Captain Francis B. Wai was a soldier in the U.S. Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on October 20, 1944 at Red Beach, Leyte, Philippine Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry Division. Wai was 27 years old.
Wai was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on June 21, 2000, 55 years after the action — the White House, presented by President William J. Clinton to his brother Robert Wai Sr.
Wai was born on April 14, 1917 in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii. He is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Wai is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 20 credited to Hawaii.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Francis B. Wai distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 20 October 1944, in Leyte, Philippine Islands. Captain Wai landed at Red Beach, Leyte, in the face of accurate, concentrated enemy fire from gun positions advantageously located in a palm grove bounded by submerged rice paddies. Finding the first four waves of American soldiers leaderless, disorganized, and pinned down on the open beach, he immedimately assumed command. Issuing clear and concise orders, and disregarding heavy machine gun and rifle fire, he began to move inland through the rice paddies without cover. The men, inspired by his cool demeanor and heroic example, rose from their positions and followed him. During the advance, Captain Wai repeatedly determined the locations of enemy strong points by deliberately exposing himself to draw their fire. In leading an assault upon the last remaining Japanese pillbox in the area, he was killed by its occupants. Captain Wai's courageous aggressive leadership inspired the men, even after his death, to advance and destroy the enemy. His intrepid and determined efforts were largely responsible for the rapidity with which the initial beachhead was secured. Captain Wai's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (October 20, 1944).
- Age at death: 27
- Resting place: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Francis B. Wai received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Life beyond the battlefield
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Hawaii →
Timeline
- April 14, 1917Born in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii
- October 20, 1944Act of valor — Red Beach, Leyte, Philippine IslandsAge 27. Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry Division Killed in action.
- June 21, 2000Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyThe White House, presented by President William J. Clinton to his brother Robert Wai Sr.
- Resting placeNational Memorial Cemetery of the PacificHonolulu, Hawaii
Biography
Francis Brown Wai (April 14, 1917 – October 20, 1944) was a United States Army captain who was killed in action during the U.S. amphibious assault and liberation of the Philippine Islands from Japan in 1944, during World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for extraordinary heroism in action at Leyte. As a youngster, Wai liked to surf and he played several sports in high school and college. He graduated from college with a degree in finance. Although he initially planned to work with his father, he joined the Hawaii National Guard in 1940, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1941.
From the Wikipedia article “Francis B. Wai”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
