RIP Vincent Okamoto. Lest we ever forget.

"We didn't fight a ten year war in Vietnam. We fought a one year war ten times." Profound words from Judge Vincent Okamoto.

I had the honor of being his bailiff on many overtime days. The stories from this hero, his memorabilia in his chamber are amazing.

@jafo766

3 жыл бұрын

He is the AMERICAN STORY !

This man is what it means to be an American, a hero, and a true veteran of war, we are in debt to him and all that served in Vietnam. Thank you sir.🇺🇸

@aichanaciry8252

4 жыл бұрын

a hero ?! No, a murder that killed many citzen !

@joshuatraffanstedt2695

3 жыл бұрын

Yup!

@scentlessapprentice88

3 жыл бұрын

@aicha your comment shows how stupid you are. These men are heroes and nothing short of. You, well your just another azzhole thats stinky up this planet. If you've got nothing good to say about these heroes who had no choice in the conflict and were ordered by theyre government to go, keep your mouth shut.

@James-hv9eo

3 жыл бұрын

@@aichanaciry8252 were you ever in war? I can guarantee you have not been. So what makes you think you can talk on it, you will never know how you will react until put into situations. War is bad all around, but to dishonor a solider like you think you know better, is pretty much the most disrespectful thing you can do.

@James-hv9eo

3 жыл бұрын

@Boi when you go to war, and fight. Then you can talk on how you will react, until then you can pretty much keep quiet, let me guess you don't think the Vietnamese weren't commiting these alleged war crimes just as well. Probably worse. war is horrible, don't try to speak on something you know nothing about fool.

I stumbled across the story of Vincent Okamoto's service thanks to the Vietnam documentary by Ken Burns. His wisdom and humbleness, are evident in his interviews. I could listen to this man talk all day. Thanks for sharing his story.

@26michaeluk

5 жыл бұрын

That's where I first saw him as well.

This man should have recieved the Medal Of Honor as far as I'm concerned !!! Outstanding !!!

Sad to hear he passed, much respect and appreciation.

@sumbeech1484

3 жыл бұрын

I didn't know ! Sad day for sure ! I wonder what happened ???

@darcoman2

3 жыл бұрын

Passed with a heart attack 76. RIP American Hero.

There is no way I can convey my respect and thankfulness for this wonderful American hero. We are blessed to have men like him in our military. God bless him.

Welcome Home Judge,I'm honored to call you a brother.. 1st Cavaley A,2/5 1970

This guy is amazing and appreciate his service!

Judge Okamoto, Passed away . September 27th 2020.........RIP...........Your Honor........Our Citizen Soldiers .......Love You........

Thanks judge. The real deal. Down to earth .

@tommytomtime3345

3 жыл бұрын

And "down to earth" is an an under statement.

I absolutely LOVE this great man.He can tell a story with humor. I realize that is not the point.However, if I had gone there, I would still be in the mental ward, or dead.I greatly admire this hero.

What an amazing man. Brave and true to the core. God bless you sir!

I was there with you judge. I went through everything you said you did and it was a lot worse than you said. I thought I was the only guy who could say I'd had thousands of rounds fired at me, which in retrospect, seemed impossible, but no offense sir, I'm glad you did too. Company A (No DEROS Alpha) 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry Regiment 173rd Airborne Brigade, 02/68- 06/70. I began as an 81mm mortarman, then a 4.2" mortarman, a Field Artillery Forward Observer with B Battery 3d Battalion 319th Artillery Regiment (Airborne), a LRRP Artillery Observer and finally a LRRP Team Leader. I'm glad we made it. Welcome home Sir! Airborne Salute! AATW Sir! I somewhat resent when people tell me, "( Thank you for your service). I answer, "I did it for you but I was paid, it wasn't for nothing".

@landsystems5807

Жыл бұрын

My uncle was there with you , A/3rd/503rd 69-70.. Bryce Woodrow.. You men will forever be what I look up to.. God Bless you and America, thank you for your sacrifice and my freedom!!

I took me over 20 years even to calm that fear and rage. But with help I finally became calm and I have few dreams. I hope by the time the lord takes me home everything will be gone and my soul is where it should be. I got home with limited injuries that was because of the lord.

@strongcamel5355

3 жыл бұрын

Zeller I hope you're OK. Some injuries aren't physical. Some injuries are scars on your mind. One of my friends still has panic attacks even though he fought so long ago, and it's still really hard for him. Too many good men were lost in Vietnam.

@gordonlandreth9550

2 жыл бұрын

Hang in there Edward you are a good man . The fighting that some experienced in Vietnam was so intense that even 28 years later it seems like last week . I know from my studies of the war that the 25th Division was in the thick of the action and took a lot of casualties . I'm glad that you made it back , and that the Good Lord is your friend .

An amazing interview and an amazing story. Thank you so much.

@maschinenmensch2925

4 жыл бұрын

😄😘

Glad you made it. Welcome home. Great description of what you saw in the Nam.👍🏽🕊

This nation should hold its head in shame for what they did to us Americans who they treated like second class citizens,and we STILL showed and proved our patriotism to our country.God Bless-

@dougdownunder5622

2 жыл бұрын

I participated in anti war demonstrations. Never ever vilified the grunts. Never. I respected them talked to the vets at Uni. 1 still a friend 50 years later. He could hear an approaching helicopter a minute before I could.

Thankyou so much for sharing such an amazing story

Thank you sir for your sacrifice and love of our country and our freedom.May you R.I.P..

Thanks for your service!

Mr Okamoto, thank You for this eye opening interview. You are an inspiration to me and true hero. I Thank You for your service! Your Family is Awesome!

my grandfather was sent to Poston,AZ at the age of 7 from San Diego. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE SIR!

Thank You MR. Okamoto for your Service and Dedication to our country during a very difficult time !!...........Two words.........HERO and RESPECT !!.....God Bless ALL Vietnam Combat Vets and WELCOME HOME SIR.........JOB WELL DONE !!

Thank you for your service and incredible sacrifices. I am Forever in your debt.

God bless you sir! You have gone through so much in your life and you did it right! Honor, courage, and loyalty to what you believe in. Sir, I respect your integrity and envoy your ability to get past the early obstacles in your life in regards to the camps. Takes a big individual! Much respect to your parents (who must have been great people) to have raised you to be the man you are today. Again, much respect sir and thank you for your service. You've made your family and country very proud. Peace and take care of yourself sir. Michael Peters Sacramento, Ca

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for your service! My Daddy did 3 tours in Vietnam and retired after 22 years of service in the Army! God Bless y'all!

Very wise intellectual man.I could listen to him speak all day.He is the EPITOME of an American-

God bless you sir....thank you from Canada

I like how candid he is. Very good interview questions too. thank you

Thank you Vincent!!!! We love you!

Thank you for your service

I couldn't do this. I know I am privileged. So lucky and thankful

Thank you Mr. Okamoto. You are my hero Sir. Thanks for laying it all on the line for my protection and my freedom. Hero.

Thank you Judge, good man.

I have seen other interviews with the judge he is a true hero 🇺🇸

What an amazing story. It is similar to my uncles story. Look up Thomas Bouchard , recipient of the distinguished service cross. Tommy was only the cook and manned those APCs when needed. Gave him a field of belly buttons. I dont know how he survived. These men are courageous as can be.

How was this man not awarded the Medal of Honor?

@70stunes71

3 жыл бұрын

During my time in, I've seen some awarded medals for things that were literally just doing their job. Other times such as this, where he should have been awarded the Medal of Honor... We can only be thankful and know that he deserved so much, but as a warrior he was humble enough to be where he was... Free and alive. There's nothing like that feeling of coming home. And I know it well

@gordonlandreth9550

2 жыл бұрын

To receive the Medal of Honor he would have had to rescue or treat wounded soldiers during the battle . Even though his actions were above and beyond the call of duty , they only seem to award the CMOH for saving lives along with heroic combat action .

@robertisham5279

Жыл бұрын

Because he doesn't deserve it.

@francopasta3704

Жыл бұрын

@@gordonlandreth9550 what a ridiculous statement. How many lives did he save holding the perimeter and knocking out the enemy machine gun. Think Audi Murphy in WW 2…

@francopasta3704

Жыл бұрын

@@robertisham5279 another keyboard warrior weighs in…sad

RIP fellow veteran..brave, intelligent & a life well lived. A true American hero.

Amazing !! nam Vet here but Navy Air 66-67 Operation Rolling Blunder !!. We share the same reaction after coming home !

100% pure American Hero. God rest his soul.

A Great Warrior, we salute you.

I understand that a while back, I read that you were being considered or the MoH. As with many minorities that fought in Vietnam and earned battle awards many were given the lower medals. This happened in WW11, with the 442 RCT/100 Battalion members. Many of the DSC's have been changed to the MoH. Race had a lot to do with who got what. I know. I served in the Marines from 1959 to 1968. Vince, thank you for your proud service. My younger brother went to GHS with you. He retired after 35 years from the USAF.

RLTW and thank you for your sacrifice and keeping us free. Master Sergeant (R) David M. Phillips.

Such an awesome story. Born in a interment camp. Then becoming a bad ass hero for the country that imprisoned his folks. Just goes to show how amazing the residents of the USA really are.

This guy is such a legend! Class act!! So much respect for him! All the best!

Really inspired by this man.

Great interview! Thanks! We havew so much leaders in military that abuse their position - and that can make any arrmy weak! Actually, not only in military, in business life too...

I was there same time and same places.. I was in the 2/34th Armor

Great man who learned a lot in Vietnam.

Great story

RIP, Brother. Army 67 & 68.Tet

my grandfather and family was sent to Poston,AZ my grandfather served during the Korean war in the Army.

@TANTHEMANFILMS

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertlucyksr667 never said it was??

@TANTHEMANFILMS

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertlucyksr667 i respect this man all im saying is im part Japanese.. i apricate my heritage and there commitment to our nation.

@PSMWRX143

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertlucyksr667 it’s not about you... he’s just sharing a similar story. Thanks for sharing Tanner. And thanks for your grandfather’s service!

Judge Okamoto I salute you, Airborne my Brother!

Welcome home brother

RIP Mr. Okamoto

An American original, a soldier, prosecutor, judge and leader of the community.

What a great American hero and example of how you can overcome odds of racism, enlisting and fighting for a losing cause , receiving 3 Purple Hearts, and eventually self- elevating himself to become a Superior Court Judge! Thank you Mr. Okamoto!

@gordonlandreth9550

2 жыл бұрын

At the time he was fighting , we were winning the war . It was not a losing cause until the South Vietnamese took over the war in 1973 . Then things went bad .

@robertisham5279

Жыл бұрын

He's not a hero. He's a survivor.

@robertisham5279

Жыл бұрын

@@gordonlandreth9550 It doesn't matter. All these Vietnam videos are basically BS. These veterans willingly chose to go to an unwinnable, illegal war. If they say otherwise they are promoting a falsehood. A lot of these people push the image that they could or did win the war, but the "politicians" and the "people back home" lost it. Vietnam was a national American disgrace, tragedy and defeat...and they share in the responsibility of it. The politicians and American people saw that the war was not being won, or was unwinnable. The US never really had the "hearts and minds" of the South Vietnamese people...who they supposedly were fighting for. They don't talk much about the war crimes they committed against the Vietnamese....OR even against their own personnel. Lastly, whether these guys won or lost...the Vietnam war had absolutely NO effect on American freedom, security, safety or way of life. They did NOT sacrifice anything for my...or your freedom. These veterans present themselves as victims and wrongly treated. They are big boys and went to a country to kill or be killed. They shared in the failure. Now they want to be recognized for their "sacrifice" through videos, Honor Flights, endless trips to the Wall in DC or to Vietnam itself. They never grew up and really moved on. They have made themselves an embarrassment to themselves and my government.

Real deal, right there, RIP

rest in peace Vincent September 27, 2020

Welcome home you Honor, welcome home.

Though he's 100% American, his Samurai blood made him a nasty one to be in a fight with. Thank you sir.

RIP Judge.

SEPT 27th 2020 YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN OKAMOTO MARCH AFB RIVERSIDE CA

I'm 68 years old and if you've ever been In combat you're scared and feel Meaner than hell and a rage comes upon you I can't explain. Servival I guess and when all hell cuts lose there is no more fear only RAGE.

He is on the Ken Burns doc. he is a legit Bad Ass........

Complete Gratitude Mr. Oakamoto! You Are Among America’s BEST Throughout History! I disagree with the statement the Vietnam War was stupid! No South Koreans regret we stopped the Communist/Extortionist/Murderer Criminals from enslaving South. Korea!

@gordonlandreth9550

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you Henry , people now days don't understand the Cold War the way you do . Vietnam is a complicated subject , but I also disagreed with that statement .

@henryomeara9701

2 жыл бұрын

@@gordonlandreth9550 Highest Regards To You Gordon! As You entirely know, (this is stated simply for conversation emphasis), Mao Tse Tung’s China is becoming the Earth’s ONLY superpower! The 21st Century they are preparing to DOMINATE! With WEAKLINGS and IMMORAL DEGENERATES Occupying Positions of Highest Authority Washington DC, I’m not certain America will endure the next decade! To HELL with pessimistic outlook however! God Entirely Bless Your 2022!

@gordonlandreth9550

2 жыл бұрын

@@henryomeara9701 Yes I agree - only Jesus can save us now .

My God he did not get the medal of honor somebody should petition Congress to upgrade his award so the Medal of Honor it did not even say what award he received for that distinguish day what a real American and an American hero thank you sir another Vietnam vet

A real American 🇺🇸 hero. Tremendous

"My buttons wouldn't let me get lower" made me laugh.

What's the story behind his Distinguished Service Cross ❓

RIP

The Silver Star should be upgraded to the moh he deserves it he did a hell of a lot during that battle. They should review his citation and it should be upgraded

Thanks for your Service Your Honor! God Bless America. Lotta M60 barrels got cherry red that night, I'm sure.

How the hell did he not get the Medal of Honor??!! The judge seems like he was one hell of a Company Commander.

John myer said the same thing… He chose special forces because he wanted to be as well trained as possible before going to Vietnam

True patriot

Seems to me, it’s a matter of how your seniors write up your citation because that looks like an MofH action!

How did he not get the MOH?

This man was a hero, he should had gotten the MOH, God bless his soul.

Great interview. A really great book on the Phoenix Progam is, "The Phoenix and the Birds of Prey" by Mark Moyar. It was hardly the sinister operation it gets made out to be. The bulk of the targets were actually just arrested by the SVN police.

@donatchinson8438

5 жыл бұрын

History Book Reviews My friend was in Phoenix, and that was not his recollection.

Respect

Welcome Home Soldier, I walked in your foot prints but the Boi Loi woods did me in.

Ace man. I’m a little confused. Did he say that he had two older brothers that served in WW2? Would that not be while mum and dad and the rest of the family were interned? Serious question, I’m trying to not be an idiot.

The best of America.

DAMN he passed away RIP

What a badass...I would not want to commit a crime and see him as a judge, or be on the other side of a weapon he is holding.

"A lot of metal flying through the air" I wasn't worried about the other men just myself and all that metal flying through the air. Damn what a mess.

The interviewer asks whether Okamoto had been in a "Japanese internment camp." This is an ignorant question implying that the Japanese were running an internment camp. In fact, Okamoto was born in a U.S. government-run concentration camp inside the U.S. that incarcerated Japanese immigrants and their American born citizen children. At the very least, the reference should be to a "Japanese American internment camp," but internment only applies to the detention of foreign nationals, not U.S. citizens as Okamoto and others were.

@jackhunsucker3220

3 жыл бұрын

The Judge didn't act like it bothered him or his family, so it shouldn't matter to you or anyone else. We didn't live during that time and what wouldn't happen now did happen then for reasons we don't understand , ya feel me?

@sjnikkeiresisters2567

3 жыл бұрын

@@jackhunsucker3220 No, I don't feel ya. It sounds like you prefer to be impervious to actual information. And many people do understand what happened in 1942 -- historians, political scientists, former incarcerees, other Japanese Americans, journalists, etc.

After decades, you can see the pain of losing his friends came back as if it had happened yesterday. I feel haunted thinking of the thousands and thousands of young men whose lives ended in fear and pain so far from their home and family. I'm trying to imagine best friends dying in front of my eyes. I understand how war can change a person for life, at least I try. That's what I take away from these stories--to always remember the ultimate sacrifice all those young men made and to be aware of how our veterans of all ages are treated and support policies and politicians who do right by all people, all colors, all religions, vets and peaceniks. oh, I've also learned through these videos that military veterans are the LEAST racist people in the country. A natural side effect of having to trust each other with their lives. That alone is worth having some sort of national service year imposed on US citizens. Not military service, but like the civilian conservation corps.

After Han what does gentleman did it's a miscarriage of Justice not to award them the Medal of Honor what he did was amazing somebody should push to get this award for him

🙂🇺🇸

We never listen to new officers they would listen to us NCO..

Boyle Heights Tiger?

He's one of the few people who talked about Operation Phoenix honestly. Casey and Comer lied through their teeth.

TO MY BROTHER THE TOUR IS TEAM A FATHER TO WAR A BROTHER

He should have got the MOH!

These families literally lost everything they had after being interned. My GF's mother was in one of those camps and she never transferred her feelings about it to her future children. Instead, she forged ahead and eventually became a teacher and all of her three children went on to successful careers after completing college. Oh, her father served as an intelligence officer for the U. S. Army during WWII. So, enough of this reparation krap.