General James Mukoyama made history as one of the youngest generals in the Army and was the first Asian American to command an Army division. A proud University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus, he graduated in 1965 with a bachelors in English, and completed his masters in History in 1966. Mukoyama recently spoke at the Chez Veterans Center and the Asian American Cultural Center as part of Veterans Day events. At the Asian American Cultural Center, he also spoke with current student interns about his family history, leadership, resilience and service.
What General Mukoyama learned at Illinois became the foundation for a career that would take him across the world in service to the nation. Mukoyama served in both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, earning numerous honors including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star. His visit reminds the Illinois community that true leadership is rooted in strength, achievement, humility, and service to others.
