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Sergeant First Class Tadashi Kaneko

A picture of Kaneko, wearing a jacket and tie, smiling at the camera.
  • Unit: 8ᵗʰ Cavalry Regiment, First Cavalry Division
  • Date of Birth: July 20, 1928
  • Entered the Military: October 4, 1948
  • Date of Death: March 31, 2018
  • Hometown: Honalo, Hawaiʻi
  • Place of Death: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
  • Award(s): Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal
  • Cemetery: Section CT13D, Row 400, Site 416. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Contributed by Gavin Orion Brown
Mentored by Mrs. Amy Boehning
Hawaiʻi Technology Academy
2024/2025

Early Life

Tadashi Kaneko was born on July 20, 1928, in Honalo, North Kona, Hawaiʻi. He was the son of Jinpachi Kaneko, a coffee farmer originally from Kumamoto, Japan, and Yuri Matsushita. His father arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1911, and together with his mother, they built a life in the picturesque landscape of North Kona. Kaneko grew up in a large family with several siblings, reflecting the close-knit and supportive environment of his upbringing.

When the world coffee market crashed in 1899, the large plantations shifted to small Japanese-owned family farms. As the plantations gave up, the land was divided into small three-to-five acre parcels and leased to the laborers. The cost of these early leases was one-half the crop, and by 1910, only Japanese coffee farms survived.

Multicultural Community

Growing up in Hawaiʻi, Kaneko was shaped by the unique cultural blend of Japanese and Hawaiian traditions, which influenced his values and resilience. 

During World War II, many young Japanese-American men from Kaneko’s community volunteered to fight. While some served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, others joined the Military Intelligence Service (M.I.S.) because they could speak Japanese.

Education and Civilian Work

Kaneko graduated from Konawaena High School on August 20, 1946, signaling the transition from his education to the workforce. After high school, he worked for Rancho Produce Company, gaining valuable experience before making the decision to enlist in the military. Although his family’s roots were deeply connected to the agricultural life of the islands, Kaneko’s commitment to service led him to join the U.S. Army in 1948, embarking on a journey that would define his legacy.

Coffee farms of the Kona Coast, c. 1930. Photograph by H. Williams Gill, Hamilton Hawaiian Rare Photograph, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (H0044).
Announcement of Kaneko’s graduation from Konawaena High School. Hawaii Tribune-Herald, August 20, 1946.

Homefront

Agricultural Contributions

During the Korean War, Hawaiʻi’s agricultural sector, particularly on the Big Island, played a crucial role in supporting the U.S. economy. While the island of Hawaiʻi was not involved in manufacturing war materials, its coffee farms and crops like macadamia nuts and pineapple contributed essential goods. Coffee production, which had improved after World War II, continued to thrive, with advancements such as the shift from donkeys to jeeps for transport. By the early 1950s, cooperatives managed the milling and marketing of Kona coffee.

Diversified Industries

Despite these advancements, labor shortages arose as many young people left for better opportunities elsewhere, while Veterans returned to the workforce. The Big Island’s agricultural industry was still largely plantation-based, limiting employment options for the younger generation. Overall, Hawaiʻi’s home front efforts were vital in sustaining agricultural production during the war, even as the workforce began to shift toward more diversified industries like tourism and technology.

“Kona Nightingale” coffee donkeys carry most of the growers’ crops. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 24, 1937.
Kona Inn, traditionally the center of activity in picturesque Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. Kona Historical Society.

Military Experience

Sergeant First Class Tadashi Kaneko enlisted in the United States Army in 1948, receiving training at Schofield Barracks in Hawaiʻi. Following his training, he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, before being deployed to Korea in 1950 as a part of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. The regiment was involved in key early battles of the Korean War, including the Battle of Unsan in November 1950, where they suffered heavy losses, and many soldiers, likely including Kaneko, were captured.

Kaneko served in the Intelligence Section of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. During his time in Korea, he was taken prisoner and spent nearly three years in the Pyok-Dong Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. After his release, he returned to Hawaiʻi and was honorably discharged on December 1st, 1953 at Schofield Barracks.

His military awards include the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

The announcement that Kaneko was declared Missing in Action. Hawaii Tribune-Herald, November 29, 1950.
The Pyok-Dong POW Camp in Pyotong, North Korea, along the Yalu River, c. 1950-1953. Australian War Memorial (P00305.003).
Tadashi Kaneko reuniting with family members upon his return to Hawaiʻi. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 29, 1953.

Veteran Experience

After his harrowing experience as a Prisoner of War, Tadashi Kaneko was released on September 5, 1953. During his captivity, he sustained serious wounds to his head and shoulder in September 1950, which left both physical and emotional scars. Despite these challenges, Kaneko’s resilience and determination helped him rebuild his life after the war.

Upon his return to Oʻahu, Tadashi pursued higher education at the University of Indiana and graduated with degrees in real estate and land economics. His wife, Sadako Tottori, also attended and graduated from the same university. The couple married on June 1, 1958, at the Shingon Sect Mission of Hawaiʻi, celebrating their union with a reception at the Mochizuki Teahouse. They later settled in Honolulu.

Professionally, Tadashi established himself in the real estate industry. By April 1958, he was associated with the National Association of Realtors, and by June, he worked with Okazaki and Young, a prominent real estate firm in Honolulu. His career reflected his academic achievements and his dedication to supporting his family and contributing to his community.

Tadashi Kaneko was honored by members of his high school graduating class upon his return. Hawaii Tribune-Herald, October 19, 1953.
Announcement of the wedding of Tadashi Kaneko and Sadako Tottori. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 9, 1958.

Commemoration

Tadashi Kaneko’s legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He built a loving family with his wife, Sadako, and left a lasting legacy through his service and community involvement. His life was not just one of hardship but also one of dedication to family, honor, and the values he held dear. His courage, both in war and in life, was an inspiration to all who knew him.

While little information is available about his children, his gravestone honors him as a father and grandfather, suggesting a life enriched by family and connection. He passed away on March 31, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of service, perseverance, and commitment to his loved ones.

Tadashi Kaneko’s marker at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Find a Grave.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

“116 Graduate Today from Konawaena High.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], August 20, 1946. Newspapers.com (555578335). 

“Four Added to Death List Of Hawaii War Casualties.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], November 29, 1950. Newspapers.com (268949203). 

“Announcement . . . Tadashi Kaneko.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], April 12, 1958. Newspapers.com (270539328). 

Gill, H. Williams. Coffee farms of the Kona Coast. Photograph. c. 1930. Hamilton Hawaiian Rare Photograph, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (H0044). https://digital.library.manoa.hawaii.edu. 

Hawaii. Hawaii County. 1930 U.S. Federal Census. Digital images. https://ancestry.com. 

Hawaii. Hawaii County. 1940 U.S. Federal Census. Digital images. https://ancestry.com. 

“Honolulu, Kona Ex-P.O.W.s Return to Isles Unannounced.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], September 28, 1953. Newspapers.com (274602076). 

“Isle Prisoners Of Reds Reported In ‘Good Health.’” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], May 11, 1953. Newspapers.com (268813169). 

Jinpachi Kaneko. Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S., Arriving and Departing Passenger and Crew Lists, 1900-1959. Digital image. https://ancestry.com. 

Kona Inn. Photograph. Kona Historical Society. https://konahistorical.org/news-blog/kona-inn.  

The “Kona nightingale” carries most of the growers’ crops . . . Photograph. Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], April 24, 1937. Newspapers.com (275060358). 

Kona Repatriate is Back. Photograph. Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], September 29, 1953. Newspapers.com (258020411). 

“Kona Sergeant Is Missing In Action In Korea.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], November 29, 1950. Newspapers.com (555578335). 

“Mrs. Tadashi Kaneko.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], June 9, 1958. Newspapers.com (269844585). 

“Last Two Big Island POWs Freed.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], September 5, 1953. Newspapers.com (555642593). 

“Prisoner of War Writes Father He’s in ‘Good Health.’” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], May 14, 1953. Newspapers.com (268814737). 

“Returned POW Is Honored By His School Class.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], October 19, 1953. Newspapers.com (555650789). 

Tadashi Kaneko, DD-214, Department of the Army. National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

Tadashi Kaneko, DD-215, Department of the Army. National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

Tadashi Kaneko. Korean War Data File of American Prisoners of War. National Archives and Records Administration. https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=240&mtch=1&tf=F&q=Kaneko&bc=sl&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=4095. 

Tadashi Kaneko. U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947. Digital images. https://ancestry.com.  

Secondary Sources

“8th Cavalry Regiment.” 1st Cavalry Division Association. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://1cda.org/history/history-8cav/. 

“Hawaii Kona Coffee History.” Espresso & Coffee Guide. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://espressocoffeeguide.com/gourmet-coffee/asian-indonesian-and-pacific-coffees/hawaii-coffee/kona-coffee-history/. 

“History of Agriculture in Hawaii.” Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaiʻi. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/ag-resources/history-of-agriculture-in-hawaii/. 

“Jinpachi Kaneko.” Find a Grave. Updated November 19, 2019. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/204837887/jinpachi-kaneko. 

“SFC Tadashi Kaneko.” Find a Grave. Updated June 3, 2018. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190308701/tadashi-kaneko. 

“Tadahi Kaneko.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/TADASHIKANEKO/F10A52F.

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.