Norio Uyematsu stands in front of a U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. On a plaque below the fighter jet, it reads, “This aircraft is dedicated to the friendship between the Japanese and American peoples. May it live forever. Dedicated on September 6, 1981.” (Photo: Patti Hirahara)
MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN — Young men found themselves thrust into the heart of the war, a relentless battleground where the scorching summer sun bore down on them, and the rumble of distant artillery echoed through the unforgiving landscape. Each step was a gamble with fate. Nights were fraught with terror. Camaraderie of fellow soldiers was the only solace amidst the chaos. The Korean War was a crucible that tested the limits of human endurance and brotherhood, leaving an indelible mark on the souls of many. This was the service Norio Uyematsu signed up for, but he had yet to learn how much it would impact him.
In advance of Veterans Day, Norio Uyematsu returned recently to Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture for the first time in 73 years. (Photo: Patti Hirahara)
Uyematsu’s journey began in the quiet town of Brigham City, Utah. It was 1948, and the young man had just graduated from Box Elder High School. Uyematsu, like many others of his generation, felt the patriotic call to serve his country. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1949, setting the course for a remarkable life.
Cpl. Norio Uyematsu at Misawa Air Base in Japan 1951. (Photo: Courtesy of Norio Uyematsu)
His service started with an unexpected turn when he shipped out. Uyematsu initially received orders to Okinawa, Japan, but history had other plans. The invasion of communist North Korea into South Korea sent shockwaves through the world. Everything abruptly changed.
In July 1950, Uyematsu found himself diverted from Okinawa and assigned to the 865th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Self-Propelled Unit at Camp Haugen in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. The unit was later dispatched to guard Misawa Air Base.
It was a solemn duty protecting the base and its surroundings. The scars of World War II still marred the landscape.
Members of the 521st MIS 10X Corps Korea on March 31, 1952. Pictured (top row, from left) are William Sur, Richard Fujimoto and Bob Yamasaki and (front, from left) Norio Uyematsu and Akio Sawada. (Photo: Courtesy of Norio Uyematsu)
“As a corporal, I still can picture mothers with their small children and Japanese army soldiers with missing limbs,” Uyematsu recalled. “The city of Misawa was very small, at that time, with unpaved dirt streets. The people in Misawa were very cordial, and they were surprised to see a Japanese American in a U.S. Army uniform.”
Uyematsu’s mission took on a deeper meaning as he witnessed the resilience of the Japanese people. He understood that his service was not just about safeguarding a base; it was about standing as a symbol of support for those in need.
In July 1951, Uyematsu was once again called to action, but this time in the heart of the Korean War. He found himself assigned to the 521st Military Intelligence Service Platoon, and his journey to Korea began. He served in the grueling war with dedication and honor.
The unit was awarded the “Meritorious Unit Commendation” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in support of combat operations in Korea during the period of Dec. 28, 1951-Aug. 31, 1952.
Uyematsu returned to civilian life in July 1952, but his sense of duty and desire to honor those who served with him never wavered. As the years passed, his life continued to be a testament to his motto, “You must endure hardship to succeed.”
Uyematsu’s service and that of countless Japanese Americans in the Korean War earned the moniker of the “Forgotten War,” but he was determined not to let their sacrifices be in vain. Uyematsu became a three-time Commander of the Kazuo Masuda Memorial VFW Post 3670, in Orange County, Calif., and was a charter officer of the Japanese American Korean War Veterans organization.
U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Jao’Torey Johnson, public affairs, Misawa Air Base, receives a commemorative signed photo statue from Norio Uyematsu, as well as his recorded memories of his time on base at Misawa in 1950, as a thank you to the base for their hospitality. (Photo: Patti Hirahara)
Japanese American Korean War veteran Norio Uyematsu receives Congressional Record recognition from Congressman Lou Correa on Veterans Day 2022 and recorded on Nov. 16, 2022. (Photo: Patti Hirahara)
In 2022, at the age of 91, Uyematsu, of Anaheim, Calif., was recognized by California Congressman Lou Correa (D-46th District) for his service as a Japanese American Korean War veteran, and his life was honored on the Congressional Record. It was a moment of honor and gratitude for a man whose life had been a tapestry of service, sacrifice and resilience.
Uyematsu’s recognition by Correa also gave him the opportunity to return to Japan recently in advance of Veterans Day and take a tour of Misawa Air Base.
“I am so happy I was able to see Misawa again after 73 years,” Uyematsu said. “I could not believe how big the base had become, and now the base is used as Misawa’s public airport and home of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy.”
With all its challenges and triumphs, Uyematsu’s life is a living testament to the indomitable spirit of those who serve their country. His story is one that should never be forgotten, a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who stepped forward in times of crisis, leaving a deep-rooted mark on history.
“I am fortunate to be able to continue to tell the story of those Japanese Americans who served in the Korean War,” Uyematsu concluded. “There are not many of us left, but our service did make a difference.”
