Shizuya Hayashi, who received the Medal of Honor in 2000, passed away on Wednesday morning.
Hayashi was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II, when he charged towards German positions, killing 20 enemy soldiers and capturing four others. Hayashi, a Pearl City native, was 90.
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye mourned the loss of Hayashi today. Per The Honolulu Advertiser:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Shizuya Hayashi, a fellow nisei soldier, and I extend my condolences to the entire Hayashi family,” Inouye said. “I remember Shizuya sat next to me during the White House ceremony when President Clinton presented us and about 20 others with the Medal of Honor. It was a humbling experience, and it was made more touching and meaningful when I learned that Shizuya also shared my sentiment: that we were accepting this special honor on behalf of the men with whom we served, and especially those who did return home when the war ended.
“Shizuya Hayashi will always exemplify the legacy of the nisei soldiers: determined defenders committed to serving our country with honor — even when many of our own countrymen at that time doubted our patriotism and our willingness to serve in harm’s way.”
