Asian American and Pacific Islanders Continue to Make Lasting Contributions to Our Nation

Photo By Sgt. Anthony Ford | U.S. Army Spc. Faalogo Nonu is a native of Pago Pago, American Samoa, and is a supply specialist with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “Pago Pago is located in the South Pacific and is most known for its physical features and unique culture that emphasizes family, respect and selfless service.” Nonu came to the United States to join the Army in 2017. “I wanted to help out my parents after they did so much for me and my siblings, and I wanted to challenge myself and make a better life.” Nonu is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University and working on a bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics.  

FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

05.18.2021

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Justin A. Naylor 

3rd Infantry Division

From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Mosul, and many conflicts in between, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders served proudly in the ranks of our nation’s military. Although relatively small percentage of the overall population—less than 7%—this group has made outsized contributions to our fighting forces. Some 33 Medal of Honor recipients are AAPIs.

In 1990, George H.W. Bush designated May as Asian American & Pacific Islander month in honor of this groups numerous contributions. This month now serves as a time to remember the many sacrifices and contributions made by AAPIs throughout the history of our nation. This particular month was chosen as a way to commemorate the first Japanese to immigrate to America in May 1843 and also to mark the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869. The majority of those who worked on the railroad were Chinese.

Within our own 3rd Infantry Division, the memory of one historic Asian American Pacific Islander looms large.

In 1951, Cpl. Hiroshi Miyamura, then a machinegun squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ID, found himself on the frontline of the Korean War facing down a determined enemy force. As the incoming Chinese military threatened to overrun his unit’s position, he volunteered to protect his comrades’ retreat. As the enemy approached, he singlehandedly dispatched 10 with his bayonet. By the time the conflict was over, Miyamura killed some 50 enemy combatants. He was eventually captured and spent 28 months as a prisoner of war. At the time of his release in 1953, he was told that he had been awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to the rank of sergeant.

In more recent years, AAPIs have taken part in numerous campaigns with the division include those in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The division commander, Maj. Gen. Tony Aguto is of Filipino descent. He is one of seven currently serving Army general officers of AAPI heritage.

“I am proud to be a Dogface Soldier and to be a Filipino American,” said Aguto. “My family has history of service in the military that I am honored to represent. I’m proud to serve our Soldiers, Families, and our nation, and I think that’s what the greatest thing about the military is—regardless of race, regardless of gender, or any other discriminator—we serve and fight for each other.”

The Army finds its strength not only in its diversity, but in its ability to bring together people of different races, cultures and faiths who share the Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

This year’s theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service” focuses on diversity, inclusion and leadership to advance the AAPI community who have served in America’s Army since the Civil War.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2021
• Date Posted: 05.18.2021 18:46
• Story ID: 396769
• Location: FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US