Joe Nishimoto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe M. Nishimoto
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Private First Class Joe Nishimoto
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| Born | February 21, 1919 Fresno, California |
| Died | November 15, 1944 (aged 25) near La Houssière, France † |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943 - 1944 |
| Rank |  Private First Class |
| Unit | 442nd Regimental Combat Team |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Joe M. Nishimoto (born February 21, 1919 – died November 15, 1944) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He is famous for being awarded the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can receive in the U.S. Army. He earned this award for his amazing actions during World War II.
Joe Nishimoto: A War Hero
Early Life
Joe Nishimoto was born in California, in the United States. His parents had moved to America from Japan. Joe was a Nisei, which means he was a second-generation Japanese-American. This means he was born in America, but his parents were from Japan.
During World War II, many Japanese-Americans were forced to move from their homes. They were sent to special camps called "internment camps." Joe Nishimoto was sent to the Jerome War Relocation Center in Arkansas.
Military Service
Even after being in an internment camp, Joe Nishimoto wanted to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Army in October 1943.
He volunteered to join the 100th Infantry Battalion. This was a special army unit made up mostly of Japanese-American soldiers. Many of these soldiers were Nisei like Joe. They came from Hawaii and other parts of the United States.
In November 1944, Joe Nishimoto showed incredible bravery. He was fighting near La Houssière, France. His actions helped his fellow soldiers a lot. Because of his courage, he was first given the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). This is the Army's second-highest award for bravery.
Later, his award was changed to the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can receive. Joe Nishimoto received this honor for his amazing courage and sacrifice.
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