Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Tom
Yoshihisa
Kobashigawa
POW (RVN)
1948-04-06

–

Born:

Honolulu

, 

Hawaii

Home:

Honolulu

, 

Hawaii

Tom Kobashigawa was captured following an air crash on February 5, 1970, near Hue, South Vietnam. Captain James Lyon, Pilot, was severely wounded in the crash and was killed by his Vietnamese captors the first night. Tom Kobashigawa and his other two comrades were interned as Prisoners of War in South Vietnam and then North Vietnam, and held until their release on March 27, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 5, 1970 – March 27, 1973

    Specialist Fifth Class Tom Yoshihisa Kobashigawa (ASN: RA-68076332), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 5, 1970 until his release on March 27, 1973.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 1972
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fifth Class Tom Yoshihisa Kobashigawa (ASN: RA-68076332), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in July 1972. Specialist Kobashigawa’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with highest traditions of the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 5, 1970 – March 27, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Specialist Fifth Class Tom Yoshihisa Kobashigawa (ASN: RA-68076332), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Kobashigawa consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.