“News from the Hut”
for American Legion Post #142; Hominy, Oklahoma.
by Gary Lanham

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army was a fighting unit composed almost entirely of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought in World War II. Most of the families of mainland Japanese Americans were confined to internment camps in the United States interior. Beginning in 1944, the regiment fought primarily in Europe during World War II. Twenty-one were awarded Medals of Honor. Its motto was “Go for Broke”. On this day in 1944 three soldiers were recognized for outstanding service with the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Private Barney F. Hajiro, On 29 October 1944 Private Hajiro initiated an attack up the slope of a hill referred to as “Suicide Hill” running forward approximately 100 yards under fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades drawing fire and spotting camouflaged machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with fire and single-handedly destroyed two machine gun nests and killed two enemy snipers. As a result of Private Hajiro’s heroic actions, the attack was successful.

Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October and 4 November 1944 in France. On 29 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 8 more men on 29 October.

Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October 1944, on hill 617 in France fighting the Nazi. He killed five enemy soldiers and captured four. Disregarding enemy fire, Private Sakato made a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to charge and destroy the enemy strongpoint. While his platoon was reorganizing, he proved to be the inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack on the left flank during which his squad leader was killed. Taking charge of the squad he continued his relentless tactics, using an enemy rifle and P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack. During this entire action, he killed 12 and wounded two, personally captured four and assisted his platoon in taking 34 prisoners. Continuously ignoring enemy fire he displayed gallant courage and fighting spirit, turning pending defeat into victory.

Now for the local update. The 100 #s of fresh meat from Wild Country raffle drawing will be December 11^th at the Christmas Dinner with our Auxiliary. It will be a family event so kids and grandkids are welcome. We will participate in the Veterans Day parade in Fairfax with our brethren from Post 333 Ralston.

Visit us at our station on Main Street Treats on Saturday October 31^st. I’m going to try and get Bessy (the jeep) there but I will be watching the weather as Bessy has no “umbrella”. Afterwards we still plan to meander over to the Hut for coffee and cocoa for members and friends.

Plans are solid for a public dinner Saturday November 12th that is second to none. Chef Sebert’s famous Chicken Noodle Dinner is the best. How handy would a beautiful knife be? Still selling tickets for the Damascus Knife raffle (donated by Dan Rathbun). The drawing will be November 11^th, Veteran’s Day. Tickets are $1 each and 6 tickets for $5 easily found around town. Also the Veterans Day annual program is currently planned for November 11^th with lunch and ceremony according to sources. Details are soon to be announced.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (November 5th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in November are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.