James K. Okubo — Japanese American U.S. Army medic and Medal of Honor recipient

Overview

James K. Okubo (May 30, 1920 – January 29, 1967) was a Japanese American soldier who served as a medic in the United States Army during World War II. He is best known for his courage in treating and evacuating wounded comrades under fire and for receiving the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration.

Background

Okubo was a nisei, a second‑generation Japanese American. In Japanese naming conventions the family name appears first; the surname in his name is Okubo, while his given name is represented by the initial and personal name elements referenced in some sources (Japanese name, given name). Like many Japanese Americans of his era, he volunteered or was drafted into segregated units composed largely of fellow Japanese Americans.

Military service and actions

Serving as an Army medic, Okubo repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to render first aid and evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield. His actions exemplified the role medics played: treating casualties, stabilizing injuries, and organizing evacuations while under direct threat. For his bravery he was originally decorated during the war and later further recognized in a broader review of wartime awards.

Medal of Honor and legacy

Decades after the war, a government review of decorations for Asian American soldiers resulted in upgrades of several awards. As part of that process, Okubo's earlier recognition was upgraded and he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. His story is cited in discussions about the contributions and sacrifices of Japanese American service members and the effort to correct historical injustices in military recognition.

Key facts

• Born: May 30, 1920; Died: January 29, 1967.
• Role: U.S. Army medic during World War II.
• Honors: Recipient of the Medal of Honor after official review of wartime awards.
• Context: Part of the larger narrative of Japanese American military service in the U.S. armed forces (United States Army).

Okubo's life and recognition remain part of broader accounts of valor, civil rights, and the reassessment of military awards in the decades following World War II. His service is remembered alongside other Japanese American veterans who demonstrated exceptional bravery despite facing discrimination at home.

For more on naming conventions and related historical context see general resources on Japanese names (Japanese name) and military awards processes (given name, family name, United States Army, Medal of Honor, World War II).