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Sergeant Major Philip Nakaula Arboleda

A young man in a Army uniform and hat looks at the camera.
  • Unit: 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
  • Date of Birth: February 15, 1928
  • Entered the Military: January 11, 1946
  • Date of Death: November 26, 1988
  • Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
  • Place of Death: Galesburg Township, Illinois
  • Award(s): U.S. Army Legion of Merit
  • Cemetery: section U, site 1449. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Contributed by Cameron James Keawekekahialiʻimoku Sequin Magno
Mentored by Mrs. Amy Boehning
Hawaiʻi Technology Academy
2024/2025

Early Life

Hānai Family

Born on February 15, 1928, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Phillip Peter Reiny Nakaula Arboleda was adopted and raised by parents, Katherine Kalaulahauole Nakaula and Phillip Kalani Arboleda. His adoptive mother was born on June 20, 1890, in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, while his father was born on May 15, 1890, in the Philippines. In traditional Hawaiian culture, hānai adoption often took place shortly after birth, when a child’s biological parents entrusted them to another couple to raise.

Large Hawaiian Family

Arboleda grew up alongside his four sisters—Julia, Rose, and Kathy—and his brother, Joseph. At a time when Hawaiian culture and language were discouraged, Phillip was immersed in traditional practices. His mother, Katherine Kalaulahauole Nakaula, was a respected hula instructor known for reviving ancient ʻŌlapa hula traditions.

Education During the War Years

Phillip Arboleda’s high school years were deeply influenced by World War II, as Hawaiʻi remained under martial law. Daily life included curfews, rationing, and air raid drills. 

Arboleda attended Kailua High School, where he played football as a fullback, earning a reputation as an unstoppable player who never lost. Weighing 180 pounds, he was known for his powerful hits. Arboleda was a competitive swimmer with the Huimakani and a standout backfield ace for the Second Constabulary Brigade’s 1946 football team. He also played softball and basketball. In addition to sports, he worked as a tinsmith, coppersmith, and sheet metal worker.

He graduated in June 1946 at the age of 17 and soon enlisted in the U.S. Army. On July 15, 1950, he married Barbara Jane Hamilton.

Kuma Hula Katherine Nakaula who revived the ancient Olapa Hulas. In this photograph she is performing at the Volcano House in the 1920s. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 6, 1960.
A Businessmen’s Military Training Corps (BMTC) Guard halts a civilian to find out his reason for being out after curfew in Hawaiʻi. U.S. Army Signal Corps, August 30, 1942. Hawaii War Records Depository, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (HWRD 1198).
The Kaimuki Football Team of 1945. Philip Arboleda (#48) is in the top row, second from left. Honolulu Star-Advertiser, October 6, 1945.

Homefront

Many Native Hawaiians and local residents of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, including Japanese Americans from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Filipino Americans, enlisted or were drafted to serve in the Korean War. Their contributions, particularly in infantry and support roles, were significant.

Economic and Industrial Support

Hawaiʻi’s shipyards and military industries played a role in maintaining and repairing naval vessels and aircraft needed for the war effort. Civilian workers, including those in Honolulu’s shipyards, contributed to war production and logistics.

Civilian Support and Morale Efforts

Hawaiʻi residents showed their support for the troops through war bond drives, care packages, and morale-boosting efforts. Community organizations, including Veterans’ groups and American Red Cross volunteers, assisted in providing aid and comfort to soldiers and their families.

Men of the 5th Regimental Combat Team fire on the enemy along the Nakdong River, north of Taegu, Korea, September 18, 1950. Harry S. Truman Library & Museum (NAID 348337607).
United States Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, Naval Shipyard. Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress (hi0773).

Military Experience

Philip Arboleda enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1946 alongside four of his Kaimuki High School football teammates. He signed up for a three-year term and requested deployment to Europe. After completing basic training on the mainland, he was stationed in Sonthofen, Germany, where he served as a military policeman. In addition to his law enforcement duties, he took on the role of an athletic instructor for special troops, specializing in unarmed defense and physical training.

Arboleda demonstrated exceptional marksmanship, qualifying as an expert in both rifle and pistol shooting with a score of 338 out of a possible 350. In May 1949, he reenlisted and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In August 1950, he passed through Honolulu en route to Korea.

Wolfhounds in the Korean War

In July 1950, as part of the 25th Infantry Division, the 27th Infantry Regiment deployed to Pusan, South Korea, to help defend the Pusan Perimeter at the outbreak of the Korean War. The unit saw intense combat and earned a reputation as the “fire brigade” of the 25th Infantry Division, often being the first to engage enemy forces.

The regiment’s actions near SsangYong-Ni earned the first Presidential Unit Citation of the war. During the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, the “Wolfhounds” became known for their rapid and aggressive counterattacks. They received a second Presidential Unit Citation for their role in defending Taegu. Following China’s entry into the war in late 1950, the regiment earned a third Presidential Unit Citation for their assault across the Han River, which led to the recapture of Seoul in April 1951.

Arboleda was wounded twice in combat while serving with the 27th Infantry Regiment. On September 1, 1950, he sustained a serious leg injury but returned to duty just two days later on September 3. On September 6, he was wounded again, this time in the arm, but once more returned to the battlefield.

Vietnam and Taiwan

By 1961, Arboleda was stationed at Schofield Barracks, where he served in the G-3 unit of the 25th Infantry Division, responsible for intelligence analysis, targeting support, and communications. He later served in both Taiwan and Vietnam, continuing his military career in key operational roles.

Newspaper article detailing Corporal Arboleda’s work as an athletic instructor for special troops. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 20, 1948.
Two American GIs holding a position overlooking the main bridge across Kap-ch’on River near Taejon, August 8, 1950. Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum & Library (NAID 350288021).
Newspaper article detailing the wounds received by Sergeant Philip Arboleda in Korea. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 25, 1950.

Veteran Experience

After divorcing his first wife, Arboleda married Lorraine A. Kiilehua on November 3, 1953, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and remained married for 20 years. He had two daughters, Kathy-Louise and Philis Arboleda, along with several stepchildren. In 1973, a year before retiring, he married Elizabeth Novachek.

Knox College

As a senior instructor in the Military Science Department at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, he played a key role in shaping future officers. He notably taught Kathryn White, the first female cadet in Knox College’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, the same year the college introduced military training for women. White distinguished herself by outperforming her male classmates in marksmanship.

Honored for a Lifetime of Service

On June 20, 1974, he retired from his role as a senior instructor in the Department of Military Science at Knox College. In recognition of his significant contributions and dedication, he was awarded the U.S. Army Legion of Merit—one of the military’s highest peacetime honors. After 28 years of service, he fully retired from the Army.

Life After the Military

Following his military career, he remained active in the workforce, owning Duraclean Rug Cleaners and serving as a security officer for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Major Philip N. Arboleda was awarded the U.S. Army Legion of Merit. Galesburg Register-Mail, June 20, 1974.

Commemoration

On June 20, 1974, Philip Arboleda stepped down from his role as a senior instructor in the Department of Military Science at Knox College, having been honored with the U.S. Army Legion of Merit. This prestigious award recognized his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the U.S. military.

He died on November 26, 1988 and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. 

His legacy is one of dedication, resilience, and determination. Today, as we honor his memory, we celebrate the remarkable life he led and the lasting impact he had on his community. May his story continue to inspire us to live with the same passion and commitment that defined his life.

Sergeant Major Philip Arboleda’s grave at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, December 9, 2024. Courtesy of Lynne O’Hara.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

“Army Award Winner.” Galesburg Register-Mail (Galesburg, IL), June 22, 1974. Newspapers.com (5028641). 

“Assorted Sports Shorts.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], June 16, 1967. Newspapers.com (261007521). 

A Businessmen’s Military Training Corps (BMTC) Guard halts civilian to find out his reason for being out after curfew. Photograph. August 30, 1942. Hawaii War Records Depository, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (hwrd1198). https://digital.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/show/28298. 

“Cpl. Arboleda Is Athletic Instructor.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], June 20, 1948. Newspapers.com (269022097). 

“Kaimuki Upsets Micks, 13 to 6.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], October 1, 1945. Newspapers.com (555674706). 

Machine gun emplacement manned by American soldiers overlooking the main highway bridge across the Kap-ch’on River on the outskirts of Taejon. Photograph. August 8, 1950. Harry S. Truman Library & Museum (NAID 350288021). https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/photograph-records/67-7430. 

“Mixup Had Wrong Name on Picture.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], September 22, 1950. Newspapers.com (280942639). 

Mrs. Katherine Arboleda, or Kalau Lahoela, as she was known . . . Photograph. Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], March 6, 1960. Newspapers.com (270238832). 

“Mrs. Phillip Arboleda Dies; Taught Ancient Olala Hula.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], March 6, 1960. Newspapers.com (270238832). 

“Philip Arboleda.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], December 13, 1988. Newspapers.com (272213187). 

Philip N. Arboleda. Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S., National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 1941-2011. https://www.ancestry.com/. 

Philip N. Arboleda. U.S., Korean War Casualties, 1950-1957. https://www.ancestry.com/. 

Philip N. Arboleda. Indiana, U.S., Marriages 1810-2001. https://www.ancestry.com/. 

Philip N. Arboleda. U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946. https://www.ancestry.com/. 

Philip Nakaula Arboleda, Final Pay Voucher, Department of the Army. National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

“Schofield Car-Tractor Mishap Kills Boy, 13.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], March 27, 1961. Newspapers.com (269378365). 

Seek Victory Today at Stadium. Photograph. Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], October 6, 1945. Newspapers.com (259750732). 

“Sgt. Philip Arboleda.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], October 25, 1950. Newspapers.com (280926401). 

Turnbull, Ray. Men of the 5th RCT fire on the enemy along the Nakdong River, north of Taegu, Korea. Photograph. September 18, 1950. Harry S. Truman Library & Museum (NAID 348337607). https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/photograph-records/2007-453. 

U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, Machine Shop, Sixth Street opposite 10-10 Pier, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI. Photograph. Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress (hi0773). www.loc.gov/item/hi0773/.

Secondary Sources

“Philip Nakaula Arboleda.” Find a Grave. Updated March 3, 2000. Accessed February 11, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3768692/philip-nakaula-arboleda. 

“Philip Nakaula Arboleda.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed February 11, 2025. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/PHILIPNAKAULAARBOLEDA/9A856BA. 

This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.