Japanese American World World II veterans from Washington were given the highest civilian award in the U.S. in Washington D.C., today. The recipients included, three Bellevue residents: Robert Y. Handa, Shigeru Momoda and Yukio B. Yoshihara. Others honored hailed from Bothell, Edmonds, Friday Harbor, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Kent, Seattle, Shelton, Silverdale, Spokane and Vancouver.

Each veteran was a member of one of three groups, the 100th Infantry Battalion, the Military Intelligence Services of the United States Army and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd was one of the most decorated units in military history, bringing home 21 Congressional Medals of Honor, 33 Distinguished Service Crosses, 559 Silver Stars, 22 Legions of Merit, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 9, 846 Purple Hearts.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D) was present to celebrate with the veterans.

“In the face of grave injustice during WWII, the Nisei veterans fought to preserve America’s free democracy,” she said. “In fact, they went on to become one of the most highly decorated group of veterans in United States military history. These soldiers fought for what this country could be, even while their families lived in internment camps. In the process, they paved the way to victory in WWII and a brighter future for all.”