Kazuma Hisanaga

Charlie Company, 100th Infantry Battalion

 

Early Life

Kazuma “Benny” Hisanaga (1919–1998) was a Japanese American sansei (third generation), born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. His mother, Yoshino (née Takemoto) Hisanaga, was born on Maui, and his father, Hisakichi Hisanaga, was born in Pepeʻekeo on Hawaiʻi Island. Hisakichi, born an American of Japanese ancestry (AJA), served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He later owned a gaming establishment in Hilo called “Palace Amusements” during a time when gambling was legal in the islands. In the late 1930s, Hisakichi employed and mentored Sam Boyd, who would go on to become a successful Las Vegas businessman and owner of the California Hotel and Casino.

Prior to his enlistment, Kazuma attended Hilo High School (1934-1937), where he stood out not only as a scholar, but as an extraordinary athlete. He earned three varsity letters in football, baseball and basketball. In football he served as captain in his junior and senior years and scored a 99-yard touchdown in his sophomore year (a precursor to his Silver Star heroic action). As for his basketball exploits, he served as captain in his senior year, awarded Inter-Island Interscholastic All-Star his junior and senior years and MVP of the Inter-Island Interscholastic Tournament (Territorial Championship) his senior year.

Upon his graduation, he was awarded the American Legion School Award, which recognized students for character and integrity, leadership, service to school and community, academic achievement, and citizenship.

Encouraged by his coach and mentor, Pomona College alumnus Ung Soy “Beans” Afook, Kazuma crossed the Pacific to attend Pomona College in California (1937-June 1941). There, he was given the nickname “Benny” and continued to shine — he received three varsity letters in football, serving as captain his senior year, reportedly the first Japanese American to captain a mainland collegiate football team. He also received three varsity letters in baseball, serving as captain his junior and senior years and was awarded All-Conference for three years. Under the guidance of legendary coach Earl “Fuzz” Merritt, Benny’s leadership on the field reflected a deep sense of discipline and humility.

Military Service in Hawaiʻi

After graduating from Pomona in 1941, Kazuma enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the 299th Infantry Regiment of the Hawaii National Guard, and was assigned to a guard unit at Schofield Barracks on Oʻahu.

While visiting his parents staying at a hotel in Honolulu, they witnessed the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack, which at first, they thought was a “drill.” After being summoned by a traveling loudspeaker, Kazuma reported for duty at Schofield Barracks. It would be the last time his parents would see him for four years. Martial law had been declared, heightening fear across the islands.

Kazuma’s parents, both nisei, were initially treated as suspects because they were of Japanese ancestry and visiting Honolulu from another island. FBI agents entered their hotel room with guns drawn and incarcerated them at Sand Island Detention Camp and Honouliuli Internment Camp for about a month. Kazuma did not know of their detention until the rest of the family in Hilo received phone calls and relayed the information.

In January 1942, the FBI also raided the Hisanaga family home on Lanihuli, while Kazuma’s father, Hisakichi, was then being placed into internment at Kīlauea Military Camp outside of Hilo. His mother had been released prior to this. Hisakichi was later released after authorities discovered he had served as a U.S. Army Sergeant during World War I and had received an honorable discharge. Even so, Hisakichi had a hard time forgiving the United States for this.

Kazuma was assigned to Maui island to guard the beaches with a wooden gun. At this time, there was distrust towards the AJA, and “there were fears that the Japanese would invade the islands,” explains Pomona History professor, Sam Yamashita (Pomoniana Magazine). “The authorities saw men of Japanese ancestry in the National Guard as a threat. People worried they might use their military training to help an invasion force.”

While assigned to Maui, Kazuma was able to connect with his older sister, Lillian, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, who was married to Ed Mau, an employee of the Hawaiʻi Board of Health.

Military Service with the 100th Infantry Battalion

At the end of May 1942, all Americans of Japanese ancestry in the Hawaii National Guard, including Kazuma, were rounded up to form a Hawaiian Provisional Infantry Battalion. The unit was shipped to Oakland, California on June 5, 1942, where the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) was born.

Kazuma was assigned to Company C composed mainly of men from Maui. The battalion of about 1,400 men trained at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, and later at Camp Shelby, Mississipi, before being deployed to Europe to join the fight against the Germans.

Kazuma and his comrades were well aware of the hostile attitudes they faced from other Americans. Before being deployed, he wrote a letter Allen F. Hawley (Pomona College, 1919), an administrator at Pomona who had been a mentor to him during his undergraduate years, expressing the inner struggle he and his comrades faced:

“We of Japanese descent are in a very ticklish position. I’m aware of it and I’m trying my best to prove to all that we are just as loyal or even more loyal than others of different racial descents. I know one thing — I won’t let Uncle Sam or Pomona down” (Pomoniana Magazine)

In June 1995, a group of 100th Infantry Battalion veterans and their families traveled on a tour to visit Camp McCoy (now Fort McCoy), Camp Shelby, Ship Island, Fort Snelling, and Washington, D.C. At a dedication ceremony for the World War II commemorative area at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Kazuma, serving as guest speaker for the 100th, reflected:

““In June of 1942, we of the then designated Hawaiian Provisional Battalion came to Camp McCoy on three different train convoys from Oakland, Calif. As the trains backed into the siding, the first sight to greet us was the barbed-wire stockade, and our first thought was, ‘heck, we are going to be interned.’ This thought was negated when we were trucked to our tent city and passed the stockade, and so we started our new Army life with one thing on our minds: to prove that we were just as good citizens — trustworthy, honest, and loyal — as all of the multitude of races that make up this great nation of ours.

In due time our designated name was altered and we became the 100th Infantry Battalion, the “One Puka Puka,” as we called ourselves, and our motto became “Remember Pearl Harbor”. We trained in all types of weather, a prelude to the conditions we would face in Italy and Southern France. In late September we warm blooded “Hawaiians” experienced our first squaw winter and the ensuing beautiful Indian summer. A short time later we were out of our tents and into the newly finished barracks which were heavenly compared to the airy tents and with everything inside it meant the end of going outside to the latrines and showers and it meant the end of the despised hot water details. Our training was hard and hectic and we were pushed toward par excellence and we did this without whimpering. Our first winter here was rough with lots of snow and ice, something most of us had never experienced before, and as the icicles from the second floor eaves grew larger and longer we could see and feel our bodies strengthening, and our stamina growing as were nearing the end of our first phase of training.

Today only vivid memories remain after 53 years since we came here. We would like to thank the good people of Sparta, LaCrosse, Tomah and other small towns in Wisconsin for opening their hearts, and homes, and accepting the slant-eyes G.I.s from Hawaii. We also thank the administering personnel of this once active base for treating us like true Americans; and in a sense we also thank the 2nd Division, whom we had many fights with, for letting us prove to them and others we can stand up and fight for whatever truth and rights we think is ours.

And so, we’d like to believe that, our fond memories of McCoy will not die, but will be re-enforced and strengthened and will linger on for as long as we live on this earth.”

The 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) deployed to the European Theater in August 1943 and, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, entered combat at Salerno, Italy, in September 1943. The battalion then fought through the Italian campaign from Salerno to Monte Cassino and Anzio, later moving into France for combat in the Vosges Mountains and southern France before returning to Italy to fight along the Gothic Line. It sustained heavy casualties throughout these operations, earning the nickname “The Purple Heart Battalion” after only five months of combat.

Sergeant Kazuma Hisanaga fought with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy and southern France and was wounded twice. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in the grade of technical sergeant until being field-commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on April 12, 1944. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1945.

Over the course of his service, he was awarded the Silver Star (downgraded from a Distinguished Service Cross recommendation), the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (July 8, 1944 and October 29, 1944), the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged on October 4, 1945.

During his service in the 100th, Kazuma repeatedly risked his life to aid his men under fire. In one instance, he led his platoon across open terrain under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire to secure a strategic position. When his messenger was wounded, he turned back through heavy fire and carried the soldier to safety. His actions demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage, and devotion to his men.

His Silver Star citation for action against the enemy on October 18, 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyères, France [Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, GO No. 26 (January 30, 1945)] reads in part:

“When his platoon was assigned the mission of occupying an isolated farm house situated on flat open terrain for the purpose of securing the battalion’s right flank, Lieutenant Hisanaga dashed toward the building through intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire. Inspired by his example, his men immediately followed him. When his messenger was wounded while crossing the open field, Lieutenant Hisanaga, with complete disregard for his own safety, dashed back across the field and, under intense enemy small arms fire, carried the wounded soldier to a place of safety. His gallant leadership and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the finest traditions of the Army of the United States.”

An excerpt from the Distinguished Service Cross affidavit of Staff Sergeant Warren T. Iwai (Company C, 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team) further describes Kazuma’s actions on October 18, 1944:

“On 18 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, Lt. Hisanaga’s platoon was ordered to attack a strong enemy position…

The men fully realized the difficulty of making the crossing over the open terrain and securing the houses but Lt. Hisanaga’s calmness instilled confidence in them…

The platoon was in constant mortar fire but Lt. Hisanaga managed to get his instructions and plan of attack to each individual member of his platoon. When the signal for the attack was given he was the first man to get to his feet and dashed across the open field in front of their enemy position. Lt. Hisanaga’s action inspired his men with the aggressiveness and determination to close in with the enemy. The platoon’s aggressive action even under heavy fire forced the enemy to withdraw from their outposts…

In making the crossing the platoon messenger was wounded in both legs and lay helpless in midfield where there was no cover or concealment. Lt. Hisanaga with a BAR to cover his movement, dashed into the open and took the messenger to a place of safety. In rescuing the messenger Lt. Hisanaga was subjected to heavy and concentrated small arms fire that riddled his outer clothing.”

Another affidavit by Sergeant Toshimi Sodetani (Company C, 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team) similarly recounts:

“On 18 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, Lt. K. Hisanaga with his platoon was ordered to attack a strong enemy position…

The enemy were in position on the foot of the hill and in front of their position was hundred yards of open and flat ground where they had perfect visibility of any approaching troops. In this open terrain were two houses both of which were occupied by the enemy…

Lt. Hisanaga, having no alternative but to attack through this open ground, led his platoon across to clear the house in front of them. In the attack on the house his messenger, Pvt. Matsumoto was shot through both legs approximately fifty yards from the enemy position and lay there in the open. Lt. Hisanaga with a BAR gunner to cover his movement dashed in the open to take his messenger to cover and there applied first aid to him…

Lt. Hisanaga in his dash to rescue his man was under constant and deadly fire from enemy sniper, machine guns and machine pistols…

Lt. Hisanaga’s act of bravery showed its immediate effect on his men when they charged the next enemy position which forced the enemy to evacuate positions commanding that sector of ground.”

These testimonies collectively affirm that Kazuma demonstrated steadfast commitment to his men, exemplifying the leadership and sacrifice that defined the combat record of the 100th Infantry Battalion.

Life after the War

Upon Kazuma’s return from World War II to Hilo in 1945, Kazuma’s family recognized the psychological toll of combat. His mother told the entire family not to question him, due to what is now understood as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), then commonly referred to as “shell shock.”

Kazuma would often leave Hilo for a few months at a time, traveling to the neighbor islands, particularly Maui, to visit and offer his condolences to families that lost sons who were under Kazuma’s command, as well as families of his friends in the 100th. It was an act of grace and duty that revealed the same depth of character he had shown in battle, and reflected a continued sense of responsibility to those with whom he had served.

Kazuma’s younger brother, Kazuo “Casey” Hisanaga, also served in World War II. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 19, 1944, and received language training through the Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). After serving during the war, he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in September 1946. Following a brief break in service, he reenlisted in November 1947, continuing his work in Military Intelligence before accepting a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Kazuo would go on to serve during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Like his older brother, Kazuo’s service reflected the enduring influence of their father, Hisakichi Hisanaga — a World War I veteran who, despite his prior service, was subjected to wartime internment. His example of duty and perseverance shaped both sons’ commitment to serve their country, even in the face of hardship and injustice.

In a landmark 1946 address, President Harry S. Truman told the American soldiers of Japanese ancestry of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, “You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice — and you have won,” affirming that their service had helped advance the nation toward its ideals of equality and justice. He urged them to “Keep up that fight, and we will continue to win — to make this great Republic stand for just what the Constitution says it stands for: the welfare of all the people all the time.” President Truman presented the 100th and 442nd with the Presidential Unit Citation.

Kazuma resumed his lifelong calling in education, pursuing his dream of teaching until 1981 at Hilo High School. He also served as a counselor, vice principal, and coordinator of student economic programs. Following the war, he was tasked with rebuilding the school’s football program (1946-1957), while also coaching baseball (1946-1960), basketball (1950-1951), tennis, and golf —leading the golf team to a state championship in 1969. He later served as interim athletic director at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

He remained deeply connected to his wartime comrades as an active member of the 100th Infantry Battalion veterans’ organization, “Club 100,” serving as the first president of its Hawaiʻi Island Chapter. Founded by veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the organization fostered lifelong bonds while preserving the history of the unit. Guided by Club 100’s motto, “For Continuing Service,” Kazuma, along with his fellow veterans, worked to promote community service, patriotism, and social welfare for the people of Hawaiʻi.

Legacy of a Quiet Hero

Throughout his life, Kazuma avoided the spotlight. His children, Ruth and Bruce, grew up knowing little about his wartime heroics. In a November 11, 2013 article in “Pomoniana Magazine,” Daniel Gould reflected on Kazuma’s life during and after the war:

“It was WWII, a time when many Japanese Americans were denied their civil rights out of unfounded suspicions about their loyalty. Kazuma “Benny” Hisanaga (Pomona College, 1941) faced another challenge; fighting against Hitler’s army on the European front…Upon his return to life in Hawaii Benny focused on his dreams.

‘Working with kids was the most important thing to him,’ says his son Bruce Hisanaga, who still lives in Hawaii. ‘His biggest priority was always the wellbeing of his students and their development.’

The elder Hisanaga, who passed away in 1998, was never one to call attention to his time in service. Bruce and his sister, Ruth, grew up without hearing much about the war years. Instead, they picked up bits and pieces from conversations they overheard between adults. ‘My father was always very private,’ Bruce says. ‘He never made it a big point to share his exploits with others.’

Even so the stories still find a way to reach others. Bruce recalls an encounter he had a few years ago at a golf tournament in Hawaii. There, he ran into another man who had grown up in Hilo. “This guy introduces himself to me and says his older brother had served with my dad in the war.”

During a battle in Italy the man’s brother had stepped on a landmine and was unable to move. Hisanaga found him and quickly carried him from the minefield to a medic. ‘Your dad saved my brother’s life,’ Bruce remembers the man telling him, Bruce, of course, had never heard the story before.”

Kazuma’s legacy endures through the memories and testimonies of those who knew him. His nephew, John Ichikawa, recalled, “Uncle Kazuma was a man of his word — he and his soldiers proved they were ‘just as loyal or even more loyal than others of different racial descents.’”

In one of his last public appearances, speaking to a group of middle school students, Kazuma ended his talk not with triumph but with tenderness. A March 6, 1987 article in the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” recalls the impression Kazuma left:

“I must have been in the seventh or eighth grade at Kalanianaole School on the Big Island when our social studies teacher invited Kazuma Hisanaga, the former head football coach and athletic director of Hilo High School, to talk to us about his experiences, as a nisei veteran in World War II. After all these years, I especially remember several aspects of his visit.

One, Hisanaga was a commanding presence. For a young student grown used to female teachers for most of his elementary school life, listening to a big, strong, gravely-voiced football coach was a novel experience.

Also, while we expected Hisanaga to talk about attacks, retreats and other such military strategy, he spent most of the time just entertaining us with stories about his war experiences. His storytelling helped to humanize the war, without ever attempting to glorify it.

But most of all, I recall the very end of his talk, when the voice, eyes and demeanor of this very tough man suddenly, unexpectedly, went soft. He looked around the classroom and said, almost in a whisper, “I hope none of you kids ever have to go to war.” I leave all of you readers with that thought.

In the years following the war, Kazuma received recognition for his achievements both on and off the field. In 1966 was named a finalist for the Sports Illustrated 25th Anniversary College Award, ultimately awarded to Jackie Robinson of UCLA, against whom Kazuma had competed in college football. He was inducted into the Pomona College Athletic Hall of Fame in Baseball and Football (1969), and also received recognition as the Hilo High Foundation Outstanding Alumni in 2015.

His legacy continues through the Kazuma and Ichiko Hisanaga Scholarship, administered through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, which is awarded to a graduating Hilo high school senior who exemplifies athleticism, leadership, and the promise to serve the community upon his/her college graduation.

Kazuma “Benny” Hisanaga passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy rooted in the guiding values of the 100th Battalion: perseverance (gaman), honor (haji), duty (giri), responsibility (sekinin), modesty (enryo), and the unyielding spirit to give it your all (gambaru).

His influence has extended far beyond the classroom or playing field. At his passing, it was realized how many students he influenced to become community leaders — politicians, teachers, coaches, counselors, athletic directors, professional athletes, businesspeople, and even mayors — all inspired by his quiet strength and integrity.

Kazuma Hisanaga’s service is a small part of the larger story of the 100th Infantry Battalion soldiers who fought and returned to change attitudes toward the AJAs. Through his life — as an athlete, soldier, teacher, and mentor — he proved, in every sense, that loyalty and leadership transcend prejudice, and that one man’s quiet courage can echo through generations.

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Biography based on content submitted by SFC(R) John T. Ichikawa, nephew of Kazuma Hisanaga (2026), who notes: Much of the information about my uncle, 1LT Kazuma Hisanaga (1918-1998) was obtained through resources, written and verbal. This was indicative of the generation of men that did not talk about their personal or war service to their families.

 
REFERENCES:

Command, Bobby. “Hisanaga Was More Than Just an Athletic Director.” West Hawaii Today, October 15, 1998.

Dedication Ceremony Remarks by Kazuma Hisanaga. “Puka Puka Parade,” August 1995.

“Dialogue Japanese Americans and War.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald, March 6, 1987.

Gould, Daniel. “Football Star Became a WWII Hero.” Pomoniana Magazine, November 11, 2013.

Ichikawa, Yukie. Oral interview, 2010.

Imamura, Morton. “U Know U From Hilo Wen.” Facebook post, November 11, 2018.

 
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS:

Officer Separation Form of First Lieutenant Kazuma Hisanaga, October 4, 1945.

Distinguished Service Cross recommendation for Kazuma Hisanaga, October 22, 1944.

Silver Star citation for Kazuma Hisanaga, Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 26, January 30, 1945.

Bronze Star Medal certificate for Kazuma Hisanaga, General Orders No. 50, June 17, 1944.

Discharge certificates of First Lieutenant Kazuma Hisanaga, July 25, 1946, and June 3, 1953.

Purple Heart award documentation for Kazuma Hisanaga, General Orders No. 94, October 29, 1944 (and General Orders No. 11 for second award).

DSC Affidavit of Staff Sergeant Warren T. Iwai regarding the actions of First Lieutenant Kazuma Hisanaga, December 2, 1944.

DSC Affidavit of Sergeant Toshimi Sodetani regarding the actions of First Lieutenant Kazuma Hisanaga.

Recommendations Board Results regarding Kazuma Hisanaga, December 17, 1944.