Robert Toshio Kuroda (November 8, 1922–October 20, 1944) was a Japanese American soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. In Japanese naming practice the family name appears first; Kuroda is the family name. For background on Japanese names see Japanese name and naming order references at this overview. The family name itself is referenced at Kuroda.
Overview
Kuroda was one of the many second‑generation Japanese Americans, often called Nisei, who volunteered or were drafted into U.S. service despite widespread discrimination at home. Like other Nisei soldiers, his service is seen as part of a larger story of loyalty, sacrifice, and eventual recognition. The Medal of Honor he received recognizes extraordinary bravery in combat.
Service and actions
Detailed accounts of Kuroda’s combat actions note that he displayed exceptional courage under fire and made the ultimate sacrifice in 1944. His conduct exemplified a number of Nisei veterans who fought with units composed of Japanese American soldiers as the United States prosecuted the war in Europe and the Pacific.
- Birth: November 8, 1922.
- Death in action: October 20, 1944.
- Branch: United States Army.
- Conflict: World War II.
Recognition of Kuroda’s valor contributes to historical understanding of minority service in wartime and the later efforts to honor those who were previously overlooked. For more on the Medal of Honor and its significance, see Medal of Honor information.
His life is often cited when discussing the broader experiences of Japanese Americans during the war, including enlistment, unit histories, and postwar commemoration. General resources about Japanese American military service and naming conventions can be found at Japanese name, naming order, and other contextual links such as Kuroda family name and wartime histories World War II. Further biographical or unit-specific records are available through military archives and veterans’ organizations United States Army research pages.