Last updated: July 24, 2026
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Johnny Akimoto
Courtesy of the Akimoto family
Before the War
Johnny Akimoto was the youngest of four sons and four daughters born to parents Masanori and Mary Akimoto. Masonori and Mary immigrated from Japan to the United States in 1907. The Akimoto family originally settled in Idaho. During high school, Johnny was an outstanding athlete, excelling in gymnastics and weightlifting.
Courtesy of the Akimoto Family
Forced Removal and Military Service
Johnny moved to Amache during January of 1943, before the rest of the family. He was one of the first volunteers for military service immediately after President Roosevelt announced the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, just 18 days after arriving at Amache. He arrived at Camp Shelby in Mississippi a few weeks after his brother, Victor. A few weeks later, his other brother Ted joined them at the training facility. All three brothers sent letters to their parents with whatever money they could manage (a private’s pay was $21 a month).
After initial training, Johnny was assigned to the heavy weapons infantry as a machine gunner. He was deployed to Italy in March, 1944. Johnny’s unit replaced troops who had been killed or injured in the Battle of Anzio. His service in the battle earned him a Bronze Star.
On July 30th, Johnny checked into the hospital. Having already contracted mumps while overseas, he was diagnosed with acute hepatitis on July 30, 1944. He died three days later, on August 2, 1944. Just a few weeks before what would have been his 21st birthday, Johnny was buried in a U.S. military cemetery in Vada, Italy.
Courtesy of the Akimoto family
After the War
At the end of the war, at the Akimoto family’s request, the War Department granted permission for Johnny’s body to be exhumed and moved from Italy to be laid to rest next to his brother, Victor, in France. They are now buried side by side at the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France. Fifteen years after the war ended, his mother, Mary, and brother, Ted, were finally able to visit their gravesites during a dedication ceremony of the cemetery.