The article recounts a pivotal phone call made on July 9, 1982, leading to a meeting with veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, who sought to build a memorial for fallen comrades. Despite facing racial prejudice and internment during WWII, these Japanese American soldiers displayed unwavering loyalty and valor, earning them the title 'Purple Heart Battalion.' Their remarkable stories of sacrifice and resilience are honored with the planned memorial, highlighting the complex notions of patriotism and sacrifice in the face of adversity.
These men had fought the best of Hitler's army and won but at a terrible price. They were known as the Purple Heart Battalion for good reason.
Yet they paid back that evil with good. Is there any nobler example of patriotism than that?
The planning meeting went quickly all morning, and soon it was time for lunch, so we went to Scott's Seafood in Oakland's Jack London Square.
I replied, remembering the motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the segregated Japanese American World II outfit that was awarded more medals, man-for-man, than any other military unit in U.S. history.
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