War Hero Private First Class Kahoohanoh​ano Honored Posthumously

By Wendy Osher

Senator Daniel Akaka, George Kahoohanohano, nephew of U.S. Army Private First Class Anthony Kahoohanohano, and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono meet following the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Photo courtesy: Office of Senator Daniel Akaka.

President Barack Obama speaks to Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Senator Dan Inouye (left) prior to Medal of Honor ceremony for Maui-born U.S. Army Private First Class Anthony Kahoohanohano. May 2, 2011. Photo courtesy: Office of Senator Daniel Akaka

Members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation were among those in attendance at the Medal of Honor Ceremony for a Hawai’i man who died in the Korean War. 

President Barack Obama presented the nation’s highest military honor posthumously to Maui-born U.S. Army Private First Class Anthony Kahoohanohano for his heroic actions during the War. 

“It was a privilege to attend today’s ceremony at the White House with 30 members of the Kahoohanohano family,” said Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii).  “The President related Private Kahoohanohano’s extreme bravery and heroism in battle before presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Kahoohanohano’s nephew, George Kahoohanohano. It was a touching and heartfelt ceremony, reminding us of his family’s sacrifice in losing this extraordinary young man,” said Rep. Hirono.

At the age of 21, Private Kahoohanohano took command of a battle situation that looked bleak for his regiment as they came under fire from a large number of enemy troops.

Serving as squad leader, he ordered the others to fall back to a better defensive location. H e then took it upon himself to gather ammunition and grenades and returned to face the oncoming enemy alone.   Kahoohanohano was killed in action during the 1951 fire-fight near the village of Chupa-ri while single-handedly fighting off the enemy soldiers.

His actions inspired his squad to fight on and eventually turn back the enemy.

*** Supporting information courtesy Office of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono.