Ben Kuroki
American pilot and World War II sergeant

Born
May 16th, 1917
108 years ago
Died
September 1st, 2015
9 years ago — 98 years old
Category
Military & Warriors
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Kuroki flew combat missions in the Pacific Theater and became the first Japanese American to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His military career included significant contributions to aerial bombing campaigns against enemy targets. After the war, Kuroki returned to civilian life and continued to advocate for Japanese American rights.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
First Japanese American pilot in WWII
Flew over 30 combat missions
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