MOFW supports Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day……….... p. 3
Commandery Conducts Outreach to Other VSOs p. 4
Recognizing Top-performing Civil Air Patrol Cadets p. 4
Hawaii MOFW America 250 Sojourn Flag Program ……….. p. 5
Commandery Remembers Veteran COL John H. Felix p. 6
Commandery Social Event at the Big City Diner ………………. p. 7
Commandery Honors Community Exemplars p. 8.
Welcome New Companions to the Order…………………………. p. 9
Companion News ………………………………………………………..…. p. 10
Portrait of a Humble Hero: 1LT Kazuma Hisanaga p. 11
Upcoming Events
p. 13
Cover Photo: Gadsden Flag. In 1775, Colonel Christopher Gadsden was in Philadelphia representing his home colony of South Carolina at the Continental Congress and presented this new naval flag to the Congress. The Gadsden Flag It became the first flag used by the sea-going soldiers who eventually would become the United States Marines.
Commander’s Message
Aloha Companions and Friends of the Order, In short, MOFW-Hawaii had an overall terrific last Quarter as an Order as you will read throughout this newsletter. Multiple inductees, multiple candidates for future induction and we were in receipt of multiple generous donations to help support our missions and our service to our State. A very special mahalo and “shout out” to both the Hickam Officer’s Spouses Club and the Honolulu Elks Lodge 616 for those grants.
The combined efforts towards recruitment and fund raising make us well poised for 2026. We will continue our priority missions in supporting various America 250 events as well as promoting the military and naval sciences across the State in honoring the Cadets of the ROTC, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, and Youth Challenge Programs.
As the calendar and tax year close out, I also wanted to make a pitch to you should you find yourself in a financial position to consider a 2025 tax deductible donation that you consider to donate to MOFWHawaii.
If you did not know, MOFW -HI is a 501c3 non -profit organization, EIN 32-0402712. Check donations can be sent to:
MOFW-Hawaii
Oahu Veterans Center 1298 Kukila St Honolulu, HI 96818
In closing, I am honored to continue to serve as your Commander. As much as I enjoy conversing with you on text, email and the phone I do look forward more to seeing you in-person and sharing some camaraderie. Hopefully I’ll see you at the Veterans Day Ceremony (11 Nov) at the Waikiki Natatorium and the Pearl Harbor Day Parade in Waikiki. If not at those events, please keep in mind our next social and induction ceremony is planned for February 2026.
Deus et Libertas
Daniel J. Curtis LTC , USA, Ret.
Notes From the Secretary As the new year approaches, remember that dues of $35 for all regular members should be paid to the Treasurer not later than February 28, 2026.
Notes From the Editor This issue highlights many of the America250 activities, to include the Service Birthdays. Our cover includes the Gadsden Flag. This flag first saw combat under Commodore Hopkins, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Navy when Washington’s Cruisers put to sea for the first time in February of 1776 to raid the Bahamas and capture stored British cannon and shot.
Source: https:// revolutionarywar.us/flags/
Our Companion News section relies on you to send an update to share with your fellow Companions don’t be bashful!
Chaplains Corner, Dr. Fred Staedel, Th.D.
Sometimes people find it difficult to pray. Prayer can be difficult and allusive, especially if one prays using rote memory or “canned” prose. And of course, many find it difficult to pray to God or a god; especially if they do not believe in God or a god. Yet often and sometimes hypocritically they will say to a grieving friend who has experienced a loss of a loved one, “My thoughts and prayers are with you.”
One may feel that extending one’s “thoughts” is not hypocritical and marginally helpful, but saying you are praying when in fact you won’t and you don’t can be easily labeled as hypocritical. So, what is a nonbeliever to do in this case? What can a person who doesn’t believe in God do to mentally support the grieving friend? Or for that matter, what can be done to face general negativity in one’s life if God is not part of his or her realm of belief?
Well, here is the “good” news! The Saxon word for “God” is also the word for “good.” If God is infinite and all-knowing, then goodness is infinite, ever present, and all-knowing. Therefore, if prayer involves turning one’s thoughts to “God” and that is not your thing, then logically if one thinks “good thoughts” and directs those thoughts to others it will get the same results as praying to God. So, if one is reluctant to pray to God in support of others, then simply direct “good thoughts” to friends and family and you will achieve the same results as what is labeled “religious praying.” And the Bible tells us so!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Fred
Youth Challenge Awards Ceremonies June 2025
Thanks to Companion Ed Green for stepping up for represent the Order at the June 14 2025 Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Graduation. Our Order will again be presenting 2 awards at the next graduation on 7 December at the Waikiki Shell. This National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a communitybased Quasi-Military program that leads, trains and mentors 16–18 year-old high school dropouts so that they may become productive citizens in America’s future. This 22 week residential award-winning program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and cost efficient programs for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and criminal activity.
MOFW Leadership Award: Majahstee Pita
MOFW Academic Award: Trevor Gowan
MOFW Participates in Massing of the Colors on Flag Day / Army
Companions David Vaughn, Dan Curtis , Curtis Manchester, and Arthur Tulak participated in the 4th event of the Hawaii America 250 Commemoration, which honored the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army and the 136th celebration of Flag Day. The event was an official component of the Hawaii America250 Commemoration and took place at the State Capitol Rotunda. The Hawaii Chapter of the Military Orde of the Word Wars was the sponsoring organization, and was the lead for planning, resourcing, and coordinating the event with the Military Committee of the Hawaii Semiquincentennial Commission, member organizations of the Oahu Veterans Council (to include the Hawaii MOFW Cdy.), the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Army. The Army provided a quintet from the 25th Infantry Division Band, the heavy windproof flag stands for the 27 participating organizations, and Chaplain (LTC) Daniel Kang who delivered the invocation. The Hawaii National Guard provided public affairs support. The distinguished speakers were State House Representative Diamond Garcia (R) and BG Walter Ross Jr. of the Hawaii National Guard.
Companions filled key roles in planning and execution, and by serving on the Military Committee mentioned above. CPT, USA, Ret. David Vaughn performed as the Master of Ceremonies. LTC, Ret. Dan Curtis and COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, serve on the military committee, and assisted in planning. A key flag at the ceremony was the America 250 flag, which made its first debut in Hawaii at this event. LTC Ret. Curtis Manchester had the honor of leading the pledge of allegiance.
In attendance were members of the Consular Corps from Belgium and the Philippines, Mr. Nestor Garcia (representative of Congressman Ed Case (1st District)), Allied Military Officers assigned to HQ, U.S. IndoPacific Command, Ms. Molly Schmidt from the Pacific Islands Region, Commissioners appointed by Governor Green to serve on the Semi-quincentennial Commission, and the representatives of the many Veteran, Military Professional, Civic, and Lineage organizations, associations, and societies.
Photos. Top Right: Waipahu Color Guard post the colors, to include the America 250 Flag. Middle Right: BG Walter Ross Jr. and Cadet Cale Whiteman cut the Army Birthday Cake (provided by HI Chapter AUSA) with an Army Saber. CDT Whiteman will attend USMA at Westpoint in the Fall in the class of 2029. Bottom Left: Companion Dave Vaughn serves as the Master of Ceremonies.
Bottom Right: Civil Air Patrol Cadet carries forward the Hawaii Commandery Field Flag (3 x 5).
Hawaii Commandery Conducts Outreach to other Veterans Organizations
On Sunday, 17 August, Commander Dan Curtis represented the MOFW spoke with about 40 combat veterans from Hawaii Army National Guard about various State and Federal Veteran Affairs benefits they earned through their service. This was the second year in row Commander Curtis was invited to speak at 1-299TH Calvary, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Reunion conducted at the Rainbow Bay Marina on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.
Photo:s Commander Curtis addresses Veterans of the 1299th Cavalry Unit of the 29th Infantry Bde CBT Team.
Commandery Recognizes Top-performing Civil Air Patrol Cadets of the HI Wing
On 6 Sept 2025, cadets from the Civil Air Patrol’s Hawaii Wing were presented the MOFW Leadership Excellence Award by Hawaii Commandery Companion, Captain, CAP, David Vaughn. Cadets from the HI Wing’s nine squadrons were recognized at the annual Cadet Awards Banquet. Cadets were recommended by their Squadron leadership for their leadership successes for throughout the previous year. In the photo below, from Left to Right are: MOFW Companion Captain David Vaughn CAP; Cadet Major Santiago J. Padilla-Lenz from CAP-009 Wheeler Composite Squadron; Cadet Major Mia J. Xu-Sugahara of CAP HI-030 Maryknoll Cadet Squadron, Cadet 2nd Lt. Noah T. Haruguchi CAP HI-075 West Oahu Composite Squadron, Cadet Captain Brendan T. Kuhr, of the HI-066 Hickam Composite Squadron, and Colonel Stacy Haruguchi, Commander of the Hawaii Wing CAP. Other recipients of the award not present are C/Maj. Lilla G. Loewen of the HI-043 Lyman Field Composite Squadron; C/Capt. Mitchell T. Johnson, of the HI057: Maui County Composite Squadron; Cadet 2d Lt. Michael G. Evans of the HI-060: Kona Composite Squadron; Cadet 1st Lt. Taiwa M. Nelson, of the HI077: 77th St. Louis Crusaders Composite Squadron, and Maj. Adam K Callicott, of the HI-079: Windward Oahu Composite Squadron. Congratulations CAP Cadets!!
Hawaii MOFW Supports the America 250 Sojourn Flag Program
By Arthur Tulak, Commandery 250 Committee Chairman
The Commandery is already a Commemoration Partner with the Hawaii America250 Commission (see the list at https:// hawaiiamerica250.org/partners.php Companions Arthur Tulak, Dan Curtis, and David Vaughn serve on the Military Committee.
Recently the Commandery Companions participated in multiple flag raising events as part of America Waves 250, with the Sojourn Flag. The Sojourn Flag is a 5 x 8 ft American Flag that has flown over every single one of the American Military Cemeteries in Europe and Africa. The flag was sent from the American Embassy in Paris to me to continue its sojourn in the United States. Hawaii is the first state to receive the Sojourn flag, and we were fortunate to have it for two weeks.
The government shutdown prevented us from flying it at all intended locations, but working with other Veteran Organizations, the Oahu Veterans Center, and Volunteers at the VA Sparks K. Matsunaga Clinic, we were able to muster participants at each event. At every planned stop, the flag was raised, saluted, and upon lowering, solemnly re-folded into the triangle shape reminiscent of the Colonial tricorn hats of the period of the American War of Independence.
A great disappointment was that due to the Government shutdown, we were prevented from raising the flag at the National Military Cemetery of the Pacific, and saw reduced support from the active military, but we did manage to get the flag flown at some military installations. Working with the National Parks Service Superintendent Tom Leatherman, we raised the flag at the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and on the aft flag pole of the USS Missouri. Companions Dan Curtis, Arthur Tulak, Manny Manchester, and John Ichikawa directly participated in the flag raising events from 13-17 OCT.
The flag raising at the USS Arizona drew a large crowd, thanks to Schoen Safotu at the VA, who put out the word to Veteran organizations that the NPS boat provided for this event was intended for active/ reserve military and Veterans. Due to the Govt. shutdown, the only military attending were some of the Foreign Liaison Officers assigned to HQ, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, namely Germany and Denmark.
The next newsletter will include another report about additional flag raising events accomplished. After 16 different flag raising events, the Sojourn Flag was sent on to Guam on Saturday 25 October to continue its journey, which will end with the 13 States that were the original 13 United Colonies before July 4, 2026.
Commandery remembers Hawaii Veteran who lived the principles of the Order.
The Commandery notes the many contributions to the Veteran and Cadet Communities in Hawaii by Colonel, Ret. John H. Felix, who passed away on May 5th of this year. He attained the rank of Colonel twice, once in the Hawaii National Guard, and again in the Civil Air Patrol, which is the Auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force. John started his military career in 1952, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army Combat Infantry. He served in the Korean War as an enlisted man, and received several decorations, and then continued his enlisted service in the 442nd Infantry Regt. (USAR). John took on many roles to serve Hawaii’s Military, Veteran, and Cadet communities, to include his service as a USAF Academy Liaison Officer for 10 years.
In the CAP, he served three tours as the Wing Commander, and was a member of the CAP for 50 years. The Hawaii Wing was named #1 out of 52 wings while under his leadership as Wing Commander. He served as Squadron Commander of the Maryknoll School Cadet Squad – the only CAP unit embedded in a school. He also served as Co-Chair of the Hawaii Wing Advisory Board. One of his many legacies will be his work to acquire the land and needed funding for the first Hawaii Wing Permanent headquarters, which is named in his honor
On Dec. 18, 2021, John Henry Felix was honored for a lifetime of service at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. In attendance were distinguished leaders, including Gov. David Ige, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, former Gov. John Waihe’e, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, and the first vice commander of AMVETS, Ronald YK Lam, et al. Former Gov. John Waihe’e spoke fondly at the event of the long talks he had with Dr. Felix when he was still in government. Felix initially alerted him to the fact that Punchbowl Veterans Cemetery was nearly full, and who then pushed for a second Veterans’ Cemetery on Oahu. Felix deeded 33 acres of land in 1986 to the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Recognition for this act of philanthropy was delayed, as John Henry did not seek it. Former Governor john Waihe’e said on December 18, 2021, that Felix gave the veterans of Hawaii a resting place when they had none.
COL/Col, Dr. John Henry Felix was a member of many Veterans organizations in Hawaii, to include AMVETS, MOWW, and many others. While he was not a member of the MOFW, he would have qualified based on his combat service in Korea followed by the attainment of Officer Rank. Nevertheless, he demonstrated through action his sincere devotion to the 7 purposes of our Order, and it is right and meet to honor his service as an exemplar for us all.
Photos Above Left: Col, CAP, John H. Felix. Above Right—Artist’s conception of the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
MOFW Social Gathering to Induct new Companions and recognize community exemplars.
Commander Dan Curtis organized a social meeting at the Big City Diner in the Aiea on 20 OCT that was a great success. Eight Companions, plus six guests made for a good crowd. Commander Curtis laid out some of his priorities for the coming year.
At this event we inducted two Companions: Veteran Companion Major, USA, Ret. Jared Ripperger, and Hereditary Companion, 1LT Fmr / SFC USA, Ret. John Ichikawa, who joined on the service of his Uncle, 1LT Kazuma Hisinaga. The Commandery also honored LTC Edgar Rivera, of the Hawaii Multiple Schools Unit, who was accompanied by his Deputy LTC Mark Smith and NCOIC MSG Earl “Goose” Sagucio.
Photo From Left to Right: LT Fmr, Dan Garcia, Inductee SFC Ret John Ichikawa and his wife Ami, Honoree LTC Ret.Edgar Rivera, Commander LTC Ret. Dan Curtis, Inductee MAJ Ret. Jared Ripperger and wife Andrea, COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, CPT Ret. David Vaughn and his fiancée Amanda, and Chaplain Lt. Col. CAP, Fred Staedel.
Photo Center and Right: New Companion Jared Ripperger receives his diploma from Commander Curtis. Photo bottom left and Center: New Companion John Ichikawa receives his diploma. Bottom Right: Secretary and Past Commander Arthur Tulak provides an update on Hawaii America250 commemoration and the opportunities it will present for service by Commandery Companions.
Commandery honors Community Exemplars
The Hawaii Commandery presented the MOFW Meritorious Service Medal to LTC, Ret. Edgar Rivera, who leads the Hawaii JROTC Multiple Schools Unit (HMSU) for exceptional support to commemoration events of the Hawaii America250 Commemoration, and his leadership in helping Veteran , Military Professional, Civic and Genealogical organizations, associations, and societies to recognize top-performing Cadets each year. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Edgardo “Edgar” Rivera was commissioned as a Finance Officer in June 1991 after completing the U.S. Army Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico in June 1991. Additional assignments included serving as Operations Officer and Plans Officer for the 326th Finance Group in Stanton and Bell, California, respectively, as Finance and Accounting Officer for the 63rd Regional Support Command in Los Alamitos JFTB, California, and as Logistics Budget Officer for the 9th Regional Readiness Command in Fort Shafter, Hawaii. LTC Rivera further served as Strategic Plans and Budget Officer for United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He held critical roles as an Internal Review Evaluator and Comptroller, for the 9th Mission Support Command and the 311th Signal Command, respectively, both located at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He concluded his military career as the Operations Readiness Officer for the 9th Mission Support Command in Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Throughout his career, LTC Rivera was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with Bronze Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with "M" Device & Silver Hourglass), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 3), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
The Certificate reads:
For exceptional meritorious service since 2020 as the Program Manager for the JROTC Hawaii Multiple School Unit (HMSU), Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, Hawaii State Department of Education. LTC(Ret) Rivera’s leadership has been paramount of overseeing (27) JROTC programs comprised of over 2700 Cadets yearly and 50 Instructors from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard across the Hawaiian Islands. LTC(Ret) Rivera and his team at HMSU directly support two of seven MOFW purposes for which he is publicly recognized for : Fostering the cultivation of military and naval science and bearing true allegiance to the United States of America, based upon a paramount respect for and fidelity to the National Constitution and laws. LTC (Ret) Rivera’s continued service to this Nation’s youth reflects great upon himself, the US Army Cadet Command, and the Hawaii Multiple School Unit.
Welcome New Companions to the Order:
Veteran Companion Major Jared Ripperger, U.S. Army
At the October 2nd meeting of the Hawaii Commandery, Companions Jared Ripperger and John Ishikawa were sworn in as new Companions. A native of Queens New York, Major (Ret.) Jared Ripperger began his military service at the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, in 1996. He was commissioned as an Ensign in June of that year and entered the Naval Flight Officer (NFO) pipeline, completing ground school and primary flight training. Selected for propeller aircraft, he attended intermediate training at Randolph AFB, Texas, earning his wings of gold in August 1997. He trained on the P-3C Orion at the Fleet Replacement Squadron in Jacksonville, FL and was then assigned to Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10), the "Red Lancers," in Brunswick, Maine. His first deployment with VP-10 was to Sigonella, Sicily, where his crew participated in Operations EAGLE EYE, JOINT FORCE, and NOBLE ANVIL during the Kosovo conflict (1998–1999). As the navigator/communicator for Combat Aircrew Eleven, he earned two Air Medals for combat flights, along with the Navy Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, and NATO Medal. His second deployment was to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico (2000–2001), where he served as Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander for Combat Aircrew Eight. His missions supported counter-narcotics operations across the Caribbean and overland Colombia. After logging over 1,800 flight hours, he transferred to the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) Detachment Dallas TX in June 2001, serving as Operations and Aviation Safety Officer in a Chief of Naval Operations Special Access Program. LT Ripperger resigned his Officer commission in 2004. In 2009, after earning an MBA and a fouryear break in service, Jared returned to active duty through the Army’s “Return to Service” initiative. He enlisted as a Cavalry Scout and was assigned as a Sergeant to 2/13 Cavalry, 3rd Bde, 1st Armored Div. in El Paso, TX. In late 2010, he was recommissioned as a Captain in the Armor Branch and transferred to HQ, 10th Mountain Div. at Fort Drum, NY. He deployed with the Division to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in Regional Command-South, where he served as Battle Captain and Battle Major in the Combined Joint Operations Center (CJOC), launching MEDEVACs and monitoring night missions. Following deployment, he attended the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course (MCCC) at Fort Benning GA in 2012. He then commanded a cavalry scout training troop with 5/15 Cavalry oft the 194th Armored Bde. Selected as the Battalion S3 (Operations Officer) for 2/47 Infantry, and promoted to Major in 2013. He served as S3 for 1/81 Armored Battalion. In 2015, he volunteered for duty at the National Training Center (NTC) with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regt., “Blackhorse,” serving as Assistant S3 and OPFOR S3, completing 11 rotations in this capacity before transitioning in 2016 to \ functional area 50 (FA50) of Force Management (FM0). He was reassigned to the Pentagon’s G-8 Force Design Directorate, managing modernization programs for armored vehicles. In 2018, he deployed to South Korea with 2nd Inf. Div., serving as the Division FM Officer. In 2019, he joined the Joint Staff at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) at Camp Smith, HI. Initially assigned to the J-8 Budget and Resources Directorate, he worked on Program Objective Memorandum development and fiscal planning. In 2021, he transferred to the J3 Operations Directorate.. In his final year of service, he was part of the J3’s Counter Threat Finance cell, focusing on illicit finance, transnational organized crime, and narcotrafficking threats in the AOR. Major Ripperger retired on January 1, 2024, with 23 years and 3 months of combined active-duty service in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army
Welcome New Companions to the Order:
Hereditary Companion 1LT (former) and SFC, USA Ret. John Ichikawa
John is joining as a hereditary Companion, based on the qualifying service of his uncle, 1LT Kazuma Hisanaga, whose story of service is detailed on the following page.
John began his military service in June of 1989 as a RATT Operator, in HHC 29th INF BDE, Honolulu, In Feb 1991, John was an OCS Candidate, Hawaii Military Academy, Waimanalo, obtaining an Officer Commission and assigned as a Platoon Leader in A Co., 1st Battalion, 299 INF, Kahului, Maui, HI, where he later served as Company Executive Officer in 1-299 INF, Hanapepe, Kauai, HI. Later assigned as Specialty Platoon Leader, D/1-299 INF, Wahiawa, Oahu, HI Aug 94 - Jun 96, later as Executive Officer, and finally as Company Commander of D Co.,2-299 INF, Wahiawa, Oahu, HI Jun 96 - May 98. John resigned his commission and then served as an NCO in the Hawaii National Guard. As a Non Commissioned Officer, John completed two tours of duty in Kuwait/Iraq from 31 OCT 2008 to 14 AUG 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Promoted to SFC 22 April 2019, John retired from the Army on 27 JAN 2022, with a military career spanning 30 years.
COMPANION NEWS
Hawaii Companion Adam Gaines of Canada, our Commandery Genealogist, is also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and attended the Triennial in Paris. In the photo at left Adam stands to the left of Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi.
Companion, Major Larry Dicks rejoins the Hawaii Commandery. Larry PCS’d in January 2022, and was referred to the Virginia Commandery, and we are happy to welcome him back.
Companion Arthur Tulak received the Outstanding Service Medal from the Military Order of the World Wars for 15 years of service at the Chapter, State Department, Region, and National levels of the MOWW. He also published a paper with the Taiwan National Defense University, “Maintaining U.S. Information Advantage from Crisis into Conflict,” available at the Defense Technical Information Center https://www.dtic.mil/search/AD1340751
Portrait of a Humble Hero: 1LT Kazuma Hisanaga
By Companion SFC(R) John T. Ichikawa
Much of the information about my uncle, 1LT Kazuma Hisanaga (1918-1998) was obtained through resources, written and verbal. This was indicative of the generation of men that did not talk about their personal or war service to their families.
Prior to his enlistment, Uncle Kazuma was a star athlete at Hilo High School (1934-1937). He earned 3 varsity letters in both football and basketball. In football he served as captain in his junior and senior years and scored a 99-yard touchdown in his sophomore year (a precursor to his Silver Star heroic action). As for his basketball exploits, he served as captain in his senior year, awarded InterIsland Interscholastic All-Star his junior and senior years and MVP of the Inter-Island Interscholastic Tournament his senior year. Upon his graduation he was awarded the American Legion School Award.
He attended Pomona College in California (1937-June 1941). He received 3 varsity letters in football serving as captain his senior year (the first Japanese American captain of a mainland football collegiate team). He also received 3 varsity letters in baseball, serving as captain his junior and senior years and was awarded AllConference for 3 years.
After graduation from Pomona, Kazuma enlisted in the 299th Infantry Regiment (Hawaii Army National Guard) and was assigned to a guard unit at Scholfield, Oahu. While visiting his parents staying at a hotel in Honolulu, they witnessed the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack, which at first, they thought was a “drill.” After being summoned by a traveling loudspeaker, Kazuma reported to duty to Schofield. It would be the last time that his parents would see him for 4 years. Marshall Law was activated, increasing the fear by all.
His parents (Grandpa/Grandma) were suspects because they were from another island and were Japanese. The FBI entered their hotel room with guns drawn and incarcerated them on Sand Island and Honouliuli for 1 month, unbeknownst to Kazuma until phone calls to Hilo were received by the remaining family. In January 1942 the FBI raided the Lanihuli family house in Hilo as Grandpa was being placed into internment at Kilauea Military Camp outside of Hilo. Grandpa was released after the Feds discovered he was a Sergeant in the US Army during WWI, with an honorable discharge. Grandpa had a hard time forgiving the USA for this.
Kazuma was assigned to Maui Island to “guard” the beaches with a wooden gun (there was distrust towards the Americans of Japanese Ancestry, AJA). “At the time, there were fears that the Japanese would invade the islands,” explains Pomona History Prof Sam Yamashita (Pomoniana Magazine). “The authorities saw men of Japanese ancestry in the National Guard as a threat. People worried they might use their military training to help an invasion force.” All national guardsmen of Japanese background were rounded up and shipped to Oakland, California in the summer of 1942, where the 100th Battalion was born. Kazuma was assigned to Company C composed mainly of men from Maui. The plan was to train the battalion of about 1,400 men and send them off to Europe to join the fight against the Germans. Kazuma and his comrades were well aware of the hostile attitudes they faced from other Americans. “We of Japanese descent are in a very ticklish position,” he wrote in a letter to Allen F. Hawley, an administrator at Pomona who had been a mentor to him during undergrad years. “I’m aware of it and I’m trying my best to prove to all that we are just as loyal or even more loyal than others of different racial descents, I know one thing - I won’t let Uncle Sam or Pomona Down” (Pomoniana Magazine). In a dedication ceremony of the 100th at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Kazuma, as the guest speaker, said:
“In June of 1942, we of the then-designated Hawaiian Provisional Battalion, came to camp McCoy on three different train convoys from Oakland, Calif. As the trains backed into the side, the first sight to greet us was the barbed wired stockade and our first thought was ‘heck, we are going to be interned.’ This thought was negated when were trucked to our tent city and passed the stockade and so we started, our new army life with one thing on our minds, to prove that we were just as good a citizen, trustworthy, honest and loyal, as all of the multitude of races that make up this great nation of ours.”
Kazuma served in both the African and European Theaters during WWII; On September 1943 Sergeant Hisanaga fought in Italy and Southern France; was wounded twice; Served as a Platoon Sergeant (in the grade of Technical Sergeant) until Field Commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant on 12 April 1944; Promoted to First Lieutenant in 1945. He was awarded the Silver Star (downgraded from DSC recommendation); Bronze Star; Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (8 JUL 44 & 29 OCT 44, 2nd Award); Combat Infantry Badge; Presidential Unit Citation. Honorably Discharged 4 October 1945.
EXCERPT OF DSC AFFIDAVIT OF S/SGT WARREN T. IWAI (30102148) Co. C, 100th Bn/442nd RCT:
“On 18 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, Lt. Hisanaga’s platoon was ordered to attack a strong enemy position.”
“The men fully realized the difficulty of making the crossing over the open terrain and securing the houses but Lt. Hisanaga’s calmness instilled confidence in them The platoon was in constant mortar fire but Lt. Hisanaga managed to get his instructions and plan of attack to each individual member of his platoon. When the signal for the attack was given he was the first man to get to his feet and dashed across the open field in front of their enemy position. Lt. Hisanaga’s action inspired his men with the aggressiveness and determination to close in with the enemy. The platoon’s aggressive action even under heavy fire forced the enemy to withdraw from their outposts….“In making the crossing the platoon messenger was wounded in both legs and lay helpless in midfield where there was no cover or concealment. Lt. Hisanaga with a BAR to cover his movement, dashed into the open and took the messenger to a place of safety. In rescuing the messenger Lt. Hisanaga was subjected to heavy and concentrated small arms fire that riddled his outer clothing.”
EXCERPT OF DSC AFFIDAVIT OF SGT. TOSHIMI SODETANI (80108398) CO.C, 100TH BN. 442ND RCT.
“On 18 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, Lt. K. Hisanaga with his platoon was ordered to attack a strong enemy position….“The enemy were in position on the foot of the hill and in front of their position was hundred yards of open and flat ground where they had perfect visibility of any approaching troops. In this open terrain were two houses both of which were occupied by the enemy….“Lt. Hisanaga, having no alternative but to attack through this open ground, led his platoon across to clear the house in front of them. In the attack on the house his messenger, Pvt. Matsumoto was shot through both legs approximately fifty yards from the enemy position and lay there in the open. Lt. Hisanaga with a BAR gunner to cover his movement dashed in the open to take his messenger to cover and there applied first aid to him…. “Lt. Hisanaga in his dash to rescue his man was under constant and deadly fire from enemy sniper, machine guns and machine pistols. Lt. Hisanaga’s act of bravery showed its immediate effect on his men when they charged the next enemy position which forced the enemy to evacuate positions commanding that sector of ground.”
In 1945 upon Kazuma’s return from WWII to Hilo, Grandma told the entire family not to question Kazuma due to what we now call “PTSD” (known as “Shell Shock,” back then). Kazuma would leave Hilo for a couple of months to the outer islands, especially Maui, to visit all the families that lost sons that were under Kazuma’s command and his friend’s families.
In a landmark 1946 speech, President Truman told the all Japanese American 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, “You fought not only the enemy but you fought prejudice-and you have won.” He presented them with their Presidential Unit Citation and urged them to “keep up that fight” to ensure the United States truly stands for the welfare of all people.
Uncle Kazuma was man of his word, he and his soldiers proved they were, “just as loyal or even more loyal than others of different racial descents."
Upcoming events:
• 7 OCT — 24th Anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom (2001)
• 7 OCT— Second anniversary of Start of the Hamas—Israel War (2023)
• 13 OCT Birthday of the U.S. Navy (est. 1775)
• 20 OCT Commandery Social induction of new Companions
• 26 OCT— National Day of the Deployed
• 27 OCT — National Navy Day October 27 date was chosen by the Navy League of the United States in 1922
• 13 24 OCT America 250 America Waves – Sojourn Flag in Hawaii.
• 10 NOV 1200 hrs Marine Corps League to Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the USMC at the State Capitol.
• 10 NOV 0800 hrs — MARFORPAC to fly the America 250 flag for the Marine Corps Birthday, at Camp Smith.
• 11 NOV 1130 hrs— Veterans Day at the Oahu Veterans Center
• 11 NOV VFW Post 8616 Veterans Day at the Natatorium
• 17 NOV — U.S. Army 250th Birthday of the Field Artillery branch
• 7 DEC, 1000 hrs — Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Awards, Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shel,
•7 DEC Pearl Harbor Parade in Waikiki https://www.pearlharborparade.org/
• 13 DEC National Guard Birthday (est. 1636)
• 16 DEC— 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge which began on this day in 1944
• 20 DEC—Founding of the U.S. Space Force (2019)
• 24 JAN 2026 U.S. Army Retiree Appreciation Day, Soldier Support Center, 673 Ayres Ave, Building 750, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857.
• 3 FEB— Four Chaplains Day. A day set aside to honor the four U.S. Army chaplains who gave their lives to save others when the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank during World War II.
• 19 FEB — Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
•29 MAR 2026 National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony @ National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
• 25 APR ANZAC Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Details TBD.
Hawaii Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars
A non-profit 501 (c) 3 Veterans Organization Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila St. Honolulu Hawaii, 96818
