Medal of Honor of Joe M. Nishimoto

This Medal of Honor was awarded to Private First Class Joe M. Nishimoto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team for extraordinary heroism in action near La Houssière, France. Born in Madera, California on February 21, 1919, Nishimoto was initially incarcerated at Jerome Concentration Camp. He enlisted out of Columbus, Ohio on October 4th, 1943, and was sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi to train with the newly-formed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. After serving throughout Italy and Southern France, Nishimoto witnessed heavy combat throughout the Vosges Mountains, including saving of the Lost Battalion. On November 7th, 1944, after experiencing numerous days under stress from enemy fire and hidden mines, Nishimoto led a bold attack through the German lines. Private Joe Nishimoto died the following week in combat on November 15th, 1944. Originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on November 7th, 1944, he was later awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton on June 21st, 2000 along with 21 other distinguished Asian American soldiers.

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