MASAYOSHI OBA AND MASATO TANAKA "Go For Broke" Assistant Platoon Staff Sergeant Masayoshi Oba Born in Lahaina, Maui; March 24, 1914. Attended Lahainalua High School. Enlisted in the US Army March 23, 1943. Was assigned to Company L with the 442nd. According to brother Mitsuo, he was killed in Italy by a sniper on July 8, 1944 and was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.
Private First Class Masato Tanaka Born in Lahaina, Maui; November 15, 1921. Attended Lahainaluna High School. Enlisted in the US Army March 25, 1943 and assigned to Company H with the 442nd. Was Heavy Machine Gun Crewman. For his heroism, he was awarded Bronze Star and Purple Heart * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * On July 8, 2019, the town of Bruyeres, France will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of it’s liberation from German occupation by the soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. During WW II, the soldiers from the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd fought so gallantly in Italy, France and Germany making all of Hawaii and the nation immensely proud of their accomplishments. We honor all those brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. We had two uncles, brothers, who volunteered and served with the 442nd and trained at Camp Shelby Mississippi. Regretfully, during the Rome Arno Campaign, they were wounded days apart and were admitted to the same field hospital not knowing the other was there. PFC Masato Tanaka recovered from his wounds but unfortunately Staff Sergeant Masayoshi Oba passed away on July 8, 1944. We salute and pay tribute to them and to all who served, for their patriotism and for their love of country. |