Interment Services for KIA Held

Author: unknown
Puka Puka Parades, March 1950, vol. 5 no. 3

Information and early years and early years and early years about recent KIA’s internment services

Interment services for Pfc. Kiichi Koda who was awarded the DSC for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy, were held on February 24th at the Pacific National Memorial Cemetery. The late Pfc Koda was killed in action on July 9, 1944 in the vicinity of Castellina, Italy, while serving with Co. A.

The remains of Lt. Ross K. Fujitani were delivered to his father, Mr. Sanzaemon Fujitani, in Kuka-machi, Oshima-gun, Japan. Press releases emanating from Nippon stressed the fact that the funeral rites were very impressive with occupation officials and citizens of the village participating.

The remains of Cpl. Yoshiharu Yoshida (C), Cpl. Thomas Mekata (D) and Pfc. Kiichi Koda (A) were returned to the islands on January 20, 1950. Cpl. Yoshida has been interred in the Hawaii County Veterans Cemetery in Hilo. Cpl. Mekata and Pfc. Soda’s last rites were held in the Pacific National Memorial Cemetery.

According to the wishes of the next of kin, Major Jack Johnson, S/Sgt Tomosu Hira-hara and Pfc Toshio Tengwan will be laid to rest permanently in overseas National Cemeteries.