OnOctober 29, 1944, onHill 617 near Biffontaine,France, U.S.Army Private George Sakato rushed a German strongpoint alone while his unit was pinned down under heavy fire. Private Sakato’s bravery inspired his unit to charge,crushing the enemy attack, defeating a counter-attack, and effectively turning defeat into victory. For his exceptional courage and devotion to duty, George Sakato was later awarded the Medal of  Honor.
Sixty-four years after his heroic actions on that hill, Mr. Sakato, now age 87, joined The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in honoring veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the Veterans Day program in Longmont, Colorado, three non-commissioned officers from the local recruiting station, recently returned from deployment in Iraq, received a well-deserved standing ovation for their service. As the applause continued, they were met on stage by Mr. Sakato, who shook their hands, saluted them, and gave each of them a commemorative coin as a gesture of respect and appreciation.
The Field Band regularly has the privilege of honoring those who serve and have served in our nation’s Army. At every performance, veterans, current servicemembers, and their families are recognized for their sacrifices to their country and offered the gratitude they deserve. On November 11, we took great pride in standing with George Sakato, a man who knows this sacrifice better than many. Since receiving the Medal of Honor, Mr. Sakato’s name has been immortalized among the names of America’s greatest military heroes, and he, in turn, helps honor the service and sacrifices of our newest generation of heroes.
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| Longmont, Colorado • Veterans Day 2008 |
Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team |
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