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This Remembrance Profile was originally created by Hiram Kaukani, Jr. - Family
Casualty Info
Home Town Wahiawa
Last Address Wahiawa
Casualty Date Mar 20, 1969
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Multiple Fragmentation Wounds
Location Binh Dinh (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Mililani Memorial Park - Waipahu, Hawaii
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Terry Teruo Kawamura, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 173d Engineer Company, 173d Airborne Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 March 1969. An enemy demolition team infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons. Disregarding the intense fire, Corporal Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the occupants of the room. Corporal Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he observed that another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the floor. He immediately realized that two stunned fellow soldiers were in great peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Corporal Kawamura unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely disregarding his safety, Corporal Kawamura prevented serious injury or death to several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Corporal Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 12 (March 9, 1971), Action Date: March 20, 1969, Service: Army, Rank: Corporal, Company: 173d Engineer Company, Regiment: 173d Airborne Brigade
Comments/Citation:
POSTED BY: JOYCELYN ENOS. MY FRIEND TERRY. My friend Terry, we use to hang out at the Wahiawa Bowling alley, I'll never forget him - now the gate at Wheeler AFB is named after him. He gave his life for his buddies and all of us in America. You will never be forgotten.
POSTED BY: SGT R. NISHIMURA. SO LONG AGO. Brudda Terry, our friendship goes way back and it was a true honor to know and associate with you all through school and graduation. You made the ultimate sacrifice on that day when I had just gotten back from the field in Laos and heard from my brother on the passing of so many of our bruddas and friends in Vietnam. I pray for all of you, including my brother Walter, who passed in 2014 from agent orange cancer. Keep the stew and rice cooking for the rest of us who served. I'll see you at the pearly gates bra.
MY CLASSMATE AND LONG TIME FRIEND FROM WAHIAWA. I remember the day of graduation and partying, then the time to leave for the military came at us so fast. I remember the phone call I got from my brother who was in Saigon that you had made the ultimate sacrifice on that day, May 20, 1969. I had just gotten back from the fields in Laos when the call came and I just sat and cried that so many have lost their lives for the many to chicken to go. I pray for you along with the many from our home town, i.e. Clifford Yu, Roy Takata, etc. who sacrificed their lives for all of us. My brother has gone to join you and the others two years ago and I will be there some day soon. Peace be with you brother Terry, peace be with you.
POSTED BY: RITA R. KAWAMURA- NAKABAYASHI. MY PRECIOUS BABY BROTHER. I remember when we very young how I always protected you. Then when our parents divorced we were separated cause I went with my Dad. I can only say I am sorry I wasn't there to protect you from dying. But thank you for the sacrifice of your life to save the others that You saw in harms way...... I love you dearly.. My Baby Brother. Ii know i will See you heaven ... Until then.
POSTED BY: DENISE DICKENSON. AN AMERICAN HERO. I never met you, but heard the stories about you and your bravery from my best friend, Steven Enjada, your cousin. He was so proud of you and told everyone of your heroism. I thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. May God bless you. I know you're in Heaven with Steven right now. Denise (Thomas) Dickenson, Lansing, Michigan.
MY BROTHER. My brother, my hero: Terry, it's been 45 years since you left us......I was 10 years old, but remember your R & Rs and your friends sleeping in the living room! We all miss you and know that you are in a wonderful place. We are so proud of you Brother and will always be in our hearts! Love you, your sis, Bridget.
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Terry Teruo Kawamura, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 173d Engineer Company, 173d Airborne Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 March 1969. An enemy demolition team infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons. Disregarding the intense fire, Corporal Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the occupants of the room. Corporal Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he observed that another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the floor. He immediately realized that two stunned fellow soldiers were in great peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Corporal Kawamura unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely disregarding his safety, Corporal Kawamura prevented serious injury or death to several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Corporal Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 12 (March 9, 1971), Action Date: March 20, 1969, Service: Army, Rank: Corporal, Company: 173d Engineer Company, Regiment: 173d Airborne Brigade