JANM Mourns the Passing of the Museum’s Honorary Board of Governors Member Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is deeply saddened by the passing of Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, a recipient of the US Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award for valor. Miyamura was a member of the Museum’s Honorary Board of Governors. He passed away at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on November 29, 2022. He was ninety-seven years old.

Miyamura was born on October 26, 1925, in Gallup, New Mexico. His nickname, “Hershey,” was given to him when a teacher was unable to pronounce his first name. He was an auto mechanic in high school and joined the US Army after the federal government lifted restrictions on Japanese Americans serving in the military during World War II. He served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team but by the time he was sent overseas, Germany’s surrender was days away. He enlisted in the Army reserves after he was discharged in 1946. 

When the Korean War began in 1950 he was recalled to active duty and became a squad leader in the Third Infantry Division. On the night of April 24, 1951, he heroically defended his men at an outpost near Seoul. After a wounded Miyamura was discovered by an enemy soldier he became a prisoner of war for twenty-eight months. He was released on August 20, 1953, following the Korean armistice. In October of that year, he was awarded the US Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the White House. He was the first living Japanese American to receive the country’s highest military award for valor and came back to his hometown a hero. He returned to work as an auto mechanic and owned a service station.

“Hershey’s passing marks the loss of a national hero. His ferocious bravery and magnificent leadership in battle will always be remembered in the pages of American history. We are privileged to have had the honor of his service as a member of JANM’s Honorary Board of Governors. In recognition of his great service and sacrifice, we honored him at our annual Gala Dinner in 1985. His loss is felt throughout the community and the nation. He will be deeply missed,” said Bill Fujioka, chairman of the JANM Board of Trustees.

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