Our Company ‘B’ Edition Takes a Bow

Editorial
Author: unknown
Puka Puka Parades, Mar-50, vol. 5 no. 3

Editorial about Company B which commends their actions in WWII and after the war

From June 5, 1942 to our Heilman beer days in Wisconsin to the ticks in Louisiana; from our initial contact with the enemy in Italy to the dense Voges Mountains in France to the present, Baker has always been a key cog in our 100th machinery.

During our training period, under the capable guidance of Capt. Clarence Johnson, Company B was always “there” on all matters. In fact, third platoon of Baker was adjudged the most outstanding platoon in the whole battalion. This same platoon embarked on a highly secretive mission and performed its duty with marked distinction. (See separate article.)

Overseas, on September 29, 1943, Baker was the first company to smack the enemy. Capt. Taro Suzuki led the “B” men further into combat until he was wounded and succeeded by Lt. Rocco Marzano who in turn relinquished the reins to Capt. Sakae Takahashi. Upon skipper Takahashi’s hospitalization for combat wounds, Capt. Sadami Katahara led Baker into the final Po Valley push.

The heroic deeds performed by Baker personnel are numerous and legendary. Their citation roster extends to great lengths and many names of gallant deceased comrades appear under the “posthumous” heading.

Company “B” doled out its share of field commissions to deserving enlisted men. Among the men whose outstanding performances on the field of battle were recognized through this medium were the late Lt. Ross K. Fujitani, Kenneth Kaneko, Allan Ohata, Fred Kanemura, Harry Nishimura and Yeiki Kobashigawa.

In civilian pursuits, Baker personnel have spread their roots deep and far out to attain a high degree of stability and family responsibility. The contributions of our Baker paisans to our organization both individually and collectively have been a big factor in the operation of our club.

The “United We Stand” trait displayed by Company “B” chapter is commendable.

This column acknowledges their splendid kokua. We say “Merci beaucoup—keep it up.”