South Lyon man, 93, recognized for Korean War service, patriotism

SOUTH LYON – Raymond Hiroshi Setsuda, 93, has been fiercely devoted to his country, through the good and the bad, his entire life.

This month, Setsuda, who spent three years in a Japanese internment camp during World War II and then joined the U.S. Army less than a decade later to serve in the Korean War, received congressional recognition for his military service and unwavering loyalty.

Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, expressed his gratitude to Setsuda "for his extraordinary service" to the U.S. and for "living a life defined by resilience and patriotism."

Barrett noted that Setsuda, one of the last surviving American veterans who endured internment, "persevered in the face of extreme adversity" and "never lost his patriotism and love for our great nation."

His subsequent service to the U.S. during the Korean War "is a powerful testament to his character, loyalty and belief in the promise of America," Barrett said.

The certificate of recognition was delivered by congressional aides to Setsuda, surrounded by his family, during a March 21 ceremony at Kinwell, the senior living facility where he resides.

Setsuda, who has suffered several health setbacks in recent years, did not speak, but his son David said the reward for the family was his smile and a simple thank you.

"It was joy brought to his life that we could recognize in him," David Setsuda said. "He knows he is in decline, but it's a way to lift him up and celebrate him."

Raymond Setsuda is a third-generation Japanese-American, whose grandfather immigrated to the U.S. in 1897. Raymond was born in Oregon in 1932 and at 10-years-old, he, his family and thousands of other Americans of Japanese ancestry were held at the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho. They remained there for three years, until it closed in 1945 at the end of World War II.

The Setsuda family subsequently moved to Michigan and after graduating from Southwestern High School in Detroit in 1950, Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. David Setsuda said his father was sent to Japan and was trained to run a radar-guided antiaircraft gun, but before his unit could be shipped to Korea, an armistice was signed.

Setsuda came home to Michigan and raised five children in Detroit and Southfield. He was an automotive repair mechanic by trade, working for Stu Evans Lincoln Mercury for many years in Garden City. Setsuda lived in Farmington Hills for more than three decades, devoting himself to working in the yard and helping his neighbors after retirement before finally moving to South Lyon a few years ago.

"He was a great provider for the family and had a strong dedication to his children," David said. "I never heard him complain about the prejudice and way they were treated after the war. My grandfather and father picked themselves up after tough times and provided well for their families."

Raymond Setsuda's family now includes several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some of whom were present when he was presented with the congressional recognition, including granddaughter Maryn Setsuda, who said the moment was special for everyone involved.

"What makes this story particularly impactful is the legacy aspect," she said. "My grandfather represents a generation whose sacrifices often go quietly recognized and this moment served as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served our country with dignity and humility."

Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com 

This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: South Lyon man, 93, recognized for Korean War service, patriotism