Iichiro ‘Lawson’ Sakai (1923-2020) was a highly decorated Japanese American soldier of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team from WWII. Born in Montebello, California to Japanese immigrant parents, Sakai grew up in an agricultural community. His life was then disrupted by the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, leading to his family’s forced relocation under Executive Order 9066. Despite being initially rejected due to his race, Sakai volunteered for military service in 1943, joining the 442nd RCT, a segregated unit of Japanese Americans. He served in Europe during WWII, participating in military operations including the liberation of Bruyeres and the rescue of the Lost Battalion. Sakai earned several awards including four Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Congressional Gold Medal. He was also among the veterans honored for their service in WWII with the National Order of the French Legion of Honor.

After the war, Sakai struggled with post-traumatic stress but became greatly dedicated to preserving the legacy of Nisei veterans. In 2005, he founded the FFNV (Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans), a nonprofit honoring the services of Japanese American WWII veterans. He organized reunions, tours, and exhibitions, including a personal artificial intelligence collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum. In 2020, he was honored in the Tournament of Roses Parade and was featured in the “Voices from the Front” exhibit at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. Sakai passed away in June 2020 at the age of 96, leaving a memorable impact on the world with his story.