Kenje Ogata

Kenje Ogata (, June 1, 1919 – January 18, 2012) was an American soldier and one of five documented people of Japanese descent to serve in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

Early years Ogata was born on June 1, 1919, in Gary, Indiana, the son of Clay Kamezo and Wai (née Mitsuda) Ogata. He grew up in Sterling, Illinois, participated in the Boy Scouts, and graduated in 1936 from Sterling High School. Following his graduation, Ogata worked in the plating room of the National Manufacturing Company. Interested in aviation, he earned his pilot's license through the Civilian Pilots Training Program (CPTP).

World War II Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ogata boarded a train to Chicago, Illinois, to join the service. Due to his Japanese heritage, he was discouraged from joining by the enlistment officers. However, Ogata was determined to join the service, telling the recruitment office "I am here to serve". While serving with the 451st Bomb Group, Ogata rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, completed thirty-five missions, and survived two crashes. For his service and injuries sustained in combat, he received the Air Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters and the Purple Heart.