US #5593
2021 Go For Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII
• Honors the Japanese American soldiers who risked their lives during World War II while facing down racism from their fellow soldiers due to Japan’s involvement in the war
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 55¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: June 3, ... more
US #5593
2021 Go For Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII
• Honors the Japanese American soldiers who risked their lives during World War II while facing down racism from their fellow soldiers due to Japan’s involvement in the war
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 55¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: June 3, 2021
First Day City: Los Angeles, California
Quantity Issued: 20,000,000
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Intaglio, Offset
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Phosphor, Block Tag
Why the stamp was issued: To commemorate the contributions of Japanese American soldiers to the US Army during World War II.
About the stamp design: Pictures an engraving-style image of a soldier from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team whose motto was “Go for Broke.” Based on a photograph taken in 1944 France.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The First Day of Issue Postmark was from Los Angeles, California, the location of the Go For Broke Monument which honors Japanese American Army soldiers of World War II.
History the stamp represents: Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, distrust of Japanese Americans was widespread. In spite of this, some 33,000 Nisei (children of Japanese immigrants) volunteered to join the war effort, displaying inspiring valor and loyalty to America.
The 100th Infantry Battalion was the first Japanese American unit formed from the Hawaii National Guard. Based on their exemplary service, the Army created the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT). Together, they became the most decorated unit in US military history with more than 4,000 Purple Hearts, 560 Silver Stars, and 52 Distinguished Service Crosses among others. Initially, only one member received the Medal of Honor during the war. This was later reevaluated and 20 additional medals were awarded.
Japanese Americans also served in the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, which helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp. And about 6,000 served in the Military Intelligence Service. They translated Japanese documents and went behind enemy lines to intercept and translate Japanese orders. They also shouted conflicting commands to confuse Japanese soldiers.
Over 800 Nisei gave their lives in the war. In the years since, they’ve earned increased recognition. This includes the adoption of April 5 as “Go For Broke Day,” a reference to the 442nd RCT’s motto.
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