Pililaau - John Pi`ilani Watkins
Kaulana nô `oe e Pililaau la
Ke koa kaulana o Hawai`i nei la
Ua ola Hawai`i i kou inoa
Kaulana nô `o Hawai`i

He hiwahiwa `oe no ka lâhui la
A he lipine ho`i no la
E kau ha`aheo nei i ke po`o la
Ha`aheo nô kou inoa

I mea ho`omana'o na ka lâhui la
Mahalo o ka hae Amelika la
Kou inoa hanolano Pililaau la
Ola nô `oe e Hawai`i

Ha`ina `ia mai ana ka puana la
Pa`a `ia kou inoa me ka hanohano la
Ke koa kaulana o Hawai`i nei la
Ha`aheo Pililaau

 You are celebrated Pililaau
The famous warrior of Hawai`i
Hawai`i lives through your name
Hawai`i is renowned

You are precious for the nation
A ribbon
Proudly placed on your head
Your name is distinguished

As a memorial for one by the nation
The American flag admires
Your majestic name, Pililaau
You live through Hawai`i

Let the story be told
Your name is forever imbued with glory
The famous warrior of Hawai`i
Cherished is Pililaau
Source: Halemanu Collection - Aggie Pililaau, grand niece (in-law) of Herbert Ka'ili Pilila'au. Composed to honor, Herbert Pililaau, born 1928, from Wai`anae, O`ahu. He joined the Army and was killed in the Korean War, 1951. He voluntarily and single-handedly defended the withdrawal of his platoon on Heartbreak Ridge. When his ammunition ran out, he fought with a trench knife and his bare hands. His body was discovered surrounded by 40 enemy soldiers. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously by President Harry Truman and is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Translated by Kanani Kamai