Kaho’ohanohano to Receive Posthumous Medal of Honor

By Wendy Osher

FORT DERUSSY, Hawaii - Elaine Kaho'ohanohano-Schultz and Eugene "Chico" Kaho'ohanohano, reflect on the service rendered by their older brother, Pfc. Anthony Kaho'ohanohano, during an induction and memorialization ceremony at the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii, March 2010. Photo Credit: Bill Mossman, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army.

A Maui Soldier who lost his life in combat during the Korean War, will be honored posthumously with the military’s highest honor.

The family of U.S. Army Private First Class Anthony T. Kaho’ohanohano will accept the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama during a May 2, 2011 ceremony.

Private First Class Kaho’ohanohano’s sister, Elaine Kaho’ohanohano, and brother, Eugene Kaho’ohanohano, will join the President at the White House to commemorate the event honoring their brother.

Private First Class Kaho’ohanohano is being awarded the medal for heroic actions in combat on September 1, 1951, while in charge of a machine-gun squad with Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea.

According to the White House Press Secretary, Private First Class Kaho’ohanohano faced the enemy alone while ordering his squad to take up more defensible positions.  When his ammunition was depleted, he engaged in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. His stand inspired his comrades, who then launched a successful counterattack.

Also being honored during the ceremony will be fellow soldier, Private First Class Henry Svehla.  He served as a rifleman during the Korean War and is being awarded for selfless service in combat on June 12, 1952.