Go For Broke Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about 442nd R.C.T

National Go for Broke Day is on April 5, and we are excited to commemorate this day in honour of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, one of the finest American military units that fought for peace and saw the end of World War II. Did you know that this entire military unit is comprised of American Japanese? Yes, and their tenacity and dedication to duty made them a unit worthy of remembrance.

The background of Go For Broke Day

“Go for broke” is Hawaiian Pidgin vernacular used by craps players that means “wager all” or “bet everything on a single roll.” The inception of the idiom as a motto by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, along with the heroic exploits they performed during World War II, cemented the phrase as a catchphrase for dedication, perseverance, hard work, and honour.

It embodies devoting your all to whatever you are doing and persevering regardless of the odds or obstacles you face. During World War II, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, the government and citizens alike grew concerned about the Japanese Americans, also known as Nisei, residing in the United States. In less than a month following the attack, all Japanese-American males of draught age were viewed as enemy aliens and subjected to suspicion by everyone. This gave birth to the Nisei’s patriotic efforts as they fought against racial discrimination and demonstrated their dedication, love, and willingness to serve their country.

‘Nisei’ Japanese-Americans were given the opportunity to serve in the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, the Military Intelligence Service, and the 4442nd Regimental Combat Team after multiple lobbying efforts. In June of 1942, the War Department founded the 100th Infantry Battalion as a means of determining whether soldiers of Japanese descent could be trusted in battle. This unit’s outstanding performance earned it the name Purple Heart Battalion. They eliminated all doubts and concerns of loyalty, resulting in the June 1944 deployment of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On the battlefield, the 4442nd R.C.T. demonstrated their courage and patriotism by defeating overwhelming odds and securing decisive victories for their country.

With over 18,000 decorated soldiers, they became the most decorated regiment in the nation by the end of the war. They were awarded seven Presidential Unit Citations, two Meritorious Service Plaques, thirty-six Army Commendation Medals, eighty-seven Division Commendations, twenty-one Medals of Honor, nearly four thousand Purple Hearts, and more.

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5 IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE 442ND R.C.T.

All members of the 442nd RCT were American citizens born to Japanese parents, making them an exceptional military unit.

The unit received a record-breaking seven Presidential Unit Citations in less than two years of combat, which was the most for a unit of its size and length of service.

The unit was dubbed the Purple Hearts Battalion by others due to the more than 4,000 Purple Heart Medals and other awards its personnel received.

The unit participated in eight significant battles in France, Italy, and Germany and was instrumental in each victory.

The unit’s actions and valour inspired the trust afforded to all Japanese Americans as an integral part of the country at the time and to this day in the United States.

GO FOR BROKE DAY DATES