Flags Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Maui Medal of Honor Veteran

By Sonia Isotov

In honor of the late Barney Fushimi Hajiro, Governor Neil Abercrombie today ordered that all Hawai‘i flags at all State offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard are to be flown at half-staff beginning sunrise on February 12, 2011 until sunset on February 14, 2011.  

Hajiro was born in Puunçnç, Maui on September 16, 1916 and passed away on January 21, 2011. He was an Army private and member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  

In October 1944, he ran 100 yards through a stream of bullets to lead the charge of his unit up “Suicide Hill” to take down the enemy. This and other acts of bravery earned him the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor.  

Governor Abercrombie issued a Proclamation in Hajiro’s memory stating, “Barney Fushimi Hajiro epitomized the dedication, courage and perseverance exhibited during World War II by all Americans of Japanese ancestry … was well-regarded by his community, the people of Hawai‘i and our nation.”

The entire proclamation may be read by clicking here.