NVC Foundation Japanese American Memorial Wall

Bob Akimoto was born on December 14, 1925 in Seattle, WA, to Motokichi Akimoto and Nuiko Yabuta. He graduated from Hunt High School in 1944 in Minidoka, Idaho, after a four-year Academic Course. His studies included History, English, Algebra, Biology, Art, Bookkeeping, Auto Mechanics, and Carpentry. Shortly after graduation, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 26, 1944, at Fort Douglas, Utah.

Combat Infantryman and Rifleman duties: While assigned to Company E, 442nd Infantry Regiment, he used an M1 rifle. He also used bayonet, trench knife, hand grenades, rifle grenade launcher, and other weapons. Bob was trained in the use of "walkie-talkie" radio in field combat operations. After combat, he stood guard, chief fatigue and performed other general line duties. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1946, at Fort Lewis Washington.

Awards and Decorations:
Army of Occupational Medal (Germany)
Good Conduct Medal
Distinguished Unit Badge
Oak Leaf Cluster
European African Middle Eastern Service Medal
Victory Medal
Congressional Gold Medal (awarded on January 14, 2012)
Bronze Medal (awarded on January 14, 2012)

Education:
University of Washington, Bachelor of Business Administration, 1954

On August 31, 1958, he married Fusako Uyeda. Bob worked for Boeing and the U.S. Small Business Administration until his retirement in 1987. His hobbies include golfing, gardening, and watching sports. They have two children, Randolph Dwight, and Kim Suzanne. Bob and Fusako have lived in Burien for the past 52 years.