Brigadier General Edward M. Yoshimasu

Brig. Gen. Edward M. Yoshimasu, who fought with the famous 100th Battalion in Italy and France during World War II, retired Aug. 31, 1976 after 37 years with the military service.

Yoshimasu was with the U.S. Treasury Department of the U.S. Savings Bond Division from 1976 to 1982.

Yoshimasu was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps in June 1939 upon his graduation from the University of Hawaii.

In March 1943, he entered Federal Service with the 442nd Infantry and serviced in the European Theater with the 100th Infantry Battalion as Platoon Leader. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1944 and was released from active duty in January 1946. Upon his return to Hawaii as a civilian, he worked for Hawaii Sugar Planters Association as a public relations officer.

In April 1947, he joined the Hawaii Army National Guard and was promoted to Captain. He served as Company Commander, Battalion S2, 1st Battalion; and Battalion Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion, 298th Infantry. On Sept. 9, 1950, Yoshimasu was promoted to Major and held assignments as Regimental Sl, S2, and S3, 298th Infantry. On Aug. 1, 1956, Yoshimasu was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became Executive Officer of the 298th Infantry Regiment. Upon conversion of the 298th Infantry to the 298th AAA Group, he assumed command on July 20, 1958 of the 298th AAA Battalion. From January 1959 to April 1963, Yoshimasu commanded the 1st Missile Battalion, 298th Artillery. In April 1963, Yoshimasu was assigned as Chief of Staff, Hawaii Army National Guard; and he was promoted to Colonel on Aug. 8, 1963. Yoshimasu served as Acting Commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard from May 1968 to Dec. 12, 1969. On Dec. 13, 1969, he was designated Commander of the 29th Brigade and on March 12, 1971 he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. On July 1974 he served as Deputy Adjutant General until his retirement Aug. 31, 1976.

On June 20, 1960 when President Eisenhower visited Hawaii, Yoshimasu was appointed by former Governor Quinn to serve as troop commander of the Honor Guard to greet President Eisenhower and inspection of the honor guard. Yoshimasu greeted many dignitaries such as Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during his long military career.

On Feb. 24, 1975 Yoshimasu unselfishly gave up his World War II Victory Medal to a man he did not know. This veteran did not receive his Victory Medal during World War II and wanted so badly to give it to his 11-year old daughter before he died. Mrs. Wong, his wife, wrote several letters and talked to several people, however, no one was able to help this dying soldier’s wishes. His time was getting shorter so Rev. Lawrence Takao from St. Francis Medical Center called Yoshimasu and asked if he could help so that this man could rest in peace. Yoshimasu said “I have a Victory Medal and I would be more than happy to pin my Victory Medal on CPT David Kam Cho Wong.” A few minutes after it was pinned on CPT Wong’s hospital gown, General Yoshimasu could see by his facial expressions that he was relieved and he died soon after the medal was pinned.

This is just one of the many, many things Yoshimasu unselfishly gave up and did in his long military career. Many Guardsmen will remember Yoshimasu for the kind advice and help he gave to so many of the young soldiers. He talked to confused boys and crying mothers who needed advice and some kind words to make life worth living.

Yoshimasu’s decorations and awards are as follows: Bronze Star Meal with l Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Euronean-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation Badge with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Hawaii National Guard Service Medal and 29 Years Service Bar.

Yoshimasu’s civic affiliations are as follows: Club 100, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, YBA, Pauoa Community Association, National Guard Association of the United States, Hawaii National Guard Association, Army Museum, Honpa Hongwanji Church, and U. S. Savings Bonds.

Last updated August 1989