Sacramento, CA - Today the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus honored recipients with the Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Awards at the California State Capitol.  Awards were presented to a distinguished group of members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community who have achieved excellence in the fields of business, civil rights, labor, law, new media, and public service. 

More importantly, the Award for Historical Significance was presented to the Nisei Veterans for their historical contribution to the State of California and the entire nation for their participation in World War II.  This group of about 33,000 veterans of Japanese ancestry fought bravely for our country during World War II despite their families being incarcerated behind barbed wire in the United States.  These brave Japanese Veterans served in the 100th Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion.  The motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was “Go for Broke.”

Assemblymember Steven C. Bradford (D-Gardena) escorted the group of Nisei Veterans and added “It is important to note that these brave veterans fought discrimination on the home front after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and despite that fought heroically and many of them sacrificed their lives during World War II.  The least we can do is recognize them for their heroism and service.” 
The eight Nisei Veterans honored and escorted by Assemblymember Bradford on the Assembly Floor included, Frank Kageta, Leo Hosoda, Roy Sato, George Hamai, Jim Iso, and Mr. Takei.
In October 5, 2010 President Barack Obama also granted the Congressional Gold Metal collectively to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. Nearly 6,000 veterans of Japanese ancestry served with the Military Intelligence Service and have been credited for shortening the war by two years by translating enemy battle plans, defense maps, tactical orders, intercepted messages and diaries, and interrogating enemy prisoners.

Contact: Crystal Quezada, (916) 319-2051