ALT Hiroshi Miyamura was a Staff Sergeant. This photo was taken after Miyamura’s repatriation during Operation Big Switch in August 1953. After spending 28 months as a prisoner of war, he crossed the Demilitarized Zone into the U.N. command center at Panmunjom’s Freedom Village for medical processing, debriefings and transition out of the theater as a newly released POW. Miyamura’s Medal of Honor citation does not adequately express his dedication and self-sacrifice. His acts of courage were focused entirely on protecting his men. During his 28 months as a POW, he grieved over those he believed were lost and felt guilt for failing to protect them. After receiving the Medal of Honor, he viewed himself as its custodian, stating that he wore it not for himself, but on behalf of all the men who never made it home. When he died in November 2022, he was buried with full military honors next to his beloved wife, Terry, leaving behind a legacy of humility and quiet citizenship.

ALT Graphic supporting Pia Dandiya for Florida's 22nd Congressional District.