GOLD STAR FAMILY

HONORING 1LT NAINOA K. HOE

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Allen K. Hoe was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a native Hawaiian and Caucasian mother and a Chinese and Japanese father. Hoe’s father was a ship fitter at Pearl Harbor and served during World War II. Hoe grew up hearing about his family’s warrior history. This culture of duty and service influenced Hoe to become a combat medic after the Army drafted him at 19 and to ask to serve in Vietnam. During his service, he received a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart and a Combat Medic Badge.

After Hoe’s return from Vietnam, he met his wife, Adele. They married and had two sons, Nainoa and Nakoa. Both of Hoe’s sons carried on their family’s legacy of service by joining the military. In 2005, Army 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe died in a sniper attack in Iraq at age 27. Nainoa Hoe served with 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington.

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1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe, an accomplished soldier and officer, was beloved by his men. He has received multiple awards and tributes, including on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where the 1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe Joint Multinational Simulation Center, is named in his honor. The 1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually in his name.

Allen Hoe’s losses inspired a lifelong commitment to healing the wounds of war by supporting those touched by its effects.