Kiyoshi Muranaga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga
|
|
|---|---|
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga, Medal of Honor recipient
|
|
| Born | February 16, 1922 Los Angeles, California |
| Died | June 26, 1944 (aged 22) near Suvereto, Italy † |
| Place of burial | |
| 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 Purple Heart |
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga (born February 16, 1922 – died June 26, 1944) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. He earned this award for his actions during World War II.
A Young Life
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga was born in California. His parents had moved to the United States from Japan. He was a Nisei, which means he was a second-generation Japanese-American. He grew up in what is now Gardena, California, and was one of ten children.
During World War II, many Japanese-American families were moved to special camps. Kiyoshi and his family were sent to the Granada War Relocation Center in Colorado.
Serving His Country
In May 1943, Muranaga joined the U.S. Army. He chose to be part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This was a special army unit made up mostly of Japanese-American soldiers. Many of these soldiers were from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland.
Muranaga was fighting in Italy when he was killed in action. This happened on the very first day the 442nd unit was involved in fighting. He was only 22 years old.
A Hero's Recognition
For his brave actions in June 1944, Kiyoshi K. Muranaga was first given the Distinguished Service Cross. This is the Army's second-highest award for bravery.
Later, in the 1990s, the military looked again at the records of Asian Americans who had received the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II. Because of this review, Muranaga's award was changed to the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for courage.
On June 21, 2000, a special ceremony was held at the White House. President Bill Clinton presented the Medal of Honor to Muranaga's family. Twenty-one other Asian-American soldiers also received the Medal of Honor that day. Most of these awards were given after the soldiers had died.
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
More About Heroes
