'Go for Broke' — Korean American style
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawai'i veterans of the Korean War heard from a "calabash cousin" last night — a highly decorated veteran who was a member of the famed 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team that fought in World War II. But unlike most of his fellow soldiers, Young Oak Kim was not of Japanese ancestry.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
Kim is an American of Korean ancestry and was raised in California. He often is overlooked during celebrations paying tribute to his "Go for Broke" comrades.
Retired Army Col. Young Oak Kim was the first Asian American to command a U.S. infantry battalion in combat in Korea.
But for those who fought with Kim and under him, his bravery and ability to lead will never be forgotten. During the Korean War, Kim became the first Asian American officer to command a U.S. infantry battalion in combat.
Kim, who retired as a colonel and lives in Las Vegas, was the featured speaker last night at a Washington Place reception to honor veterans of the Korean War. The event was sponsored by the Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to the United States, the Korean American Coalition and the Sheraton Moana-Surfrider.
He had high praise for his hosts last night.
"I know of no more patriotic state than Hawai'i, yet the events in New York and Washington, D.C., have hurt the economy of Ha-
wai'i most severely," Kim said. "Perhaps Hawai'i was chosen in this way to once again show the rest of America how to deal with war."
Although he has never lived in Hawai'i, Kim said he feels a closeness with its people.
"Hawai'i to me represents how America will look some day if we live up to our Constitution," Kim said.
"Despite the war today, celebrate and welcome the diversity of the many ethnic groups that make Hawai'i so unique and wonderful. As a member of the 100th, I became a calabash cousin and can claim to be one of you."
During his military career, he earned 19 medals, including two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts.
Kim shared war stories last night and met with old friends. He praised Hawai'i's veterans and other residents for their patriotism and loyalty to the country.
He said the state is being challenged because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the effect they have had on the local economy. But Kim said the people of Hawai'i will rise to the challenge, as they did after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
Kim remains active with veterans organizations. He led the 10-year effort to build the "Go for Broke" memorial in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles and is co-chairman of the Go for Broke Educational Foundation.
