MEDAL OF HONOR Season 1, Episode 4 – Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura
An exceptionally well-made war story honoring courage and self-sacrifice.
Should You Watch It?
This episode combines documentary interviews with well-made dramatic reenactments, and the result is compelling. Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura’s story highlights courage and self-sacrifice as he defends wounded soldiers against an overwhelming enemy during the Korean War.
The episode also discusses America’s fears about Japanese citizens during World War II, Hershey’s service to his country, Christian faith, and God’s guidance. Its reenactments are more violent than those in other episodes, making it unsuitable for younger children.
If your family includes teenagers or adults who can handle intense war violence, this is a worthwhile episode to watch.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDuring the Korean War, U.S. troops defend their positions against an enormous invading force. Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura fights to hold one position, using his machine gun and bayonet while wounded soldiers escape.
The episode tells his story through interviews and dramatic reenactments, while also exploring his service to America and the historical fears surrounding Japanese citizens during World War II.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this episode is exceptionally well made. The documentary interviews combine successfully with dramatic reenactments, creating a compelling account of Hershey Miyamura’s bravery.
The reenactment is more violent than those in other episodes, but it is also incredibly well produced. Hershey’s own interviews add particular interest, allowing viewers to hear directly from the Medal of Honor recipient.
The Worldview
The episode presents a strong biblical and moral worldview. It treats self-sacrifice as worthy of honor and bravery as incredibly important. Hershey’s willingness to risk his own life so wounded soldiers could escape gives those values a concrete human example.
The episode also discusses Christian faith and God’s guidance. Its treatment of Hershey’s service emphasizes courage in the face of an overwhelming enemy, while the historical discussion addresses U.S. fears about Japanese citizens during World War II. The episode’s portrayal of communism appears in the context of the Korean War.
The central moral vision is one of laying down one’s life for others. Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
<div class="movieguide_subheading"> <strong>
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
</strong>Strong biblical and moral worldview where self-sacrifice is highlighted and bravery is seen as incredibly important, some discussions of faith and God’s guidance; <strong>
Foul Language
</strong>No foul language; <strong>
Violence
</strong>Intense scenes of warfare including many deaths by rifles, machine guns, grenade fire, and bayonets, and scenes of gruesome injuries inflicted by battle; <strong>
Sex
</strong>No sex; <strong>
Nudity
</strong>No nudity; <strong>
Alcohol Use
</strong>No alcohol use; <strong>
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
</strong> No smoking or drug use; and, <strong>
Miscellaneous Immorality
</strong>Depictions of communism. </div>
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
Hershey risks his life so wounded soldiers can escape. What does self-sacrifice look like in ordinary life, and how is it different from seeking attention?
John 15:13 · Philippians 2:3–4The episode discusses faith and God’s guidance. How can we seek God’s direction when we face fear or overwhelming circumstances?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · James 1:5What makes bravery morally good? Is courage simply refusing to feel fear, or can it mean acting rightly while afraid?
Joshua 1:9 · Psalm 56:3–4The episode portrays the human cost of war. How should Christians respond to people who suffer because of violence?
Romans 12:15 · Galatians 6:2The Final Word
This episode honors courage, self-sacrifice, and faith through compelling interviews and exceptionally well-made reenactments. The intense violence makes it unsuitable for younger children, but teenagers and adults can find much to value here. Our answer is WORTH WATCHING.
