Wai, Francis Brown

Date of birth:: April 14th, 1917 (Honolulu/Territory of Alaska, United States)
Date of death:: October 20th, 1944 (Leyte, Philippine Islands)
Buried on:: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Nationality:: American

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division "Victory Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1944

Posthumously awarded

Purple Heart

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division "Victory Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1944

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division "Victory Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: June 21st, 2000

Captain Francis B. Wai distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action, on 20 October 1944, in Leyte, Philippine Islands. Captain Wai landed at Red Beach, Leyte, in the face of accurate, concentrated enemy fire from gun positions advantageously located in a palm grove bounded by submerged rice paddies. Finding the first four waves of American soldiers leaderless, disorganized, and pinned down on the open beach, he immediately assumed command. Issuing clear and concise orders, and disregarding heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, he began to move inland through the rice paddies without cover. The men, inspired by his cool demeanor and heroic example, rose from their positions and followed him. During the advance, Captain Wai repeatedly determined the locations of enemy strong points by deliberately exposing himself to draw their fire. In leading an assault upon the last remaining Japanese pillbox in the area, he was killed by its occupants. Captain Wai's courageous, aggressive leadership inspired the men, even after his death, to advance and destroy the enemy. His intrepid and determined efforts were largely responsible for the rapidity with which the initial beachhead was secured. Captain Wai's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awarde posthumously