What was the all Asian-American world war2 military unit called?

Answer 1

An American infantry regiment was organized that consisted primarily of Japanese-Americans or also called Nisei-Americans. This unit was formed primarily from Hawaiians but also included second generation Japanese-Americans.

The unit was organized from units of the Hawaiian National Guard and designated the 100th Battalion (Seperate). This unit was sent to Camp Shelby, MS for training in 1942. All the officers were haole (Hawaiian for "white").

President Roosevelt was impressed with their training and on 1 February 1943, he directed the formation of a regiment that was designated the 442nd Infantry Regiment. With the addition of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion and the 232nd Engineer Battalion, along with the orignal 100th Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was established at Camp Shelby.

The 442 RCT fought in Italy where it was attached to the 34th Infantry Division. Then it served with VI Corps and fought in Southern France. Later, it was returned to Italy and was attached to the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division in western Italy.

There were many skeptics that did not think the Nisei would be remain loyal to America. But this unit earned the most medals for bravery in combat than any unit in WW2.

Awards & Decorations

As of 7 August 1945*

Distinguished Unit Citation ----------- 3

Distinguished Service Cross: ----------- 42

Distinguished Service Medal: ----------- 1

Legion of Merit: ----------- ----------- 13

Silver Star: ----------- ----------- 249

Oak Leaf Cluster: ----------- 5

Soldier's Medal: ----------- 11

Bronze Star: ----------- ----------- 579

Oak Leaf Cluster ----------- 24

Army Commendation ----------- 13

Division Commendation ----------- 62

Purple Hearts are not listed. Other sources credit this unit wth 9,486 Purple Hearts.

* Congressional Medal of Honor was issued to members of the 442RCT after the war. In June 2000, President Clinton awarded an additional 20 Medals of Honor to members of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team.