We recently learned from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command that in April Nick received an award from the JPAC Commanding General. We queried JPAC about the award and got this:

Mr. O'Brien,

The previous JPAC commander, Maj. Gen. W. Montague Winfield (our current commander is Brig. Gen. Michael Flowers as of June 3), presented Nick Nishimoto with a plaque thanking him for his continued support of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command as well as his tireless efforts to help former POWs, veterans and their families.

The presentation was made during a visit by former Korean War POWs to JPAC on April 6. General Winfield said of Nick, "He is a superb example of selflessness and is an inspiration to our country. He's been a blessing to the American people."

I hope this information is what you need. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

v/r
Lt Ivie

JIM IVIE, 1st Lt, USAF
Chief, Community Relations and Internal Information
Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Public Affairs
310 Worchester Ave
Hickam AFB, HI 96853
(808) 448-1938
DSN 315-448-1938

We in the KWVA solidly identify with Gen. Winfield's remarks.

Nick's selflessness is nothing new it seems.

Those who read our POW/MIA Update in The Graybeards, and who have clicked on the Father Emil Kapaun links on this page, know that the KWVA is working to get the Army to update Chaplain Kapaun's DSC to the Medal of Honor. The Catholic Church is currently reviewing Father Kapaun's case for Sainthood. Nick Nishimoto remembers him well. I got this from Nick:

I was out scrounging and entered this building which was the dispensary or pneumonia ward and this medic or who was in charge told me that the moaning was Father Kapaun for he was delerious from the kicking and rifle butt that he took while he was caring for his troops because when they were surrounded he played dead and the Chinks made sure that all the bodies that were laying around were kicked to make sure they didn't move.

Everyone had dysentery and he needed clothes so I think it was already April of '51 so I took off my long john and gave it to him to change Father Kapaun. I did not see his face because the room was dark but all I did was try to help a fellow soldier. I passed this info to an inquiry several years ago when the Catholic Church knew of anything which came out in the Graybeard.

Aloha, Nick

The last repatriation ceremony in Hawaii was in June and will probably be the last for a while due to tensions over between the U.S. and North Korea over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. The U.S. has suspended recovery operations in North Korea indefinitely.

Nick tells us it will probably be the last one for him in any event. Nick has serious health problems which may prevent him from further greeting activities if/when they are resumed.

Nick is in our hearts and prayers.

Tsuyoshi "Nick" Nishimoto can be contacted at Tsuyoshi57@aol.com