During an era when Asian Americans continue to be questioned for their loyalty and are still considered perpetual foreigners, on US Memorial Day (and AAPI Heritage Month) we note Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who fought and died for their country. This Memorial Day, we are remembering Sadao Munemori. He died in Italy fighting as part of the famed 442nd Regiment. As a result, Munemori was the first Japanese American recognized with the Medal of Honor immediately after Work War II.
Sadao “Spud” Munemori’s love of potatoes earned him his nickname. He died when in a battle in Italy in 1945 after a grenade landed near his fellow soldiers. He smothered it with his own body in order to save them. For this selfless act, he received the Medal of Honor. His family was in Manzanar at the time.
Munemori earned many more commemorations. His native city of Glendale California honored him with a square. His statue has been erected in Italy. A ship was even named for him. In addition, this video for kids (embedded below) was made to honor him and to teach history.
There are some more interesting details on Munemori’s life here as well as a list of other places that commemorate him. To see our posts on AAPI who have given their lives in the service of their country, check our tag US Memorial Day.
