Allan Masaharu Ohata — U.S. Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient

Name and background

Ohata was a Nisei, a second‑generation Japanese American. In discussions of personal names it is common to note that Japanese name order traditionally places the family name first; in his case the family name is Ohata. For reading and cultural context see general notes on Japanese naming conventions and the use of given names and readings in bilingual settings. The family name itself is referenced here: Ohata.

Military service and actions

Ohata served as a member of the United States Army during World War II. As a soldier he took part in combat operations that demonstrated conspicuous gallantry, ultimately leading to the award of the nation’s highest military decoration. His military role and conduct are part of the wider story of Japanese American enlistment and service during the war (soldier service).

Medal of Honor and recognition

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration, awarded for extraordinary acts of valor. Ohata received this decoration for actions in World War II; his award highlights both individual bravery and the broader contributions of minority servicemembers during that conflict. For more on the decoration and its criteria see information about the Medal of Honor and historical context about awards in World War II.

Legacy and notable facts

• Born in 1918 and died in 1977, Allan Masaharu Ohata is remembered among American veterans of World War II.
• He was a Nisei—part of a generation whose military service played a role in changing perceptions about loyalty and citizenship.
• The Medal of Honor awarded for his actions is part of the public record and a focal point for studies of minority service in U.S. military history.

Ohata’s story is cited in discussions about wartime service, recognition, and the contributions of Japanese Americans to the United States. His life and award continue to be referenced in veteran histories and commemorations that place individual acts of courage within larger social and military narratives.