OBITUARY: George Susumu Takamura

George Susumu Takamura

Oct. 3, 1924 – Jan. 28, 2020

TAKAMURA, GEORGE SUSUMU, 95, was born in Honolulu, HI on October 3rd, 1924, and grew up in the Palolo Valley area of Oahu. He proudly served during WWII with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team/100th Infantry Battalion, and sustained a battle related injury on the front lines in Italy. Although he was one of the youngest soldiers in his Battalion, Mr. Takamura was highly decorated, having received a Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Services Medal, the EAME Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal.

Upon being honorably discharged in January 1947, Mr. Takamura worked as a seaman for the American President’s Line. He fondly spoke of his world travels, and in particular, his memorable adventures in Japan. He settled in San Francisco’s Japantown, where he eventually was forced to relocate due to urban redevelopment. He resided in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district for the remainder of his years.

Mr. Takamura passed away on January 28th, 2020 in his downtown apartment. His ashes will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, HI.