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Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Jack Wakamatsu was one of the few Japanese Americans to be drafted before the war. On June 10, 1941 he was promoted to First Sergeant assigned to Company F, 53rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Ord, California. Jack joined Company F, of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team which was activated on February 1, 1943 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. With the 442nd, Jack fought in Italy and France, including the mission to rescue the "Lost Texas Battalion." These medals honor First Sergeant Wakamatsu for his bravery and dedication. " The 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team was the most highly decorated unit in U.S. Army history, "for its size and length of service". Eight Prsesidential Unit Citations were bestowed on the combined unit. One of these citations, following combat near Bruyeres, France, in October 1944, reads, "The extraordinary heroism, daring determination, and esprit de Corps displayed by the men of the 100th Battalion, 442d Regimental Team, during these actions live as an inspiration and add glory to the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States." Metal, fabric. L 3.5, W 1.5 cm Manzanar National Historic Site, MANZ 5182 |