Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to give remarks at the Change of Command Ceremony transferring command of the “Hitmen” Company of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, to Captain Afu Lefaoseu III.
He is from Pago Pago, and is another of our own making American Samoa proud.
Aumua offered we wishes to the new captain.
“Congratulations to Captain Afu Lefaoseu as takes command of this company, and continues the tremendous heritage of the famous 442nd Infantry.
“It was a real pleasure to be there, and say a few words. Captain Lefaoseu is one of our own. He’ll continue to make us proud, and we’re proud of everyone from our islands that chooses this honorable profession.”
The Change of Command ceremony transferring leadership from Captain Vancamp J. Popese to Captain Lefaoseu was held at Fort Shafter Flats Parade Field, Honolulu, Hawai’i.
The unit is under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Matthew L. Cloud, on January 27, 2018, the
Captain Lefaoseu and the “Hitmen” company is part of a great tradition.
In the entire history of the U.S. military, the 442nd Infantry Regiment, known for its motto “Go for Broke,” became the most decorated American unit for its size and length of service in World War II.
At the time, the U.S. regiment was comprised of Japanese Americans, and they were involved in heavy fighting in 1944 in Europe.
In all, out of 18,000 soldiers, the regiment earned 9,486 Purple Hearts, 21 Medals of Honor and seven presidential unit citations.
Since World War II, they’ve continued serving admirably.
