Shigeru Ushijima

Headquarters Company, 100th Infantry Battalion

Within Headquarters Company, Ushijima served in the S-2 (Intelligence) Section, a critical component of the battalion staff. In the U.S. Army structure during World War II, the S-2 section was responsible for military intelligence, security, enemy analysis, mapping, and the handling of classified information. Operating at the battalion level (and designated G-2 at division level), the S-2 gathered and analyzed information on enemy positions, capabilities, and movements. They prepared situation maps, conducted terrain analysis, advised commanders on enemy strength and probable actions, and assisted in interrogation and intelligence dissemination. Their work directly informed combat planning and battlefield decision-making.

As part of the Headquarters and Service structure, Ushijima’s role required precision, discretion, and analytical skill. Intelligence personnel worked closely with scouts and frontline units to ensure that commanders had the most accurate and current information possible. In combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater — particularly in Italy — the effectiveness of the S-2 section was essential to mission success. The 100th Infantry Battalion sustained heavy casualties while undertaking difficult assaults against well-entrenched German forces, and accurate intelligence often meant the difference between success and devastating loss.

Earlier in his wartime service, Ushijima survived a torpedo attack while aboard the USAT Royal T. Frank. Following the attack, he became part of what was informally known as the “torpedo gang,” a group of soldiers bonded by their shared survival of the harrowing incident. This experience underscored the ever-present dangers faced by service members — even before reaching the battlefield.

▶︎ Read: Sinking of the USAT Royal T. Frank

For his service, Ushijima was awarded the Bronze Star (BS) for meritorious or heroic achievement in combat and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), recognizing his participation in active ground combat. He also received the Purple Heart (PH) for wounds sustained in action. As a member of the 100th Infantry Battalion, he shared in the unit’s collective honor represented by the Distinguished Unit Badge (DUB), awarded for extraordinary heroism in action.

Shigeru wrote the following in May 1987 upon meeting the sister of 1st Lt. Boon Takagi (Co. C) who was killed in action.

A Tale of Two Related Events by Shigeru Ushijima (May 1987)

This is a story involving Headquarters Company men. Since this is a reunion of this company, I think it is appropriate for me tonight to relate this rather unusual story with a sort of a “Twilight Zone” effect. The following two events are related, occurring many years apart, the first happening in Italy over 40 years ago and the next event about 20 years later in Hilo.

I do not know the date or the location but this happened somewhere in Italy where the 100th Battalion was in action. Perhaps if I did some research through the Battalion records, I’m sure that I can pinpoint the exact day and the name of the small village in Italy where this happened.

Mitsugi Moto, Kiichi Kohashi and I of Headquarters Company and Captain Katsumi Kometani of Medics received orders to retrieve a wounded 100th Battalion soldier somewhere in no-man’s land. We jumped into a jeep with the Red Cross flag flying conspicuously to avoid enemy fire and give us a safe passage to our objective. The wounded soldier was evacuated back to the battalion aid station located in a small barn-like building. This soldier was a husky fellow and already was in a delirious condition from loss of blood. Captain Dahl of the Medics immediately prepared blood plasma to inject into him while Moto, Kohatsu and I held this man to immobilize him. I recall that we had difficulty in steadying him. At this time, Chaplain Yost asked Captain Dahl what was his chance of survival. The Captain sadly shook his head, signifying that he had no chance. Chaplain Yost then went on his knees and offered a silent prayer. The brutal strength of this dying soldier suddenly relaxed and he died in our arms. The name of this soldier was 2nd Lt. Boon Takagi of “C” Company. If some of you will recall, he was a replacement officer and was of Caucasian-Japanese descent, born and reared somewhere on the Mainland United States. I once had a glimpse of this man while he was driving a jeep about two months prior to this incident. My impression of him was that he was a burly and husky fellow with a ruddy complexion who had a body built like a pro-football player.

In 1964, my sister and her husband invited our family clan for dinner at their home in honor of visiting dignitaries from Bangkok, Thailand. It was customary for my brother-in-law, as the Executive Secretary of the Hilo Chamber of Commerce, to invite dignitaries from other countries or the mainland to their home. We were introduced to Nobuko, a distinguished looking Eurasian, whose husband is a minister in the cabinet of the Thailand government. After dinner, we divided into informal groups to socialize. In the course of the socializing, I overheard Nobuko mention that she lost a brother in Italy and he was a member of the 100th Battalion. Being a former member of this outfit, my ears perked up like a rabbit as I inquired who he was. In a sad and soft voice, she replied, “Boon Takagi”. Was she surprised to learn that her brother had died in my arms at that aid station many years ago!

I did not find out the purpose of her visitation to the islands, especially Hilo, but I’m sure deep within her inner self that she was searching for any information from anyone in Hawaii who knew the circumstances leading to Boon’s death. Her mission was accomplished that night and I’m sure the heavy burden was lifted from her chest when she learned how her brother met his death.

Isn’t it amazing for Nobuko to meet the right person so she could get the information that she was seeking when there were hundred [sic] of other soldiers who served in the 100th? This is a very small world indeed!

Incidentally, Nobuko is still spry and healthy as we learned when my sister and her husband visited her in Thailand last year.

(Note: 1st Lt. Boon E. Takagi at the time of his death. Printed in Puka Puka Parade, May 2007, Issue #04/2007)

Following the war, Shigeru Ushijima returned home, married Kazuko Nishimura and resumed civilian life while raising three children. He began his career working at American Factors, one of the “Big Five” companies in Hawaiʻi. This company was involved in various factors including agriculture and retail, shaping the economic landscape in Hilo and the Hawaiian islands. He then made a career switch in 1959 to work for the US Postal Service as a carrier then a postal clerk until his retirement in 1980. His contributions to the USPS and his community are remembered through his involvement in veteran and community organizations. Shigeru enjoyed raising orchids and anthuriums as well as gardening that reflected his appreciation for growth and beauty.

[Submitted by Deborah Shigehara, daughter of Shigeru Ushijima (6/16/2026)]

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