442nd Infantry Regiment (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 442nd Infantry Regiment |
|
|---|---|
Coat of arms
|
|
| Active | 1944–1946 1947–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Regimental combat team (historical) 100th Infantry Battalion (current) |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Motto(s) | "Go for Broke" |
| Engagements | World War II Vietnam War War on Terror |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Colonel Charles W. Pence Colonel Virgil R. Miller |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive unit insignia |
 |
| Shoulder sleeve insignia and former combat service identification badge of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team |
 |
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team (Japanese: 第442連隊戦闘団) was a special group of soldiers in the United States Army. This fighting unit was made up almost entirely of American soldiers whose families came from Japan. These brave men volunteered to fight in World War II. They did this even though their families were forced to live in special camps called internment camps during the war.
Starting in 1944, the 442nd fought mainly in Europe. They were a strong and independent force. They fought with amazing courage in Italy, southern France, and Germany. The 442nd is known as the most decorated infantry regiment in the history of the United States Army. This means they received more awards than any other infantry group.
The 442nd was given eight Presidential Unit Citations. This is a very high honor for a military unit. Also, twenty-one of its members received the Medal of Honor for their bravery in World War II. The motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was, "Go for Broke". This means they would give everything they had to succeed.
Contents
Who Were the Nisei Soldiers?
The soldiers of the 442nd were mostly "Nisei." This is a Japanese term for people born in America to Japanese immigrant parents. Even though they were American citizens, many of their families were sent to internment camps. This happened because of fears after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite this unfair treatment, these young men wanted to prove their loyalty to the United States. They chose to fight for their country.
Fighting in Europe
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was sent to Europe in 1944. They fought in some of the toughest battles of World War II. Their missions included fighting in Italy, where they helped break through strong German defenses. They also fought in France, where they were known for their bravery in rescuing a trapped American battalion.
The "Lost Battalion" Rescue
One of their most famous missions was the rescue of the "Lost Battalion." This was a group of American soldiers from Texas who were surrounded by German forces in France. The 442nd fought through heavy enemy fire and bad weather to reach them. They suffered many casualties but successfully rescued the trapped soldiers. This act of heroism showed their incredible determination.
Their Amazing Achievements
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team earned a reputation for being fearless and highly effective. Their motto, "Go for Broke," truly reflected their fighting spirit. They never gave up, no matter how difficult the situation.
- They received eight Presidential Unit Citations. This award is given for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.
- Twenty-one members of the 442nd were awarded the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for bravery in the United States.
- Many other soldiers received various medals for their courage and service.
Their service helped change how Japanese Americans were seen in the United States. Their bravery and loyalty helped to overcome prejudice and discrimination.
Images for kids
-
100th Infantry soldiers receiving grenade training in 1943
-
442nd recruits building then attacking across a pontoon bridge at Camp Shelby
-
Organization chart of the 442nd RCT after its reunion with the 100th Battalion in 1944
-
A 442nd RCT squad leader, Sergeant Goichi Suehiro, checks for German units in France in November 1944.
-
The 522nd Field Artillery Battalion fire 105mm shells in support of an infantry attack in Bruyères, France.
-
A Japanese-American unit moves out of its old command post. The unit, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, is holding a section of the front lines near St. Die Area, France, 13 November 1944.
-
"Go for Broke" at the US Army Center of Military History
-
The 442nd received the 7th Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding accomplishments in combat in the vicinity of Serravezza, Carrara, and Fosdinovo, Italy, from 5–14 April 1945.
-
President Truman and other dignitaries saluting the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
-
Sadao Munemori was the only Japanese American awarded the Medal of Honor around the time of World War II.
-
President Obama signs S.1055, granting Nisei veterans the Congressional Gold Medal.
-
President Truman walks past members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team as they stand at attention on the Ellipse.
-
Soldiers from the 100th Infantry Battalion gather in formation during an exercise in American Samoa in 1987.
-
Soldiers of E Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry train at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in 2011.
-
Daniel Inouye lost his right arm to a grenade wound and received several military decorations, including the Medal of Honor.
-
Members of the 442nd RCT fire a salute to honor their fallen friends at a memorial ceremony.
-
First Sergeant Thomas S. Harimoto displaying the 442nd's colors carrying the unit's Presidential Unit Citation
-
Monument to the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Rohwer Memorial Cemetery
-
Brig. Gen. Francis Shigeo Takemoto, first Japanese-American general officer (1964) and veteran of both the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd RCT
-
Pearl Harbor (2 July 2014). Adm. Harry Harris Jr., COMPACFLT, thanks Ralph Tomei, a 442nd veteran. Tomei represented his friend Shiro Aoki as French RADM Anne Cullere presents him with the Legion of Honor.
-
Memorial to the 442nd RCT at Fort DeRussy near the Batteries Battery Randolph
-
The American monument in Bruyères honoring the Japanese Americans serving in the 442nd
-
The Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd RCT, as well as the Military Intelligence Service
See also
In Spanish: 442.º Regimiento de Infantería (Estados Unidos) para niños
