Gender

Male

Birth date

1945-4-11

Place of birth

Tule Lake CA, U.S.A.

Inducted

1969-1-7, Los Angeles CA

Enlistment type

Draftee

Service branch

Army

Service type

War

Unit type

Combat,sup

Units served

41st Civil Affairs Company & 55th Military Intelligence Detachment (Corps)

Military specialty

63C20 Track Vehicle Mechanic & 64C40 Truck Master Mechanic

Stationed

Fort Ord, California; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Vietnam

Separated

Fort Lewis WA

Unit responsibility

41st Civil Affairs - Educate the village leaders and show them how to requisition supplies/necessities from their own government. Establish a trust with the people. 55th Military Intelligence Detachment - Provide the 'eyes and ears' to the II Corp Tactical Zone.

Personal responsibility

Oversee the motor pool operations for the company and to maintain all vehicles in an operational/readiness status.

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

Battle of Nha Trang & Cambodia Operation.

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Bronze Star Medal - with citation as follows: Sgt Michael Miyamoto distinguished himself by exceptional meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 2/28/ 1970 to 9/3/1970,while serving as motor sergeant with the 55th Military Intelligence Detachment (Coprs). His assignment to the motor section at a time when the condition of vehicles was deplorable and records even worse with only one month to prepare for a command inspection was a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. With outstanding initiative and unfaltering determination, he evaluated the situation, planned a course of action, and systematically pulled the detachment motor pool up to an extrememly efficient and effective operation. After passing the command inspection, his aggressive maintenance program remained in force, virtually eliminating vehicle non-availability. Through diligence and dedication to the task at hand, he surmounted extrememly adverse conditions to accomplish every duty with efficiency and professionalism. Sgt. Michael M. Miyamoto's initiative, sound judgement, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Living conditions

Living conditions in the camps and field were good. Slept in bunks, had hot showers and plenty of good food, both army and civilian (food). Saw movies or USO shows when available, drank at bars on base and in town. Played lots of cards.

Most vivid memory of military experience

How quickly strangers can become good friends. This bonding helps to hold one together thru thick and thin, pain and sorrow. Memory of friends stands out the most.

Missed most whilst in the military

My wife & family & friends.

Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?

How we (Americans) take a lot of things for granted, especially our freedom. We don't spend enough time trying to enjoy the simple life, the natural beauty around us. Being in a country that's at war, seeing the devastation of the land and loss of life makes me appreciate what we have and what we could lose.