100th Infantry Battalion (United States)

100th Infantry Battalion (United States) was a United States Army unit composed predominantly of Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) during World War II. Initially formed in Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the battalion became renowned for its extraordinary combat record in the European Theater. Its exceptional valor and high casualty rate earned it the nickname "Purple Heart Battalion," and its legacy is integral to the story of the 442nd Infantry Regiment.

History

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent issuance of Executive Order 9066, Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forcibly relocated to internment camps. However, in Hawaii, where the Japanese American population was large and vital to the economy, a different approach was taken. The War Department authorized the creation of a special unit, and the **100th Infantry Battalion** was activated in June 1942 at Schofield Barracks. Its formation was a contentious experiment, driven by advocates like John A. Burns and Hung Wai Ching, who believed in the loyalty of these American citizens. The battalion's early history was marked by segregated training and transfer to the mainland for further preparation at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin and later Camp Shelby in Mississippi.

Organization and training

The battalion was organized as a standard infantry battalion within the United States Army. Its original cadre consisted largely of former members of the Hawaiʻi National Guard and ROTC students from the University of Hawaiʻi. Initial training at Camp McCoy focused on basic infantry tactics and hardening the unit for combat. The subsequent move to Camp Shelby placed them near the also-forming 442nd Infantry Regiment, creating a complex dynamic between the battle-hardened "One Puka Puka" and the new recruits. Commanded by officers like Farrant L. Turner and Gordon Chung-Hoon, the battalion developed a strong esprit de corps, though its training was conducted under the cloud of suspicion and segregation prevalent in the Jim Crow South.

Combat history

The battalion deployed to the Mediterranean Theater in September 1943, attached to the 34th Infantry Division. It first saw major combat during the Italian Campaign at the Battle of Monte Cassino, where it suffered heavy casualties. The 100th fought with distinction in the brutal Winter Line battles and the subsequent Operation Diadem. After the capture of Rome, the battalion participated in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France. It was then attached to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and fought in the vicious battles to break the Gothic Line, including the famed rescue of the "Lost Battalion" of the 141st Infantry Regiment in the Vosges mountains. The unit's relentless combat performance resulted in extraordinarily high casualty rates.

Decorations and honors

The 100th Infantry Battalion became one of the most decorated units for its size and length of service in U.S. military history. For its actions, the battalion was awarded three Presidential Unit Citations. Individual soldiers earned numerous valorous awards, including one Medal of Honor (upgraded later from a Distinguished Service Cross) awarded to Shinyei Nakamine, and numerous other Medals of Honor, Distinguished Service Crosses, and Silver Star medals. The battalion's original nickname, "Purple Heart Battalion," was a testament to the over 900 Purple Hearts awarded to its men for wounds received in action.

Legacy

The legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion is profound, demonstrating the loyalty and sacrifice of Japanese Americans in the face of widespread prejudice. Its success paved the way for the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and helped change perceptions, contributing to the post-war Civil Rights Movement and the eventual passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. The battalion's history is preserved by organizations like the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans club and is honored at sites such as the National Museum of the United States Army and the Go For Broke National Education Center. Its story remains a cornerstone of American military history and a powerful narrative of courage and patriotism.

Category:Infantry battalions of the United States Army Category:Japanese-American history Category:Military units and formations established in 1942