All Gave Some - Some Gave All Monument

They fought for a country that had locked up their families. As Topaz and nine other camps held Japanese Americans behind wire, thousands of their sons volunteered for the U.S. Army — forming the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service. In the mountains of France they broke through German lines to rescue a trapped Texas battalion, losing far more men than they saved. The segregated Nisei units became, for their size and length of service, the most decorated in American history. Some of those soldiers had enlisted from this desert, from Topaz itself.

What the plaque says

442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Formed during World War II, these three US Military units were comprised of Japanese-American young men from the US mainland, Hawaii and from ten internment camps such as Topaz. Despite heated racial attitudes, many young men volunteered to show their loyalty to their country. Their valor and fighting spirit became known throughout the US military. The rescue of the Lost Battalion in France typified their bravery - in fierce combat they suffered huge casualties (199 KIA or missing, hundred wounded in action) while rescuing 211 men of the Texas Battalion. During the war they received over 16,000 decorations to become the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in US military history. However, only a single Congressional Medal of Honor was given due to racial overtones. This was corrected in 2000 when President Clinton upgraded 20 Distinguished Silver Cross Medals to Congressional Medal of Honor awards to 20 Japanese-American veterans, many of whom were in their 80s. Some were given posthumously. (list of names)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Topaz Interment Camp WWII — 0.5 mi
• Gunnison Massacre (2) Monuments — 9.5 mi
• Topaz War Relocation Center WWII — 12 mi
• Topaz Museum — 12 mi