Joe H. Shimamura, 442nd K Company vet, dead at 78
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Joe H. Shimamura, an optometrist and decorated member of the famed K Company of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, died March 19 in Honolulu. He was 78.
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Shimamura was born on Oct. 25, 1924, and grew up in Palama, where he worked at the family's small grocery store. After graduating from Farrington High School, he volunteered with the 442nd in 1943.
Joe Shimamura volunteered with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in 1943.
Shimamura fought in Italy and was sent to France in the fall of 1944. As a 19-year-old sergeant, he took part in the liberation of the towns of Bruyeres and Biffontaine and the rescue of the "Lost Battalion" from behind enemy lines in the Vosges mountains of Northeastern France.
Longtime friend Eichi Oki was a member of K Company and he described Shimamura as a respected squad leader who led with his actions.
"Joe was one of the most courageous soldiers I have known," Oki said. "Loyalty and honesty were important values to him. If he liked you, he went all the way for you. Joe was a big motivating factor for me during our ordeal in France."
Shimamura was injured in action and received the Bronze Star. After the war, he attended the Chicago College of Optometry and returned to Hawai'i to begin his practice.
Shimamura remained active in the 442nd activities as a writer for its newsletter and also organizer of many trips to France, the Mainland and Asia, and the 442nd's 50th reunion in 1993. He also was a member of the Lion's Club and in 1981 was named the Hawai'i Optometrist Association's Optometrist of the Year.
Shimamura is survived by wife, Mildred; son, Mitchel; daughters, Vilia, Lisa Nakasaki and Denise; four grandchildren; brothers, Lawrence and Ralph; sister, Betty Kajiyama.
Visitation 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary; service 2 p.m.
