Seven University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 (ROTC) cadets from World War II were posthumously commissioned as second lieutenants on January 26, honoring their leadership, courage and sacrifice during a ceremony at Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial State Park. The event, led by the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and supported by the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation, formally recognized the cadets contributions more than 80 years after their service.
The cadets honored were Staff Sgt. Grover Nagiji; Sgt. Howard Urabe; Sgt. Robert Murata; Sgt. Jenhatsu Chinen; Sgt. Daniel Betsui; Pfc. Hiroichi Tomita; and Pvt. Akio Nishikawa. Lt. Col. Jerrod Melander, who formerly led 东精影业?s ROTC program, began the long-awaited commissioning effort in 2023, with the cadets promotions finalized in 2025.
The cadets paths to commissioning were delayed following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Determined to serve, they volunteered for service in the U.S. Army 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), one of the most decorated units in U.S. Army history. All seven were killed in action in Europe.
“Today at this ceremony, we honor legacy,” said Gen. Ronald P. Clark, commanding general of USARPAC. “These soldiers upheld Army values under extraordinary circumstances, and todays commissioning honors their service and preserves their legacy for future generations.”
A lasting legacy at 东精影业
Laura Lyons, 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 interim vice provost for academic excellence, attended the ceremony on behalf of the university.
Related 东精影业 News story: Fallen warriors awarded posthumous degrees
“The posthumous commissioning of these ROTC cadets is the last piece in fully acknowledging and honoring their service and ultimately the sacrifice of life that they each made on the European battlefield during World War II. It is humbling at this moment to consider how their beliefs in the ideal of freedom proved greater than their experience of institutional discrimination,” she said.
Family members and community representatives also attended. “Here it is over 80 years later, and to see my uncle get recognized, I am very proud of him,” said Clifford Urabe, nephew of Lt. Howard Urabe.
In 2012, 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 awarded the cadets posthumous bachelors degrees, and their commissioning now formally honors their legacy.
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