Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
K.
Okubo
May 30, 1920

–

January 29, 1967

Cemetery:

Woodlawn Cemetery

Only one Medal of Honor was presented to a Japanese-American soldier during World War II, despite the fact that these soldiers, despite intense prejudice at home in the USA, were among the most decorated soldiers of the war. Following a review in the late 1990s of Distinguished Service Cross awards to Japanese Americans, 21 such awards were upgraded to Medals of Honor and presented by President Bill Clinton on June 21, 2000. In addition to these upgrades, the Silver Star previously awarded Army Medic James Okubo was also upgraded. James Okubo survived the war, but died in 1967, thus his award was presented posthumously.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 28 – 29 & November 4, 1944

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Medical Detachment, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 and 29 October 1944 and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and eight more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.