Tripler Army Medical Center  –   Each May, our nation celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. During this month, we recognize and appreciate the countless contributions that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made to our military and the United States. Here on Oahu, there is a rich history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have honorably served and sacrificed for our nation. This island was once home to Daniel K. Inouye, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His heroism earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He continued his service to our country in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Another former Oahu Resident, Herbert K. Pililaau, was the first Native Hawaiian to receive the Medal of Honor. Pililaau served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and lost his life in 1951 while fighting valiantly at Heartbreak Ridge. He also earned the Purple Heart for his service.

Today, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders make up nearly six percent of our total military force and more than seven percent of the total federal civilian workforce. Tripler Army Medical Center thanks our Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander colleagues for their continued contributions to our Ohana.

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