Terry Teruo Kawamura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Terry Teruo Kawamura
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Corporal Terry Kawamura
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| Born | December 10, 1949 Wahiawā, Hawai'i |
| Died | March 20, 1969 (aged 19) Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam |
| Place of burial |
Mililani Memorial Park, Mililani Town, Hawaii
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968 - 1969 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 173rd Engineer Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | |
- In this Japanese name, the family name is Kawamura.
Terry Teruo Kawamura (December 10, 1949 – March 20, 1969) was a United States Army soldier. He was also a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor. He received it for his actions in the Vietnam War.
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Early life
Kawamura was born at Wahaiwa, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. His grandparents were Japanese immigrant parents. Kawamura was a Sansei, which means that he was a third generation Japanese-American.
Soldier
Kawamura joined the Army from Oahu in 1968. By March 20, 1969, was serving as a Corporal in the 173rd Engineer Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day, at Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam, Kawamura smothered an enemy-thrown explosive with his body, sacrificing his life to protect those around him.
Kawamura was 19 when he died. He was buried in Mililani Memorial Park in Mililani Town, Hawaii.
Namesake
Tanouye is the namesake of the Kawamura Gate which connects Wheeler Army Airfield with the city of Mililani. This east gate is named in honor of Kawamura.
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