Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Jack
Chuichi
Arakawa
POW (Korea) Escapee
1920-11-05

–

1973-03-26

Born:

Waipahu

, 

Hawaii

Home:

Waipahu

, 

Hawaii

Buried: 

Honolulu

, 

Hawaii

Cemetery:

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

A veteran of service with the 442d Infantry Regiment in World War II, Jack Arakawa was captured in Korea on July 17, 1950. As a prisoner of war he survived the Pyongyang Death March and with four comrades, successfully escaped on October 20, 1950.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    July 17, 1950 – October 20, 1950

    Private First Class Jack C. Arakawa (ASN: RA-30105539), United States Army, was interned as a Prisoner of War during the Korean War after he was captured on 17 July 1950 and was held until his successful escape from captivity on 20 October 1950.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1950
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Order No. 47 (July 20, 1950) Amended by No. 24, (July 26, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jack Chuichi Arakawa (ASN: RA-30105539), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy in Korea while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. On 16 July 1950, near Taejon, Korea, Private First Class Arakawa’s position was subjected to intense attacks from waves of enemy infantry supported by small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire. Completely disregarding fire to which he was subjected, Private First Class Arakawa fired his machine gun at the enemy until it exploded, deafening and partially blinding him. After this accident, he picked up an automatic rifle and continued to fire at the enemy. His calmness, courage and perseverance enabled a number of his fellow soldiers to evacuate the position under attack as his company withdrew. When last seen he was firing with great volume and accuracy into the enemy ranks. His devotion to duty and great courage reflect great credit on himself and the United States Infantry.