Francis B. Wai

In May 1943, Captain Wai deployed to Australia with the 24th Infantry Division and by September 19, 1943, the unit was at Camp Caves, near Rockhampton, on the eastern coast of Australia. Wai and the rest of the unit began intensive combat training.[11] With training completed, the division moved to Goodenough Island on January 31, 1944, to prepare for Operation Reckless, the amphibious invasion of Hollandia, Netherlands New Guinea (now Jayapura, in the Papua province of Indonesia).[12]

The 24th Division landed at Tanahmerah Bay on April 22, 1944 and seized the Hollandia Airdrome despite torrential rain and marshy terrain.[11] Shortly after the Hollandia landing, the division's 34th Infantry Regiment moved to Biak to reinforce the 41st Infantry Division. Wai's regiment captured the Sorido and Borokoe airdromes before returning to the division on Hollandia in July.[11] In two months, the 34th Infantry and Wai had crossed New Guinea and recaptured three airdromes from the Japanese.[13]

A tactical map for the Invasion of Leyte on October 20, 1944. The 24th Infantry Division landed in the northern part of the island with X Corps.

General Douglas MacArthur and staff, accompanied by Philippine president Sergio Osmeña (left), wade ashore in the 24th Infantry Division sector at Red Beach, Leyte, on 20 October 1944.

After occupying the Hollandia area, Wai's Division was assigned to X Corps of the Sixth United States Army in preparation for the invasion of the Philippines and embarked on October 13, 1944. The invasion began on October 17. On October 20, the 24th Infantry Division was paired with the 1st Cavalry Division within X Corps, and the two divisions made an assault landing at Leyte.[14] The Leyte operation was to be the crucial battle of the war in the Pacific. On its outcome would depend the fate of the Philippines and the future course of the war against Japan.

When the 34th Infantry landed at Red Beach, the Japanese forces stationed on the island concentrated their fire on the waves of incoming troops from gun positions located in a palm grove bounded by submerged rice paddies. Wai arrived on the beach in the fifth wave and found one of the rifle company commanders in the 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry had been killed and most members of the battalion were leaderless, disorganized, and pinned down on the open beach.[6] Assuming command, and using a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle),[6] he moved through the rice paddies, without cover. His demeanor and example inspired the other men to follow him. With deliberate disregard of his own personal safety, he advanced without cover to draw Japanese machine gun and rifle fire, thus exposing the locations of the entrenched Japanese forces. Systematically, the Japanese positions were assaulted and overcome. Wai was killed leading an assault against the last Japanese pillbox in the area.[15][6]

Wai's remains were permanently interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (better known as the "Punchbowl") and a military funeral was conducted for him on September 8, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii.[16]

Rank: Captain
Conflict/era: World War II
Unit/Command: Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry Regiment
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: October 20, 1944
Medal of Honor Action Place: Red Beach, Leyte, Philippine Islands[20]

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 immediately assumed command. Issuing clear and concise orders, and disregarding heavy enemy 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.[20][15][23]