors for the 100th Association, is determined to see that the 10Oth's accomplishments are preserved. "It is fitting and proper that their descendants and America's public remember what they stood for and did for their generation and all following generations," he said. "It's up to us to never forget their legacy."

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DIS AND DAT by Ray Nosalm

Tax filing time is just around the comer. I hope you have all filed and will get a big refund. I'm hoping for a refund to make up for the loss in playing the machines in Las Vegas last week. (Big gambler like me lost $23.001) Ald, Ann and I had the pleasure of joining the 442nd "0" Company members at their annual reunion held at the Fremont Hotel. We tried to contribute something towards the entertainment by leading the community . singing and rendering a number. Fred Ida did an excellent job of emceeing.

Sad to say--Our Hui Hanele Aikane Ukulele group has lost another member. Last week Ted Ohira passed away--he was one of our mainland members who always joined us every year at the mini-reunions- we will surely miss his beautiful voice and his yodeling. Our deepest sympathy to Chiz.

So far, there are about 47 people from Hawaii signed up to attend the Mini-reunion in October. You are still welcome to join us if you wish. We will print their names in the next issue. In August we will have a luncheon and the luggage tags will be passed out then. We will keep you posted.

DESCENDANTS CHAPTER by Dexter Tanaka

Greetings to all,

As . you know by now, the Descendants Chapter is on its way to becoming a reality. We have an initial Executive Committee composed of Ann Ishida-Ho, Bert Hamakado, and myself, Dexter Tanaka. Our mentor, Mike Harada, should also be given a big Mahalo for all his Kokua.

The issues that we are working on are: 1) Our by-laws. 2) How we can help in the scheduled events for the year. 3) Membership Drive. __. ____._ ~~ __ . _c __ ~ __ ~. _

4). How-tO oesfperpetWite the legacy ofthelOOtli Infantry Battalion Veterans.

The next Descendants Chapter meeting is at 9:00 a.m., April 22, 2007 at the Clubhouse. Please make every effort to attend. When our fathers got the call, they put their lives on the line. They fought against prejudice for our freedom and democracy. This is a "Call To Arms" for our generation to perpetuate their legacy, to receive the torch, and to use it to light the way for future generations.

Yours in service.

BAKER CHAPTER NEWS by Evelyn Tsuda

Our March meeting was attended by Joe Muramatsu (Pres.), Ann Kabasawa (VP and acting secretary), Evelyn Tsuda (treasurer), Robert Arakaki, Kenneth Muroshige, Rikio Tsuda, Sonsei Nakamura, Richard Yamashina, Tom Tsubota, Tokuji Ono, and first-timer Joyce Doi (S&D). Regulars Bernard Akamine, Raymond Nosaka, Drusilla Tanaka (secretary), Lefty Tanigawa, and Takeo Azama were "MIA". It was nice to have Joyce present to give us more information about the coming anniversary celebration.

Our regular monthly meeting in May on the 19th will be combined with a get-together of the veterans, wives, widows and other chapter members. Lunch will be served and you will have lots of opportunity to ''talk stories" to find out what's been happening to each other. Bingo games will be played to add some excitement. More details will follow.

We received a very generous donation from Helen Furusho in memory of her husband Yasuto. MAHALO, Helen. Donations are always appreciated because it means we can carry on our chapter activities without selling huli huli chicken, chili tickets, etc.

Paul T. Tamura passed away on March 5, 2007. We extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Janet Tamura and children Paula and Jason. Paul was assigned to B Co. as a replacement.

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DOG CHAPTER NEWS by Helen Nikaido

2007 Japan Autumn Tour News: "Opu" Hiranaka is now working on the itinerary and he will have more information in the May issue of the PPP.

HEADQUARTERS CHAPTER NEWS by Ed Ikuma

I will be filling in for our very efficient chapter secretary and scribe, Jan Sakoda, by reporting a few items of information and news. Jan is on a well deserved vacation off island and should be back for the next issue of the PPP.

Headquarters Chapter meeting was held on Saturday, March 10, in the lounge with 9 members present. In the absence of President Seisaburo Taba, Vice-President Dot Tamashiro conducted the meeting. Filling in for secretary Jan was Elsie Oshita. .

As this goes to press, the Headquarters Chapter's get .. together luncheon was held at the Shogun on March 27. This function will be covered more in detail in the next issue of the PPP.

A belated thank you to Midori Hirano for her generous donation to this chapter. Sorry for the delay.in acknowledgment, Midori.

President Taba, after surgery on his stomach area early in February, underwent another surgery soon after, this time for cataract. He reassures us that he has used up all his sick leave for the year so will be attending all the scheduled HQ Chapter meetings and board meetings hereafter.

Drew Matsuura, grandson of Elsie Oshita and heir to a great baseball career, made the active lolani School baseball team roster recently. He appears to have inherited the sports talent of his late grandpa Mitchell but baseball is his forte.

Make your reservations ASAP for our coming 65th anniversary reunion in June. It's later than you think, so check with Dot Tamashiro for your table seating.

Our next meeting is on April 14.

RURAL CHAPTER CHATTER by Ted Hamaau

On February 12, I was asked by Ms. Stevens to pick up some pupus from Aiea Manapua. I was now involved in the "Mahalo for the Kokua to Fix the Clubhouse" movement. The following day, I picked up the pupus at 2:30 PM, as arranged, and wasted no time in delivering it to the clubhouse to have it ready for the hungry guys. As soon as I unloaded the goodies, I joined Ray Nosaka's ukulele group in a practice session. We were to furnish the music while the guests and others ate the 000 kaukau. I guess we played for about half an hour before we were released and went to have our pupus. We were expecting 65 to 70 guests who had assisted us in fIXing up the club house to the condition it is in today. MAHALO to all and I hope you enjoyed the 000 kaukau.

Rural Chapter received a generous donation from Mrs. Joann Tengan in memory of her father, Charles Nishimura, who died in 2006. We thank you very much for your generosity.

The Descendants Chapter has been activated and on its way to reality. The executive officers are Ann Ishida-Ho, Dexter Tanaka and Bert Hamakado. We met some of the leaders of the group and they are in the process of working on the by-laws, etc.

A Pearl City High School teacher has made arrangements with the office to have his students visit the clubhouse on April 20, 2007 from 9:00 to 11:15AM. The teacher is Brian Tsutsui and he teaches Modem Hawaiian History. The class will be covering the exploits of the 1 OOth, and he requested to have the living heroes meet with the students. If you plan to be there, call Ms. Stevens at the office.

Our next meeting will be at 11 :00 AM on 18 May 2007 at LCC. Our meeting room is the one next to the Security Office. See you all there!

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CHARLIE CBAPTER·NEWS by Wayne M. Nagao

The luncheon meeting held on February 24, Saturday, was a success. Mrs. Fukako Felicia Ishitani was nice enough to invite all the folks who had attended the late Saburo Ishitani' s birthday party. It was a 12-course meal and it was awesome. We started offwith a brief meeting and the rest was feast time.

I must apologize for not getting the notice printed in time. Amanda, our office manager, was nice enough to insert the time for the luncheon meeting for Charlie Chapter in the "Calendar of Events" section of the PPP with such a short notice. Thanks, Amanda. Attendees wee Kazuto and Lynn Shimizu, Stanley and Doris Kimura, Warren Iwai, Edward Ikuma, Skip Tomiyama, Takako Umamoto, 100th President Robert Arakaki, Norman Oda (HQ) and Elsie Oshita (HQ).

MAM CHAPTER NEWS by Stanley Izumigawa

The photo on the right is of your Maui Chapter News Reporter in the foothills just above the town of Vallechia in Tuscany, Italy, taken in 2004 from across the valley, shows "Georgia Hill" (second peak,--______________________ ---.

from the left) on the Gothic Line, where "A" Company, led by the Second Platoon, attacked on April 5, 1945, and where Sadao Munemori, Medal of Honor recipient, was KIA. Back then the whole ridge was denuded from prolonged shelling -_ it_ is covered by thick brush and trees. Also, it is difficult to discern in the photo but, just beyond the rope fence. the valley drops hundreds of feet to the floor below.

I can still recall the eerie feeling of seeing grenades hurtling toward us from enemy positions just above. Luckily, the grenades landed a few yards in front or sailed over us and exploded down the side of the valley behind us. "B" and "c" Companies later by passed us and carried on the attack along the ridge. Those who were there will remember the four P-47 Thunderbolts that fired rockets and strafed the enemy positions. I also recall seeing the enemy evacuating their wounded with the protection of a large white flag with a red cross.

As reported earlier, Maui Chapter has 19 veterans on its roster and the names of the 13 who are original IOOth were listed in the previous issue. The 6 replacements are:

Satoji "Butch" Arisumi, a late replacement, who is club vice president. Kunio Ogawa, one of3 brothers who served in the IOOth-442nd

•

Fred Yamashige and Arthur Kurahara from "D" Company. Haruo Ikeuchi and Stan lzumigawa from "A" Company.

Haruo recently suffered a stroke and is recovering from surgery at Hale Makua, a nursing home facility.

On Saturday, March 10, Maui Chapter's Board was invited by the 44200 to the annual Installation Dinner of the Maui AJA and 442nd veterans clubs. Secretary Ed and Mrs. Nishihara, Director Willie Goo, and Advisor Tom Yamada who were able to attend were introduced and presented leis. Unable to make it were vice president Butch Arisumi, Treasurer Tom Nagata, and auditor Tsukio Yamagata.. Club president Stan Izumigawa, who is also president of the 442nd club, was among the persons installed.

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MAIKLAND CHAPTER NEWS by Sam Fujikawa

Better late than never. We want to report that Jason Young's (Counselor at the Gardena VA Center) Shinnenenkai gathering at the Sea Empress Restaurant on January 19th was enjoyed by over 100 veterans and family members from the 100th/442nd

, MIS, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Desert Storm. The delicious lunch arranged by Harry Kanada afforded a cha.nce for everyone to mingle and to get to know each other better. Jason Young ,welcomed all veterans to learn about and utilize the many benefits available to them. He introduced his staff from the Vet Center: RaIf Villarreal, Lily Tisu, Dana Cook, Femi Guillermo and also Robert Weems from the East L.A. Veterans Administration. Special Guest, Christine Sato, from the Go for Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) spoke briefly on the importance of the Oral History Program and the need for more veterans. who have not yet been interviewed to do so by contacting the GFBNEC. Chiz Ohira and Teri Fujikawa were assisted by Mildred Ikemoto, Chris Ichikawa and Howard Tanaka who pitched in to process over 100 attendees. A wonderful program was enjoyed by Ted Ohira'.s rendition of the 100/442 Fight Song and happy music provided by Vietnam veterans Roy Smith and Rosemond Gordon and some fun door prizes for the lucky number holders. Jason's lovely wife, Kold,joined in the festivities as did 100th members, Henry and Blsie Hayashi, Koke and Bonnie Horino, Nob and Shiz Kagawa, Ken and Hisa Miya, Don and Sets Miyada, Ed and Amy Nakazawa, James and Yuri Ogawa, Chiz and Ted Ohira, Duke Ogawa, Fumi Sakato, Douglas Tanaka and son Howard, Harry and Harumi Sasaki, Mas Takahashi, Ben and Jean Tagami, Toe Yoshino, Toke and Rae Yoshihashi, and Sam and Teri Fujikawa.

Another happy gathering was our annual ValentinelInstallation Luncheon which was held on February 10 at the PCH Seafood Restaurant in Torrance. A wonderful delicious menu arranged by Beverly Picazo was enjoyed by Mas and EIma Takahashi, James and Yuri Ogawa, Toe Yoshinot

Sueko Aiso, Kei and Chisato Yamaguchi, Ken and Hisa Miya, Ed and Amy Nakazawa, Hank and Elsie Hayashi, Ben and Jean Tagami, Joyce Bing, Hamson Hamasaki, Toddie Gates, Steve and Sonya Sato, Chiz and Ted Ohira, Toke and Rae Yoshihashi, "John W~ Duke Ogawa, Douglas Tanaka and son Howard, Fumi Sakato, Harry Fukasawa, Harry and Harumi Sasaki, Beverly and Carlos Picazo, and Sam and Teri Fujikawa. Beverly had Valentine goodie bags which included a cute fluffy pig-this year being the wild boar year-for all the ladies. Kei and Chisato Yamaguchi had jars of their special "kin kan" jam and Harrison and Toddie had a lovely Valentine treat, also for the ladies. The followitig officers for the coming year were duly installed by John Wakamatsu, President of the 100/442 Association: President Sam Fujikawa, Vice President Ben Tagami, Treasurer Harry Fukasawa, and Secretary Amy Nakazawa. After we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Henry Hayashi who turned 91, every one took home a piece of yummy chocolate chiffon dobash cake that was donated by Sam and Teri.

Glad to see all of you who made it to our 100th meeting on March 17. Faithful 100th members often seen volunteering at the GFBNEC in Torrance and/or as docents at the monument site in Little Tokyo are Ted and Chiz Ohira, Toke Yoshibashi, Ed and Amy Nakazawa, Ken and Hisa Miya, Koke Horino, and Toe Yoshino. Henry Hayashi and Douglas Tanaka faithfully keep the Go for Broke Monument decorated year-round with many colorful flowers from their gardens.

Our club was very saddened by the sudden passing of Ted Obira on Monday, March 5. He actively participated in many veterans' activities and events-always serving as a volunteer, docent, Board member of GFBNEC. or helping wherever he saw the need. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Chiz, son Dr. John Mitamura (Dr. Pamela Dolin) and family. Funeral services were held at the Hompa Hongw8l\ii Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles on March 12. Councilwoman Jan Perry ~ted Chiz Ohira with a Certificate of Tribute from the Los Angeles City Council in a!freciation for Ted's many contributions to the City. President Sam Fujikawa represented th,e 100 Infantry Battalion Mainland for incense offering. Among the other organizations represented were the Los Angeles Veterans Resource Center, MIS, Go for Broke National Education Center, H Co. 442 RCT Hawaii, and 442nd RCT. Bidding a final farewell and tribute to Ted were approximately 350 comrades and mends. We will miss him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ft .. The Puke Puke P8I'8de is the monthly newsletter of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Association " t ... (aka Club 100). It is published at 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96826. t t The opinions expressed In the Puke Puke Perade are those of the Individual and do not necessarily re- " .. fleet the position of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans AssocIation. We welcome readers to send .. I' signed written comments via mail to PPP Editorial Committee, 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 98826 ,.., 1" or via e--mail to DUkaDUkaparade@ytbgo.com. "

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I'AMIL" SUPPORT GROUP by Drusilla Tanaka

APRIL 11, 1007 (Sunday) 11 a.m. lunch (Please eaD in your order by AprU 16,1007. 56 at the door) 11 noon Presentation begins

Emergency Medical I.D. Cards Are you ready.forthe next disaster? What happens when you caD 911?

Tour of a City & County Ambulance

Chief of Honolulu District Emergency Medical Services, Bobby Pedro, will arrive in an ambulance-so that each of the participants can get a close up look at the inside ofan ambulance. He will also explain what happens when someone calls 911; explain how the charges for an ambulance are calculated in an emergency, and how the Emergency Medical J.D. cards can help paramedics and other responding personnel. Forms will be available for this free i.d. card. Mr. Pedro will also give you tips on how to be ready when the next disaster strikes.

Reservations for lunch are required. You do not need to make a reservation if you are coming for the session only. A head count prior to the session helps us determine how many copies of the hand-outs will be needed. A courtesy call to one of the following is very much appreciated. Please call any"o~e of the following by April 16, 2007: Kimi Matsuda (988-6562), Marie Yoneshige (536-9921), or Bernard Akamine (734-8738). Please indicate whether you want to order lunch or whether you are coming for the session only.

Parking is available at Ala Wai School. Please keep the coned area on the front lawn of the clubhouse clear of cars so that there is adequate space for the ambulance.

Mahalo nul loa to all who donate deliciouS desserts and who make monetary donations to the program! We appreciate the help of Descendants Chapter members who set up and take down the tables and chairs for each session-what a blessing you are to us!

STANLEY'S CORNER by Stanley AkIta

The Coat Hanger ...

A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know what to do, so she called home and

~-... ~-- told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You niight find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."

The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked his keys in his car. She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this." She bowed her head and asked God to send her help. Within five minutes &beat up old motorcycle pulled up with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.

The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car," I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"

He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank you so much!· You are a very nice man." The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour." The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, nob, thank you God! You even sent me a professionaU"

Is - GOD GOOD - or what!?

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REMINISCING - IN MEMORIAM lOOTH INFANTRY BATTALION FORGOTTEN CHAPTERS

by Saburo X'shime

D-CASSINO: The Fourth Battle Site of the 100th Infantry Battalion, as one of the three battalions of the 133rd Regiment, of the 34th Division.

D-CASSINO: January 2 to March 30, 1944. The following listing are the KIA members.

1. Ashikawa, Shigeo 2. Conner, Cloudy G. (2Lt.) 3. Fujii, Yutaka 4. Funai, Stanley 5. Furukido, Kenneth K. 6. Hamamoto, Seiehi 7. Hayashi, Donald S. 8. Higa, Masao 9. Hisaoka, Gary T. 10. Horibe, Kay 1. 11. Ikeda, Isamu 12. Ikehara, Heruy S. 13. Ikeno, James 14. Irie, Masaji 15. Ito, Hachiro 16. Johnson, John A. (Maj.) 17. Kaneshiro, Yasuo 18. Katsuda, Masaiehi 19. Kawamoto, Toshio 20. Kawamoto, Yutaka 21. Komatsu, Katsuto 22. Komeda, Fred 23. Masunaga, Kiyoshi 24. Matsushima, Kazuo 25. Miyake, Tetsuo 26. Miyoga, Tsuyoshi 27. Motoishi, Hiroshi 28. Motoyama, Susumu 29. Muranaka, Mitsuji 30. Nakai, Hitoshi 31. Nakamura, Henry 32. Nakamura, Y oshimitsu 33. Nakanishi, Masao 34. Nezu, Yutaka 35. Noda, Sueo 36. Nozawa, Alfred 37. Ogata, Masayoshi 38. Oishi, Teiji T. 39. Okumura, Toyokazu 40. Sakamoto, Uiehi W. 41. Sasano, Toshio 42. Shimabukuro, Hideo 43. Shiyama, Henry M. 44. Sweitzer, Edward (ILt.) 45. Takeba, Masaharu 46. Tanaka, John Y. 47. Teruya, Herman 48. Tonai, Taro 49. Yoshida, Y oshiharu F. 50. Yoshimura, Minoru

Company A 'CompanyD CompanyC Company A CompanyB CompanyC Company A CompanyB CompanyC CompanyC CompanyMed CompanyC CompanyD CompanyC CompanyB CompanyHdq CompanyB CompanyMed CompanyB CompanyB CompanyHdq CompanyC CompanyB CompanYB CompanyB CompanyC Company A CompanyC CompanyC CompanyB CompanyB CompanyD CompanyC CompanyB CompanyB CompanyB CompanyD CompanyB CompanyD Company A Company A Company A CompanyC CompanyB CompanyB CompanyC CompanyD CompanyC CompanyC Company A

Continuation in the PPP will be THE ANZIO BEACHHEAD.

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12 January 1944 '12 February 1944 24 January 1944 8 February 1944 28 January 1944 23 January 1944 9 February 1944 9 February 1944 9 February 1944 10 February 1944 10 February 1944 26 January 1944 6 February 1944 24 January 1944 10 January 1944 22 January 1944 2 January 1944 1 0 January 1944 6 February 1944 9 February 1944 25 January 1944 8 February 1944 9 January 1944 2 January 1944 2 January 1944 28 January 1944 30 March 1944 24 January 1944 24 January 1944 24 January 1944 23 January 1944 20 January 1944 8 February 1944 10 January 1944 25 January 1944 25 January 1944 25 January 1944 25 January 1944 25 January 1944 8 February 1944 25 February 1944 4 February 1944 12 February 1944 16 January 1944 9 January 1944 20 January 1944 25 January 1944 26 January 1944 24 January 1944 9 February 1944

OFFICE "MABALO" REPORT- APRIL 2007 ISSUE by Amanda Stevens and Evelyn Tsuda

We acknowledge receipt of the fonowing donations, with much thanks:

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans: Gloria Tamashiro 1M ofEtsuro Sekiya Arthur & Frances Komiyama 1M of Kenneth Mitsunaga & Comad Tsukayama Americo Bugliani (Italy) 1M of Paul Sakamoto Sbigeru & Kazuko Ushijima 1M of Roy Honbo Cliff Tanigawa Alan Shimabukuro Naoto Matsuura Richard Hamasaki

*Edward Ikuma

1M of Paul T. Tamura

1M ofNaoji Yamagata, Mits Fukuda, Mieko Tsubota, Raymond Harada

1M ofKunimitsu Tamai (Name incorrectly spelled in previous issue)

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Scholarship Fund: Helen Furusho 1M ofYasuto Furusho

tooth Infantry Battalion Veterans Building Maintenance Fund: Helen Furusho 1M ofYasuto Furusho

Puko Pukq Parade: Helen Furusho CllffTanigawa

65th Anniversary Banquet Naboru Kagawa

various Chapters: Baker: Helen Furusho F Company: Helen Furusho

1M of Yasuto Furusho

1M ofYasuto Furusho 1M ofYasuto Furusho

MARALO FROM SOLDIERS IN IRAQ

Sent to the office March 12, 2007 .. "Aloha Club 100,

20.00 100.00 100.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 35.00

200.00

100.00

500.00

, 500.00

500.00 25.00

500.00

500.00 500.00

A big Shukran (Arabic for 'thank you') to you all for the generous gifts and goodies. We appreciate your support and well wishes. I volunteered to come back to Iraq with the 657th ASG upon my return with the 100thBN / 442nd IN. I believe we are continuing to make a positive dif­ference here in Iraq by following in the footsteps of the 10Oth. Again, thank you so much.

With Sincere Gratitude, SSG Kris Kaopuiki."

VFW MAGAZINE FEATURES ARMY RESERVE'S tOOTH BATTALION

The Clubhouse has received several copies of the March 2007 issue of the VFW magazine. Among the many interesting articles, there is one entitled "GOING FOR BROKE IN THE 'DANGER ZONE'". It focuses on the Pacific islanders of the Army Reserve's 100th Battalion, 44200 Regiment, who served in Iraq with distinction and who upheld the legacy of the original 100th Battalion in their daunting tasks.

In a nutshell, the article describes the organization of the unit as follows:- American Samoans fill the ranks of B and C Companies; Guam and Saipan are home to E Co.; and Hq. and Co. D are based in Hawaii. The 100th's area of responsibility in Iraq was Logistics Support Area Anaconda, about 50 miles north of Baghdad within the Sunni Triangle, a hotbed of Saddam loyalists. Their

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primary emphasis was training Iraqi soldiers and police and to perform counterinsurgency opemtions.

This photo on the right accompanied the article on the Nisei Veterans that is published on page 6 of the PPP. The caption reads "Ted Hamasu of the lOOth Infantry Battalion reflects on names of the 338 Nisei from the unit who were killed in action in Europe during WWll. The large marble plaque, quarried from a battle site in Italy, is located within the battalion's clubhouse Honolulu."

To read more about the dangers faced by the Army Reserve's lOOth Battalion and accomplishments, pick up a copy of the magazine at the Clubhouse. You can also read the articles online at the VFW website. The website's address is www.vfw.org I'll guarantee you'll :find it interesting . •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I\1T£N"('ION-Veteran&. wives. Widows. desundant6. and friends. .. _ .. 00 10U have aR'f interesting memo .... s or fa,tt; that 10U' d 'ib to share for poHib'e p\aument in a (,Sth Anniveraal'1 t:.e\ebration publication? for ~mp\e. do 10U have aR'f memories of going to 100th Infant., &attaUon veteran owned bu6ine66e& flUda as "Gate 100" or °1Zainbow Orive-in?" 00 10U have an Inten&ting fa,toid that ha& not been wlde\1 mentioned? ~re 10ur &torie& with U6. \'Je hope to hear from evel'1 'hapter and we hope to get 60riie mainland and neighbor i&lanc1 &torle& if- witt. fMo,ncI-1Oiai &fori to .. -If -- ---- ~

"Glub 100 Memories" ~2.0 l'amoku 'to ttono'u\u. ttawaU 1c,s,c, (attention Amanda) or email me at "ubloovet6.,ahoo.~m. "oote forward to hearing from 10u . •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Update ........ Attlcles printed In the February, 2007 Issue by Renita Foster Ifenyherl The ''Nisei'' stories featuring the Japanese Americans who served in World War II won First Place in the Stories in a Series Categories in the annual Keith L. Ware Installation Management Command and Department of the Army Media Competition. They will now compete in the Department of Defense Contest. The Keith L. Ware competition recognizes excellence in journalism and broadcasting and was named for Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware, a former Army Chief of Public Affairs who earned the Medal of Honor duritIg·World VIS! Umtd was killed while commanding the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1968. Name of first-place subOrdinate command winners are forwarded to the Department of the Army Public Affairs Soldiers Media Center for consideration in the Army-wide competition where a panel of judges will then select the Army's best for submission to the Department of Defense's Thomas· Jefferson Awards competition. Good luck Renita! I •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• * ••••• * ••••••••••••••••• ** •••••••••

Grant Updates CDBG - Community DevelOPment Block Grant ypdate ($135.000 - Apartmend On January 19,2007, Avin Oshiro and I met with Stephanie On from the Department of Community Services, City and County of Honolulu. The board was asked to review the Procurement Policy and Procedure so it may be voted on and recorded in the minutes of the last board meeting. This form provides guidelines on purchases, contracts, bids and more. This policy and procedure is intended to comply with Federal Regulations. One of the challenges we've faced is the possibility of having to comply with ADA regulations to receive the grant by renovating two or three first floor apartments to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, regarding lead-based paint compliance, we were faced with the possibility of having to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards for the apartments. The above mentioned issues would most likely use up the CDBG funds and perhaps some of the funds from the State Grant-in-Aid. However, after reviewing the Code of Federal Regulations, it has been determined that tOOth Inf. Bn. Veterans [club] does not have to fully modify any units to be accessible to persons with mobility and/or hearing and visual impairments. We were also advised that anything that is "touched" during the project (receptacles. light switches, etc.) need to comply with ADAAG and approved by DCAB. The lead-based paint compliance is still in effect.

Grant-in-Aid Update (JIM-Education R2source Center! $500.000 - Apartment) We are in the process of providing the State Office of Veterans Services [the department that will be dispersing the grant funds] with the scope of work for both projeCts along with the IRS determination letter.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR APRIL 2007

BOARD MEETING ............................ Friday, April 13 ................................. 10:00 am ABLE .............................................. Saturday, April28 .............................. 8:00 am BAKER ............................................ Saturday t April 21... ... ... ..... . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . 1 :00 pm CHARLIE ........................................ Saturday, April28 ............................... 10:00 am DOG .............................................. Sa~day, April 21 ................................ 9:00 am HQIMED ......................................... Saturday, April 14 ............................... 10:00 am RURAL ............................................. No meeting MAUl CHAPTER ............................... No meeting HAWAII CHAPTER ........................... Thursday, April 26 (Ladies Luncheon) ........ 11:00 am DESCENDANTS CHAPTER ................. Sunday, April 22 .................................. 9:00 am FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP ................. Sunday, April22 ................................. 11:00 am LINE DANCING ................................ Wednesdays, April 4,11,18,25............ 9:00 am CRAFTS/CROCHET ........................... Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 .................. 9:00 am UKULELE ........................................ Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18,25 ............... TBA LONG RANGE PL. COMM. (no meeting - April) Saturday, May 5 ........................ 10:00 am

ATTENTION - NEW PROCEDURE: Article deadline for every issue of the PPP will be on the lsth day of each month. (please submit articles on time or they may not be included in the issue.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Collating for this month will be on Friday, April 27 at 8:30 am. Dog Chapter is responsible for providing manpower and refreshments, but everyone is welcome to kokua.

Please send Chapter news, articles, comments or anything to do with the PPP to pukapukaparade@yahoo.com.

For Club business, questions or correspondence, please address to clublOOvets@yahoo.com.

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Association 530 Kamoku Street Honolulu, HI 96826-5120

ItfJel t... J.atJ7

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage

PAID Honolulu, HI

Permit No. 158