“NATIONAL GO FOR BROKE DAY” | Grandma’s Stories

Apr 5th “NATIONAL GO FOR BROKE DAY”

National Go For Broke Day on April 5th encourages us to give it our all. No matter our goal, there’s a reason to persevere despite all the odds.

The phrase “Go for broke” has roots in Hawaiin Pidgin, meaning “wager everything.”

Our strongest research points to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army as the reason for this day. The 442nd RCT was a regimental size fighting unit composed mainly of American soldiers of Japanese descent. They selflessly volunteered to fight in World War II. The 442nd RCT is considered to be the most decorated infantry regiment in the history of the United States Army. “Go for Broke” was the 442nd Regimental Combat Team motto.

The story doesn’t end there, though, and the date of April 5th is significant. On that day, the first Medal of Honor recipient from this regiment died in action near Seravazza, Italy, in 1945.

Private First Class Sadao Munemori sacrificed his life for the men in his unit when they were pinned down by enemy fire near Seravazza, Italy. The unit continued in battle near Serravezza, Carrara, and Fosdinovo, Italy, until April 14, 1945. As a result of their actions, they received the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding accomplishments in combat. The unit would earn seven more Presidential Unit Citations during their service.

Not only were they the most decorated unit for its size and length of service, but they were also awarded 21 Medals of Honor. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team also earned 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 1 Distinguished Service Medal, 560 Silver Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier’s Medals, 4,000 Bronze Stars, and 486 Purple Hearts.

Go for Broke Day truly signifies giving it your all regardless of the obstacles ahead.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGoForBrokeDay

Take a risk and Go for Broke. To learn more about the men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, visit www.goforbroke.org. You can also watch the 1951 movie Go for Broke, which depicts the story of the 442nd RTC for the big screen. Use #NationalGoForBrokeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL GO FOR BROKE DAY HISTORY

While the day likely commemorates the date Private First Class Sadao Munemori died in service for his country, we continue researching the founder of the day.