HEROS: Missing–Honolouo

Missing—Honolouo

An Army colonel made a solemn speech to a hushed gathering that half filled the small, bare University of Hawaii’s auditorium. His audience had gathered at the Army’s request. Though most Hawaiian Japanese speak English, many of these did not. So they sat stiffly in straight-backed chairs, listening uncomprehendingly. Then up to the platform stepped Staff Sergeant Howard Hiroki, veteran of the South Pacific, to interpret the officer’s words. Sixteen Japanese-Americans in the audience stood up. To each of them was given a Purple Heart, as wife, sweetheart or next-of-kin of a Japanese-American boy killed in Italy.