Honoring Staff Sgt. Robert T. Kuroda

Photo: Aboard the Robert T. Kuroda at Pearl Harbor approaching Diamond Head. The Honolulu Advertiser

The Kuroda is officially in action. The logistics support vessel, LSV-7, was christened four years ago and named after World War II veteran, Staff Sgt. Robert T. Kuroda. Kuroda is the brother of former state senator Joe Kuroda and the uncle of Kevin Kuroda, the House Sergeant-at-Arms.

The ship was under construction in Mississippi when it was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. After re-construction it arrived safely in the islands last year, and is now officially in the Army's service at Pearl Harbor.

Photo: The 2003 launch of the Kuroda in Mississippi. Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Ironically, Kuroda was denied a job at Pearl Harbor because of his Japanese ancestry, so he decided to enlist in the Army. Robert Kuroda was a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Medal of Honor recipient. He died in Bruyeres, France while leading his combat team in battle.

Photo: Staff Sgt. Robert T. Kuroda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin