Let the Samurai Be Your Guide by Lori Tsugawa Whaley

Author:Lori Tsugawa Whaley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Dr. James K. Okubo

Medal of Honor

Dedicated in 2002 at Ft. Lewis, Washington, the Okubo Medical and Dental Complex is a befitting tribute to a courageous and heroic man, Dr. James K. Okubo. The exhibit in the building entrance displays Okubo’s life and outstanding service during World War II. Patients and medics in training can view the exhibit, be inspired, and ask themselves if they could respond as gallantly under pressure as Okubo. Would they have enough concern for their fellow man to risk their own lives?

James K. Okubo was born in Anacortes, Washington, in 1920. He volunteered to serve as a medic in the all-nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army. He literally risked his life under enemy fire to rescue and treat fellow wounded soldiers in France. For his bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star—the U.S. Army’s third-highest decoration.

In 2000, President Clinton upgraded that Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. The citation explains:

Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and 29 October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and eight more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

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