Overview

Mikio Hasemoto (July 13, 1916 – November 29, 1943) was a United States Army soldier of Japanese descent who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. In Japanese naming practice the family name precedes the given name; in this case the family name is Hasemoto. Readers interested in naming conventions can consult a general note on Japanese names and the word name for background.

Military service and recognition

Hasemoto served in the United States Army (U.S. Army) during the global conflict of World War II. His conduct in combat earned him the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. The medal recognizes acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Historical context

Japanese Americans who served during World War II did so at a time of intense social and political pressure. Many volunteered or were drafted while facing restrictions at home. Units composed largely of Japanese American soldiers and separate battalions have become emblematic of the community’s service and sacrifice. Hasemoto’s award is part of that broader story of service by Americans of Japanese ancestry during the war.

Legacy and importance

Hasemoto’s life and decoration are remembered as examples of personal bravery and as part of the wartime legacy of minority military service. His name appears in lists of Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and in commemorations that reflect on the contributions and challenges of Japanese American servicemembers. For readers seeking more detail about the institution that bestows the decoration, see the linked reference to the Medal of Honor and to the U.S. Army.

Notable facts

  • Born in 1916 and killed in 1943, Hasemoto’s life was cut short during wartime service.
  • His recognition with the Medal of Honor places him among the small number of service members given the country’s highest military award.
  • His story is often cited in discussions of the role and recognition of minority veterans in American military history.

For broader historical context on the global conflict in which he fought, see the linked entry on World War II. Additional general resources and name references are available via Japanese naming conventions and other background links provided here.