Masato Nakae facts for kids
- In this Japanese name, the family name is Nakae.
Masato Nakae (December 20, 1917 – September 4, 1998) was a brave United States Army soldier. He fought for his country during World War II. Because of his amazing actions, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can earn in the United States.
Contents
Early Life
Masato Nakae was born in Hawaii. His parents were immigrants from Japan. He was a Nisei. This means he was a second-generation Japanese-American.
Serving His Country
Two months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Nakae joined the US Army. This was in February 1942. He wanted to help his country.
The 100th Infantry Battalion
Nakae volunteered for a special unit. It was called the 100th Infantry Battalion. This army group was unique. It was made up almost entirely of Nisei soldiers. Many of these brave Japanese Americans were from Hawaii. Others came from the mainland United States.
Heroic Actions and Recognition
In August 1944, Nakae showed incredible courage. For his actions, he was first given the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). This was the Army's second-highest award.
Years later, in the 1990s, the records of Asian Americans who received the DSC during World War II were reviewed. Nakae's award was then upgraded. It became the Medal of Honor.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
On June 21, 2000, a special ceremony was held. It took place at the White House. President Bill Clinton presented the medal to Nakae's family. Masato Nakae had passed away before this ceremony. Twenty-one other Asian Americans also received the Medal of Honor that day. Only seven of them were still alive to accept it themselves.
Related pages
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II
- List of Asian American Medal of Honor recipients
- Posthumous recognition
Images for kids
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Medal of Honor
