Honolulu Dedicates Purple Heart City Sign to the 100th Infantry Battalion

On December 22, 2025, the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) was honored to welcome Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Medal of Honor recipient Dennis Fujii, "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" film Producer/Director Steve Sue and Cinematographer Alex Bocchieri, along with honored guests and members. We gathered to dedicate the Purple Heart City sign from the City and County of Honolulu, alongside Mayor Blangiardi, in front of the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building (Clubhouse).

Purple Heart City sign dedication ceremony at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) Clubhouse. [Photo courtesy: Clyde Sugimoto]

In 2025, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of Club 100, incorporated when the men returned from war in 1945. The 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization's motto — “For Continuing Service”— continues to guide us.

The Purple Heart is a symbol that evokes deep emotion and pride, representing incredible courage, often at the cost of life. Kevin Kuroda represented his uncle, Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Robert Kuroda (442nd RCT, 2nd Battalion), for whom a ship was recently named. 100th Infantry Battalion member Janice Trubitt represented her uncle, Private First Class Sadao Munemori (100th Battalion, Able Company), who, until 2000, when 19 Distinguished Service Crosses and 1 Silver Star were upgraded, was the only Japanese American World War II Medal of Honor recipient. A grenade struck his helmet, and he threw himself upon it to protect his two comrades. This is what the Purple Heart signifies — unwavering courage and selfless sacrifice.

Spc. 5 Dennis Fujii, Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, poses in front of the Medal of Honor display at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse.

This past week on KITV news, Jai Cunningham aired two segments featuring the 100th Infantry Battalion and the upcoming documentary, "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha."

Hawaii’s World War II soldiers inspires documentary on 100th Infantry Battalion [Courtesy: KITV News]

Jai opened the first broadcast with a striking clip of the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Building, with the Purple Heart City sign prominently displayed in the foreground. He remarked, “You could not have a more appropriate sign in front of a more deserving building."

And why is that? Because the Hawaii-born unit of the 100th Infantry Battalion became known during World War II as "The Purple Heart Battalion."

Documentary explores Hawaii's 100th Battalion WWII sacrifices and valor [Courtesy: KITV News]

Honolulu became a Purple Heart City in 2024, when Mayor Blangiardi signed the bill into law. The designation was celebrated with a special ceremony in August 2025, during which Purple Heart City signs were unveiled at key locations throughout Honolulu, marking the city’s commitment to honor Purple Heart recipients and recognize those wounded or killed in service. [See: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/city-installs-signs-around-oʻahu-honoring-purple-heart-recipients/]

Mayor Blangiardi shared a heartfelt personal message, noting that all of his uncles served during World War II. He said he has always had a real respect and reverence for our military, but even more so for those who were injured in the line of duty, and for those who sacrificed their lives. He emphasized the bravery and courage required of such service.

The Mayor stated that recognizing Honolulu, and units like the 100th Infantry Battalion with a Purple Heart City sign, is long overdue — especially since the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team are one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. Mayor Blangiardi gave credit to longtime friend, Colonel Edward Cruickshank (President of the Oahu Veterans Council; Commander of the Rainbow Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart) for forwarding the idea of making Honolulu a Purple Heart City.

In the December 22, 2025 dedication ceremony held in front of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse, Mayor Blangiardi said, “having the opportunity to make our city a Purple Heart City for me is almost some kind of poetry, so I’m just really grateful that we're able to do this, and I'm very proud on behalf of all of you — And knowing the story behind this building here, and this incredible history, you know we get to pay respect to the past, but this is really for future generations as well.”

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) President Kathi Hayashi, "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" Producer/Director Steve Sue, and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, at the Purple Heart City sign dedication ceremony. [Photo courtesy: Clyde Sugimoto]

The Hawaii-born 100th Infantry Battalion was the first Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJA) segregated unit to serve in Europe, followed by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In September 1943, the 100th landed at Salerno, Italy, with approximately 1,300 men. In just five months, following the Battle of Monte Cassino, their numbers were reduced to only about 460 soldiers able to fight due to those killed in action and those severely wounded.

In that same short period, the 100th transformed the perception of the American media —from a unit viewed with disdain, discrimination, and distrust into one recognized as proud, fierce American soldiers. This earned them the moniker “The Purple Heart Battalion,” having received 1,703 Purple Hearts among 3,147 soldiers.

Director Steve Sue noted that 98% of the original 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) were from Hawaii, and he expressed his excitement in sharing their legacy and how they spread Aloha in ways that are still remembered and revered more than 80 years later. He added that "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" film is projected for release in the spring of 2026, in conjunction with the 250th birthday of America.

Mahalo to Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the City and County of Honolulu for the Purple Heart City sign honoring the 100th Infantry Battalion "One Puka Puka" — The Purple Heart Battalion.