Donated by the naval officer’s descendants, the two letters are now on display at the Fukushima Museum in Japan to mark the 80th anniversary of V-J Day.
Hegseth directed schools to rank applicants by an aggregate score factoring in athletic ability and past military experience, among other qualifications.
Active duty troops have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7.