Oldest Medal of Honor: Barney F. Hajiro, of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team

[7thAirForceVet]

Mr. Hajiro is a 94 year old World War II veteran and the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient. In addition to his Medal of Honor he was also awarded the British Military Medal and the French Legion d’honneur. He was drafted then in March of 1943 he volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd went on to become the highest decorated unit in the history of our armed forces.

 

He passed away on Friday, January 21, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. There are 85 living Medal of Honor recipients remaining.

 

Note: all members of the 442nd were Japanese American who volunteered to serve during WW II.  In 1987, I was privileged and honor to meet some of these veterans while living in Seattle.