Barney Hajiro facts for kids
- In this Japanese name, the family name is Hajiro.
Barney Fushimi Hajiro (born September 16, 1916 – died January 21, 2011) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II.
Growing Up
Barney Hajiro was born in Hawaii. His parents were immigrants from Japan. He was a Nisei, which means he was a second-generation Japanese-American. He grew up in the countryside.
A Soldier's Journey
Two months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Barney Hajiro joined the U.S. Army. He volunteered to be part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This special army unit was made up mostly of Japanese Americans.
For his brave actions in October 1944, Hajiro first received the Distinguished Service Cross. This was the Army's second-highest award. Later, in the 1990s, his award was changed to the Medal of Honor. This happened after a review of awards given to Asian Americans during World War II.
On June 21, 2000, President Bill Clinton presented him with the Medal of Honor. The ceremony took place at the White House. Twenty-one other Asian Americans also received the medal that day.
Barney Hajiro also received other honors. In 1948, he was given the British Military Medal. In 2004, France made him a member of the Légion d'honneur, a very important French award.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Hajiro in 2006
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Medal of Honor
