George T. Sakato facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George T. Sakato
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Private George Sakato, US Army
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| Birth name | George Taro Sakato |
| Nickname(s) | Joe |
| Born | February 19, 1921 Colton, California |
| Died | December 2, 2015 (aged 94) Denver, Colorado |
| Place of burial |
Fairmount Cemetery, Denver, Colorado
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1944–1945 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Company E, 2nd Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Presidential Unit Citation Emblem Good Conduct Medal American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Combat Infantryman Badge |
George Taro "Joe" Sakato (February 19, 1921 – December 2, 2015) was a brave American soldier. He fought in World War II. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States.
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Early Life and Family
George Sakato was born in Colton, California. He was a Nisei. This means he was an American citizen whose parents were from Japan. He graduated from Redlands High School in Redlands, California.
During World War II, many Japanese American families faced challenges. The Sakato family moved to Arizona. They did this to avoid being sent to special camps. These camps were for people of Japanese descent during the war.
Serving in World War II
Sakato joined the U.S. Army in March 1944. He volunteered to join the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This special U.S. Army unit was made up mostly of Nisei soldiers. These soldiers were Americans of Japanese descent. Many came from Hawaii and the mainland United States.
Bravery in France
On October 29, 1944, George Sakato showed amazing courage in France. He was part of Company E, 2nd Battalion. His actions during a battle were very heroic. For his bravery, he was first given the Distinguished Service Cross. This is a very high award for military heroism.
Medal of Honor Recognition
Years after World War II, a review of military records took place. This review looked at awards given to Asian American soldiers. It was found that some of their awards should be upgraded.
In 2000, Sakato's Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded. He received the Medal of Honor. President Bill Clinton presented this award to him. The ceremony took place at the White House on June 21, 2000. Twenty-one other Asian American soldiers from World War II also received the Medal of Honor that day. Only seven of them were still alive to accept their awards.
George Sakato passed away on December 2, 2015. He was 94 years old. He died in Denver, Colorado.
See also
