Private First Class Herbert Kailieha Pililaau, A Soldier's Story
.png "Private First Class Herbert Kailieha Pililaau – Medal of Honor Recipient")
Private First Class Herbert Kailieha Pililaau, A Soldier's Story
Private First Class Herbert Kailieha Pililaau was born on October 10, 1928, in Waiʻanae, Hawaii. He was known as a thoughtful and reflective young man, a gifted musician who played the ukulele, and an avid reader with a deep love of learning. Pililaau graduated from Waipahu High School in 1948 and briefly attended Cannon Business School before his life took a different course.
A devout Christian, Pililaau struggled earnestly with the moral weight of military service. He initially considered registering as a conscientious objector, seeking to reconcile his faith with the realities of war. After deep reflection, he ultimately chose to serve, accepting his draft registration and enlisting in the United States Army. He trained as a rifleman and deployed to Korea with the 23rd Infantry Regiment in March 1951.
On September 17, 1951, during the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, Private First Class Pililaau’s unit was engaged in a brutal effort to seize Hill 931. As enemy forces launched repeated counterattacks, Pililaau’s platoon suffered heavy casualties and was forced to withdraw. Pililaau voluntarily remained behind at his post to provide covering fire, allowing his fellow soldiers to retreat to safety.
As enemy troops closed in, Pililaau continued to fight alone. When his ammunition was exhausted, he refused to abandon his position. He hurled rocks at the advancing enemy and engaged in close combat using his trench knife. He fought until he was finally overwhelmed by enemy forces.
When Hill 931 was eventually secured, and Pililaau’s position was reached, he was found surrounded by the bodies of approximately forty enemy soldiers, clear testimony to the ferocity of his final stand.
For his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty above and beyond the call of service, Private First Class Herbert Kailieha Pililaau was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
He is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. His legacy endures as one of profound courage, faith reconciled through sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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