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 |
| Died | March 20, 1969 (aged 19) Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
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Branch
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United States Army |
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Rank
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Corporal |
| Unit | 173rd Engineer Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade |
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Conflicts
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Vietnam War |
| Awards | |
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- In this Japanese name, the family name is Kawamura.
Terry Teruo Kawamura (born December 10, 1949 – died March 20, 1969) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in the U.S. military. He received this honor for his amazing courage during the Vietnam War.
Early Life
Terry Kawamura was born in Wahiawa, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. His grandparents had moved to Hawaii from Japan. Terry was a Sansei, which means he was the third generation of his family born in America.
A Brave Soldier
Terry Kawamura joined the Army from Oahu in 1968. By March 20, 1969, he was serving as a Corporal. He was part of the 173rd Engineer Company within the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
On that day, at Camp Radcliff in Republic of Vietnam, something very dangerous happened. An enemy threw an explosive device. Without thinking, Corporal Kawamura jumped on it. He used his own body to cover the blast. This brave act saved the lives of the soldiers around him. Sadly, he lost his own life.
Terry Kawamura was only 19 years old when he died. He was buried in Mililani Memorial Park in Mililani Town, Hawaii.
Honoring His Memory
Terry Kawamura is remembered for his heroism. A special gate, called the Kawamura Gate, is named after him. This gate connects Wheeler Army Airfield with the city of Mililani. It is a way to honor his sacrifice and bravery.
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