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Brigader General Francis S. Takemoto

November 4, 2026
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People
Col Francia S. Takemoto, 50, well known former commander of 11t BG, 299th Inf., is presented with Brigade flag by Maj Gen Robert L. Stevenson, A.G., as he assumes command of the 29th Inf. Brig. Col Takemoto replaces Brig Gen Michael R. Romon who retired 3 October. Ceremonies were held in Fort Ruger in mid-October.
Col Francia S. Takemoto, 50, well known former commander of 11t BG, 299th Inf., is presented with Brigade flag by Maj Gen Robert L. Stevenson, A.G., as he assumes command of the 29th Inf. Brig. Col Takemoto replaces Brig Gen Michael R. Romon who retired 3 October. Ceremonies were held in Fort Ruger in mid-October.
(Picture from the 1963 December The Hawaii Guardsman)
Colonel Francis S. Takemoto, 50, is now Brig. Gen. Francis S. Takemoto, having been promoted to that rank 27 December 1963. Governor John A. Burns and Mrs. Takemoto pinned the new General officer at lolani Place 30 December as Maj. Gen. Robert l. Stevenson, Adjutant General, looked on.
Colonel Francis S. Takemoto, 50, is now Brig. Gen. Francis S. Takemoto, having been promoted to that rank 27 December 1963. Governor John A. Burns and Mrs. Takemoto pinned the new General officer at lolani Place 30 December as Maj. Gen. Robert l. Stevenson, Adjutant General, looked on.
(Picture from the 1964 March The Hawaii Guardsman)

GENERAL TAKEMOTO RETIRES

COLONEL CLYDE WOODS, Deputy Commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade, presents General Takemoto with an Aloha gift on behalf of the Brigade.
COLONEL CLYDE WOODS, Deputy Commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade, presents General Takemoto with an Aloha gift on behalf of the Brigade.
(Picture from the 1968 Summer The Hawaii Guardsman)

Brigadier General Francis S. Takemoto retired May 4 as commanding general of the 29th Infantry Brigade, Hawaii Army National Guard. He received the Hawaii National Guard’s highest award during retirement and change of command ceremonies at Fort Ruger.

General Takemoto was presented the Hawaii National Guard Medal for Merit by Major General Benjamin J. Webster.

The medal is awarded only for acts of heroism or bravery, or for extraordinary achievement resulting in an accomplishment “so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances.”

General Takemoto, the first American of Japanese ancestry to achieve that rank in the American armed forces, is cited for “exemplary achievements while assigned as Commanding General 29th Infantry Brigade, during the period October 4, 1963 to May 3, 1968.”

General Takemoto undertook the task of molding the brigade into a cohesive combat unit and producing a combat-ready brigade in minimum time.

He was cited for his “inspiring leadership and unprecedented personal interest and devotion,” which guided the brigade through the difficult task of reorganizing and simultaneously activating new units, such as the 29th Support Battalion and 1st Battalion, 487th Artillery.

He progressively led the brigade through each phase of training until it reached its peak readiness of today.

General Takemoto first joined the Guard in 1946 as a captain, after having served through World War II with the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Among his medals he holds the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

He started his military service in 1945, upon receiving his commission as a second lieutenant through the Senior ROTC program.

General Takemoto is presently principal of Manoa Elementary School, Honolulu.

– 1968 Summer The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 14