1492
Arlington, VA
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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A grateful thank-you to all our veterans who served in United States Military.
Spent an emotional day at the moving "Defining Courage" program at the Kennedy Center in DC. Focusing on the little known, if not often ignored in history books, of the courageous contributions of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, 100th U.S. Army Battalion during WWII. Made up of segregated Japanese American volunteer unit, many of whom were forced into incarcerations camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Whom managed to compile an astonishing combat record, by becoming the most decorated unit of their size and length of service in U.S. military history. With over 4,000 Purple Hearts, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 560 Silver Star Medals, seven Presidential Unit Citations, and 21 Medals of Honor.
They fought in some of the fiercest battles in Italy and Germany, though gained legendary status for their rescue of the Lost Battalion (WWII). Comprised of 270 Texans, cut off and surrounded by 6,000 fresh enemy reinforcements in the Vosges Mountains, France. The 442nd suffered 800 casualties in the successful rescue of the Lost Battalion.
A few weeks after the rescue, General John Dahlquist ordered the 442nd Regiment to assemble for a recognition ceremony. Upon seeing how few were present, the General reprimanded Lt. Colonel Miller for not assembling the entire regiment. Reportedly, the colonel simply responded “General, this is the regiment. The rest are either dead or in the hospital.”
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/SK7yoG6.jpg)
The photo taken on the day the remaining members of the 442nd Regiment assembled for their recognition ceremony.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/kQDBcdQ.jpg)
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/kzPiSI4.jpg)
With today's "Defining Courage" program attended by a veteran who served in the 442nd. during WWII, followed by his moving speech and leading the audience in singing the National Anthem.
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