Whittier High School building named after American war hero

Yoshio "Yosh" Nakamura's selfless service has painted a panorama of patriotism across the town's enduring palate. At age 98, the American war hero from World War Il was honored by the Whittier Union High School District when board members unanimously named the fine arts building at Whittier High School after Yosh during a school board meeting on March 12. There is a move afoot to further honor the former Rio Hondo College art teacher by using his name to label the new Performing Arts Center planned at the school district headquarters on Painter Avenue "This was a big surprise," Yosh said. "They're doing it for people considering going into the arts. I represent several communities, The Asian-American community. The art community. The Rio Hondo community. But I'd be surprised to see a building with my name on it," he said before several prominent members of the community spoke in support of naming Building "Q'" at Whittier High School in Yosh's honor. Board President Gary Mendez laid out Yosh's incredible contributions not just to the country, but to Whittier and its arts community. "Yoshio Nakamura was a member of the 442nd Combat Team composed of Americans of Japanese ancestry that became the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and length of service," Mendez said before a packed house in the district's board room. The World War Il veteran received a Bronze Star, combat infantry badge, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with three battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster, the French Legion of Honor Medal, and with other Japanese American veterans of World War II received the Congressional Gold Medal at the nation's Capital on Nov. 2, 2011," Mendez said,

 "He was a staff sergeant and was honorably discharged from military service in 1946 after seeing combat in France and Italy. He feels he represents veterans who are no longer with us and hopes to one day be present," Mendez said. "Yosh lost his mother to cancer before he was 6, however he always had neighbors, teachers and family who gave him much support and encouragement. He and his family were the first to be confined at the Tulare race track where horse stalls were converted to living quarters then, later to the hot deserts of Arizona, he spent his senior year there typing and turning regular classrooms into a high school as much as possible, Mendez said

 "He spent a year in a concentration camp and then reported for active duty. After basic training in Florida, he was eventually shipped to France where he became part of the 442nd. After combat duty in France and Italy, he eventually came back to California to receive his BFA and MFA degree from USC and began teaching at our Whittier High School.

 "When Rio Hondo College opened Yosh was hired as the founding chair of the Fine Arts Department. He enjoyed several successful careers as a professor, administrator and an artist. He retired as a vice president of Rio Hondo College 1992 Mendez said.

 "His numerous awards include Whittier High School Hall of Fame, Rio Hondo College Fellow, National Person of the Year from the National Council of Continuing Education and Community Services. Yosh is living a very active retirement in supporting the arts, his church and his community as an artist Mendez said. "He received a lifetime achievement artist,

 award from the Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts, Whittier Art Gallery, Rio Hondo College and the Whittier Audubon Society. He was elected the Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade in Uptown Whittier and many other commendations. Yosh said he met Grace in 1949. She was a student at the University of Redlands and an elementary school teacher in Pasadena.  Yosh said he met Grace in 1949. She was a student at the University of Redlands and an elementary school teacher in Pasadena. He had bought a surplus Model A with a Mercury engine after the war. and saw this beautiful young lady standing on the corner outside Union Church in Downtown L.A. He asked her if she wanted to go to the beach and she said "yes. They were married in 1950. Some 67 years later the fruits of their esteem produced three grown children, Linda, Joel and Dan and two grandkids Kai Nakamura and Paloma Nakamura.

 Daughter Linda Nakamura Oberholtzer said she is quite proud of her father and his endearing legacy. She said the Whittier Art Gallery is going to name its gift gallery after Yosh at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.

 "We're here to support the naming at Building 'O' at Whittier High School after Yosh Nakamura," said Dr. Marylyn Flores, superintendent/president of Rio Honda College

 "Yosh is widely considered to be one of our college's founders, Flores said. "He was also the first department chair of Fine Arts. By the time Yosh retired from Rio Hondo in 1992, he was vice president of community services and institutional development. In 1999 he was the recipient of a Fellow of the College Award, the highest award the college gives to members of the community who had an impact.

 Flores said during Rio Hondo's 60th anniversary celebration in September, the Rio Hondo College Foundation presented Yosh with a Lifetime Achievement in Service Award. "He has demonstrated his commitment to the college through his philanthropy in the areas of student scholarships and program support. The naming of a building in support of Mr. Nakamura - and specifically his service and dedication to educating generations within this community is a beautiful and fitting way to solidify his legacy and to inspire generations to come," Flores said After the unanimous vote, a humble Yosh smiled and said. "You've made me a very happy man."