Photo Gallery: World War II veterans receive medals

Photo Gallery: World War II veterans Victory Parade

Photo Gallery: Veterans honored

Japanese-American veterans of World War II were honored Saturday with replicas of a Congressional Gold Medal bestowed on them for their heroic service at a time when they were facing discrimination because of their ethnicity.

About 450 veterans received their replicas at a luncheon at the Hawai’i Convention Center after a parade of the veterans through Waikiki. The 1399 Engineering Construction Battalion was also honored at the ceremony, which was attended by 3,000 people.

The medal was officially awarded in November to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Japanese-American members of the Military Intelligence Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., but many Hawaii veterans could not attend because of their health.

"Distinguished in battle, unique in American history and yet humble nearly to a fault, they are the boys of One Puka Puka, ‘Go for Broke’ and MIS," said Eric Shinseki, secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Shinseki, a Kauai native and former Army chief of staff, said the medal "finally puts things right."

He said it was fitting to celebrate the awarding of the medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in Hawaii because a majority of the 442nd members came from the islands. Members of the 442nd received more decorations in two years than any other unit of its size in U.S. military history.

"We just don’t make units like this anymore," Shinseki said.

Harold Watase, 87, who served with Company I in the 442nd, said he initially felt embarrassed by the honor, but that it became acceptable when he considered that 44 men in his company were killed and many others permanently wounded. He recalled serving with Japanese-Americans from the mainland whose families were living in relocation camps during the war and said they deserved the extra award.

Chad Yamasaki, 21, the grandson of 88-year-old Hiram Doi, who served with the 442nd, said he was thankful for the sacrifices of his grandfather’s generation.

"It’s good we have these kinds of things to appreciate what these past generations have done for us," he said.

Doi’s younger brother Mamoru Doi, 87, who served as a Japanese interpreter with the MIS in the Philippines, said he was living on Hawaii island when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

"When the war broke out, we took a beating," he said of the discrimination from other residents. He volunteered for the Army to show his loyalty to the country and later felt vindicated when President Harry Truman said Japanese-Americans fought prejudice and won.

"That’s good enough for me," he said. "I’m already satisfied. We proved that we’re American."

Hawaii News Now video: World War II vets commemorated for receiving Congressional Gold Medal