Fort Shafter now home to Joe Takata Field
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Military authorities paid respects to a fallen nisei soldier yesterday by renaming Fort Shafter's "Shafter Bowl" in his honor.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
Sgt. Shigeo "Joe" Takata was a 24-year-old baseball player who seemed destined for the major leagues. Instead, he met his fate on a battlefield in Italy during World War II.
The baseball field at Fort Shafter was renamed Joe Takata Field yesterday, honoring the late Sgt. Shigeo "Joe" Takata. From left are Takata's nephews, Francis Takata and Joe Takata, and war veterans Richard Yamashina and Susumu Ota.
"Renaming the baseball field is the Army's way of paying a lasting tribute to a fine athlete and soldier who sacrificed his dreams for the cause of freedom," said Lt. Gen. James L. Campbell, commanding general, U.S. Army, Pacific. "We owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid."
In addition to honoring Takata, the Fort Shafter ceremony yesterday also marked the 228th birthday of the U.S. Army.
Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, commander U.S. Pacific Command, threw the first pitch in Joe Takata Field. Takata's family and veterans from his military unit, the 100th Infantry Battalion, were among the 300 guests.
Takata, a McKinley High School graduate and second-generation Japanese American, was born in Waialua in 1919. He played for two Island baseball teams, Azuma and Asahi.
Takata was wounded by German gunfire in September 1943 as he led his squad in the Salerno-to-Cassino, Italy, campaign. Despite his injuries and intense enemy fire, Takata continued guiding his men toward German positions.
He later died of his wounds. His remains were brought home, and lie at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Takata was awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. The 100th Infantry Battalion became the most highly decorated unit in the history of the U.S. Army.
Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
