Ted Takayuki Tanouye
Ted Takayuki Tanouye (1919–1944) was a Japanese American U.S. Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient whose service highlights the contributions and sacrifices of Nisei soldiers in World War II.
Overview
Ted Takayuki Tanouye (November 14, 1919 – September 6, 1944) was a Japanese American soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during World War II. His life and recognition symbolize both individual valor and the wider service of Nisei—second‑generation Japanese Americans—who fought for the United States despite facing discrimination at home.
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Early life and name
Tanouye was born to Japanese immigrant parents and grew up in a community shaped by Japanese naming and cultural practices. In contexts that follow Japanese naming conventions, the family name appears first; his family name is rendered as Tanouye. Biographical summaries and public records may use either order depending on the source (see references).
Military service
He volunteered or was drafted into the U.S. Army during the global conflict of 1939–1945 and served in frontline combat against Axis forces. Tanouye fought alongside other Japanese American soldiers who became noted for their courage and discipline in difficult campaigns. His citation recognizes actions taken under intense enemy fire that placed the safety of his comrades and mission above his own.
Medal of Honor and recognition
Because he was killed in action in 1944, Tanouye's Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously. Decades after the war, reviews of wartime awards for Asian American soldiers led to renewed recognition and, in some cases, upgrades to the Medal of Honor. Such reviews sought to address past bias and to ensure that acts of valor were honored without prejudice.
Context and legacy
Tanouye's story is often discussed in the broader history of Japanese American service during the war, including the experience of families who endured internment and the formation of famed Nisei combat units. Commemorations, military histories, and veteran organizations preserve his memory and that of his comrades, using their stories to discuss citizenship, civil rights, and reconciliation after the war.
- Biographical summaries and name references
- Information on family names and ordering
- Overview of the United States Army in World War II
- Medal of Honor: background and criteria
- Context for World War II service by American soldiers
This article summarizes widely known aspects of Tanouye's life and service. For complete military records, unit details, and the full citation text, consult official military archives and specialized historical works.
Questions and answers
Q: Who is Ted Tanouye?
A: Ted Tanouye was a United States Army soldier.
Q: When was Ted Tanouye born?
A: Ted Tanouye was born on November 14, 1919.
Q: When did Ted Tanouye die?
A: Ted Tanouye died on September 6, 1944.
Q: What was Ted Tanouye awarded for his actions in World War II?
A: Ted Tanouye was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II.
Q: What is the significance of Ted Tanouye's name?
A: Ted Tanouye's name follows the Japanese naming convention where family name precedes the given name.
Q: What is Ted Tanouye known for?
A: Ted Tanouye is known for his incredible bravery and heroism during World War II.
Q: What is the importance of Ted Tanouye's Medal of Honor?
A: Ted Tanouye's Medal of Honor is important as it recognizes and honors his selfless actions and dedication in serving his country during a time of war.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Ted Takayuki Tanouye Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/96723
Sources
- history.army.mil : "Medal of Honor Recipients, World War II (T-Z)"
- torranceca.gov : "Ted Tonouye Memorial"
- aptonline.org : "Citizen Tanouye" at American Public Television (APT)
- aad.archives.gov : Japanese-American Internee Data File, 1942-1946 #3 283A (Tanoue, Momoe)
- aad.archives.gov : WWII Army Enlistment Record #39019913 (Tanouye, Ted T.)
- goforbroke.org : "Medal of Honor Recipient Technician sergeant Ted K. Tanouye"
- globalsecurity.org : "100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry" at Global Security.org
- digitalhistory.uh.edu : "21 Asian American World War II Vets to Get Medal of Honor" at University of Hawaii Digital History
- history.army.mil : "Asian Pacific American Medal of Honor recipients"
- senate.gov : "Tanouye, Ted T.," pp. 20-21 [PDF 24-25 of 44]
- articles.latimes.com : "WWII Soldier's Heroism Sent a Message About Prejudice,"