By John Dekhane/
The story of Samoan soldier, Private Henry William Saaga, has never been highlighted in any publication before, making this an opportunity to finally bring his sacrifice to light. John Dekhane is a writer/researcher based in France and often write tribute articles dedicated to fallen World War II heroes. He does this work voluntarily and his goal is to keep these often-forgotten stories alive.
THE STORY OF A FALLEN SAMOAN HERO
During World War II, countless men and women from Samoa answered the call to serve, leaving behind their families, homes, and communities. Across countries and continents, they confronted the forces of tyranny to help liberate the world from its evil grip.
They did not seek recognition or reward, but history will forever remember them as heroes. Among the courageous young men who went off to war—but never came home—was Private Henry William Saaga.
Henry was born on March 1, 1926, in Utulei, American Samoa, the second child of Lilia Willie Saaga and Evotia Afoa. In 1931, when Henry was five years old, the Saaga family emigrated to the Territory of Hawaiʻi.
SAMOAN MIGRATION TO HAWAII
This migration was part of a larger movement of Samoan families influenced by their conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The construction of a temple in Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi, in 1919 inspired many to relocate to the islands to live nearer to their sacred place of worship.
The family eventually settled in the Kaimukī neighborhood of Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. Henry’s parents, known as Evo and Willie, opened a fish market in downtown Honolulu.
The family was well known in the community not only for their entrepreneurship but also for their musical and cultural talents. They performed traditional Samoan dances and live music at events across the city. Henry was musically gifted, playing multiple instruments and singing with ease.
He attended Washington Intermediate School before enrolling at ʻIolani School, where he quickly distinguished himself both academically and athletically. Though only a freshman, Henry earned places on the varsity football, basketball, and track team. Outside the classroom and athletic field, he continued to perform music and dance, staying closely connected to his cultural Samoan roots and family traditions.
THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a pivotal moment in Henry’s young life. In 1942, at just 16 years old, he joined the Hawaiʻi Territorial Guard—motivated by a strong sense of duty, and the values instilled in him by his family. Despite his age, Henry displayed remarkable maturity. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the U.S. Army’s 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division.
Throughout his time in the military, Henry’s spirit always remained vibrant. He often lifted the morale of his fellow soldiers by singing and playing “The Stars and Stripes Forever” on his beloved ʻukulele.
On April 6, 1944, Henry’s division departed the United States for Europe. After intensive training in England and northern Wales, they landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, on June 18, 1944. Shortly after, on June 27, they faced fierce German resistance near Carentan, as they maneuvered through the dense and treacherous hedgerows that tested every soldier’s courage and skill.
Private Henry William Saaga died in action July 1, 1944 during a patrol mission in Méautis, France. He was only 18 years old. His body was never recovered and his name is inscribed on the Walls of the Missing, alongside 1,556 heroes who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and have no known graves. (Photo Courtesy of Laura Phillips).
DIED IN ACTION
Henry faced the horrors of war with exceptional resilience. On July 1, 1944, his bravery reached its pinnacle during a patrol mission in Méautis, France, when his unit was pinned down by German machine-gun fire.
According to the official Morning Report: “Pvt. Saaga displayed extraordinary courage and bravery without respect for his own life when he vaulted an enemy occupied hedgerow to attack, alone, an enemy MG position whose fire was pinning the patrol down. As a result of his act, the patrol was able to move out and return to their own lines. When last heard of Pvt. Saaga was throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle. At this time Pvt. Saaga is still missing.”
Henry was killed in action at the age of 18, with so much life ahead and so much to give. His death left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him—in Samoa, Honolulu and beyond. The war had taken a beloved son, brother, athlete, and musician.
Despite tireless efforts by his father and the U.S. military, Henry’s body was never recovered. Today, his sacrifice is honored at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. His name is inscribed on the Walls of the Missing, alongside 1,556 heroes who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and have no known grave.
Eighty-one years after his death, it is our solemn duty to keep Henry’s memory alive and ensure his story is never lost to history.
France will never forget Private Henry W. Saaga, nor the sons of Samoa who fought for her and died for her. Their sacrifice lives on—in every free step taken across this continent, in every moment of peace, and in every heart that remembers.
