World War II veteran who declined honors for decades finally honored at surprise USS Midway ceremony

98-year-old Charles Araiza, who refused recognition out of humility, receives Japan Occupation Medal 80 years after serving in Pacific Theater.

SAN DIEGO — A 98-year-old World War II era veteran who spent decades declining recognition for his military service finally accepted an honor Thursday during a surprise ceremony aboard the USS Midway.

Charles Araiza, a longtime San Diego resident, served with the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater and helped rebuild Hiroshima under Gen. Douglas MacArthur. For years, he turned down honors, insisting others were more deserving.

“I’ve never been acknowledged for anything, but I’m enjoying this,” Araiza said during the ceremony on the museum’s flight deck.

The Hospice team at Sharp Healthcare, which is currently caring for Araiza, told him they would be visiting the USS Midway Museum. He agreed, unaware he would receive an honor more than 80 years in the making. 

Retired Navy Capt. Steve Gilmore presented Araiza with the Army Occupation Medal, a certificate in a U.S. flag that flew over the USS Midway, and a certificate of service from Sharp Healthcare.

“It’s kind of hard to find an 80-year-old medal, but Charlie…” Gilmore said as Araiza reacted with surprise.

“The President of the United States takes great pleasure in awarding the Japan Occupation Medal to Private First Class Charles Araiza for service as a symbol of hope for the oppressed and a force for good and peace,” Gilmore read during the presentation.

Araiza enlisted in the Army in 1946 at age 19.

“I got tired of waiting,” he said. “I’ll go sign up and get it over with.”

During his time in Japan, Araiza developed a deep respect for the Japanese people and MacArthur’s leadership.

“They expected to get beat up and pushed around, that kind of thing,” Araiza said. “Well, MacArthur didn’t permit it.”

After leaving the military, Araiza ran an upholstery business. At age 90, he worked as an advisor on Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” upholstering seats for the blockbuster film.

“If I had two more thumbs, they’d be up there,” Araiza said of the ceremony. “I never expected anything like this.”

Despite the recognition, Araiza remained characteristically humble.

“I did nothing, absolutely nothing extraordinary in the service,” he said. “I just followed orders, did what I was told to do. That was it.”

When told he was an American hero, Araiza disagreed.

“No, I’m not,” he said. “The real heroes never made it home. They’re the heroes.”

Sharp Healthcare staff said Araiza’s humility nearly prevented the ceremony from happening.

“He really is that humble,” Gilmore said. “I think if we had told him about the ceremony before, he might not have come.”

AMR San Diego provided Araiza’s transportation to the USS Midway through its Sentimental Journey program, which offers complimentary ambulance transportation to terminally ill individuals to a place of their choosing.

The ceremony was attended by members of Araiza’s family, veterans and Sharp Healthcare staff.