Roy Matsumoto was part of the famed Merrill’s Marauders in WWII. He volunteered out of his internment camp and enlisted in the US Army, becoming one of the earliest members of the then secret Military Intelligence Service.
An inductee of the Ranger’s Hall of Fame, he passed away on April 21st at the age of 100.
For a brief overview, please click here.
Masako and Spam Musubi 
May God bless his family and accept his soul. Amen.
Coming from you, sir, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing Koji. My sympathies to his family.
Even at 100 years of age, his family is stunned at this passing.
Some people seem indestructible.
A wonderful tribute for this brave soldier. His passing is our loss! We can only console ourselves with the belief that he is now Living in Peace.
Like Smitty, he participated in war. He did some courageous things as a member of Merrill’s Marauders. We think alike, gpcox… Thank you. Even at 100 years of age, his family is stunned.
Like gpcox said, we (including his family) can console ourselves with knowing he is now living in peace – and that he is hearing these words – “well done faithful servant”. We will always be grateful for his duty and sacrifice.
Thank you, Patty… He did his duty as an American soldier; his exploits as part of Merrill’s Marauders is incredible.
I can only echo the sentiments expressed before. Condolences to his family.
Thank you, Linda. His family is stunned, even at 100 years of age. He and my father likely lived very close to each other in their teenage years in Hiroshima.
Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Thank you, Amy. His courage in battle as part of Merrill’s Marauders – on top of being secretly attached – was incredible.
I didn’t know anything about Merrill’s Marauders. What a fascinating man. You have introduced me to some wonderful veterans, Koji. I really enjoy knowing more about each one!
Hi, Debra. Did you enjoy the (short) rain last night? Man, the wind was blowing good… Merrill’s Marauders were a courageous bunch. Nisei’s were secretly attached to “Vinegar Joe Stillwell’s” command. The officer in charge of the Nisei NCO’s (none could be officers) was Capt. William A. Laffin. His mother was Japanese, father Caucasian. When war broke out, Laffin was working for Ford in Japan and was exchanged with Japanese nationals who wanted to return to Japan shortly after war broke out. Laffin was KIA after the spotter plane he was flying in to make scouting observations was shot down by a Zero. There are several other Nisei’s aside from Roy Matsumoto who were inducted into the Ranger’s Hall of Fame. One close Army buddy, Grant Hirabayashi, died about two years ago and was buried in Arlington with full military honors. There were dozens of heroes in Merrill’s Marauders, all who never gave up in the godforsaken jungles of Burma. http://www.marauder.org/matsumot.htm
Read a lot about those guys as a boy. Fascinating fighting unit!
Incredible unit and teamwork – and Vinegar Joe had a lot of credit due him. Courageous they all!