442nd RCT Color Guards

This is one of the most recognized photos used to represent the Nisei soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT). The photo will be the signature image for “I Am An American: The Nisei Soldier Experience” as the exhibit travels nationwide from 2026-2031.

Taken on November 12, 1944, the photo shows the 442nd RCT color guard in the foreground, all members of Antitank Company: (left to right) S. Sgts. Matsuo Kaminishi, Edwin H. Kokubun, Henry S. Yamane, and Kunito Sadaoka.

On this day, Gen. John E. Dahlquist, 36th Infantry Division commander, called for the 442nd RCT to assemble for a regimental review and citation ceremony near Bruyères, France. The Nisei soldiers had just come off the front lines after 3 1/2 weeks of fighting, during which they liberated the towns of Bruyères, Belmont, and Biffontaine, and rescued members of the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, known as the ‘Lost Battalion,’ a unit that had been surrounded by the German army for seven days.

During this period of combat, approximately 140 men of the 442nd RCT were killed in action. In addition, there were 1800 other casualties, including wounded, missing in action, non-battle casualties, and cases of trench foot. One company only had eight men left standing after the rescue of the ‘Lost Battalion.’

During the ceremony, Gen. Dahlquist noticed that only a small number of men were assembled in front of him. He turned to Lt. Col. Virgil R. Miller, 442nd RCT commanding officer, and asked where the rest of the men were. Col. Miller answered, “That’s all that’s left.”

Victor Izui, 442nd medic, remembered the day of the regimental review: “With ache in our hearts, remnants of the decimated Combat Team gathered in formation in the snow to pay a most heart-rending, emotional, final tribute and farewell to all who had fallen in the Vosges.”