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- Medal of Honor
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SSgt Rudolph B. Davila(later 2nd Lt.),
7th Infantry, for actions on May 28, 1944, at Artena, Italy.
Pvt Barney F. Hajiro,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions in October 1944 for actions at Bruyeres and Biffontaine, France.
Pvt Mikio Hasemoto,
100th Infantry Battalion (Sep), for actions on November 29, 1943, at Cerasuolo, Italy (Posthumous)
Pvt Joe Hayashi,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions in April 1945 at Tendola, Italy.
Pvt Shizuya Hayashi,
100th Infantry Battalion (Sep), for actions on November 29, 1943, at Cerasuolo, Italy.
2d Lt. Daniel K. Inouye, (later 1st Lt.),
442d Infantry, for actions on April 21, 1945, at San Terenzo, Italy.
Tech Sgt Yeiki Kobashigawa,
100th Infantry Battalion, for actions on June 2, 1944, at Lanuvio, Italy.
SSgt Robert T. Kuroda,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions on October 20, 1944, at Bruyeres, France (Posthumous).
Pfc Kaoru Moto,
100th Infantry Battalion, for actions on July 7, 1944, at Castellina, Italy (Posthumous).
Pfc Kiyoshi K. Muranaga,
442d Infantry, for actions on June 26, 1944, at Suvereto, Italy (Posthumous).
Pvt Masato Nakae,
100th/442d Infantry, for actions on August 19, 1944, at Pisa, Italy (Posthumous).
Pvt Shinyei Nakamine,
100th Infantry Battalion (Sep), for actions on June 2, 1944, at La Torreto, Italy (Posthumous).
Pfc William K. Nakamura,
442d Infantry, for actions on July 4, 1944, at Castellina, Italy (Posthumous)
PFC Joe M. Nishimoto,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions on November 7, 1944, at La Houssiere, France (Posthumous).
Sgt Allan M. Ohata,
(later SSgt.), 100th Infantry Battalion (Sep), for actions in November 1943 at Cerasuolo, Italy.
Tech Fifth Grade James K. Okubo,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions on 28-29 October and November 4, 1944 near Biffontaine, France.
Tech Sgt. Yukio Okutsu,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions on April 7, 1945, at Mount Belvedere, Italy.
Pfc Frank H. Ono,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions on July 4, 1944, at Castellina, Italy (Posthumous).
SSgt Kazuo Otani,
442d Infantry, for actions on July 15, 1944, at Pieve di S. Luce, Italy (Posthumous).
Pvt George T. Sakato,
442d Regimental Combat Team, for actions on October 29, 1944, in Biffontaine, France.
Tech. Sgt. Ted T. Tanouye,
442d Infantry, for actions on July 7, 1944, at Molina A Ventoabbto, Italy (Posthumous).
Capt. Francis B. Wai,
34th Infantry, for actions on October 20, 1944, at Leyte, Philippine Islands (Posthumous).
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
STAFF SERGEANT RUDOLPH B. DAVILA
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Staff Sergeant Rudolph B. Davila distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action, on 28 May 1944, near Artena, Italy. During the
offensive which broke through the German mountain strongholds surrounding the Anzio beachhead, Staff Sergeant Davila risked death to provide heavy weapons support for a beleaguered rifle company. Caught on an exposed hillside by heavy, grazing fire from a well-entrenched German force, his machine gunners were reluctant to risk putting their guns into action. Crawling fifty yards to the
nearest machine gun, Staff Sergeant Davila set it up alone and opened fire on the enemy. In order to observe the effect of his fire, Sergeant Davila fired from the kneeling position, ignoring the enemy fire that struck the tripod and passed between his legs. Ordering a gunner to take over, he crawled forward to a vantage point and directed the firefight with hand and arm signals until both hostile machine guns were silenced. Bringing his three remaining machine guns into action, he drove the enemy to a reserve position two
hundred yards to the rear. When he received a painful wound in the leg, he dashed to a burned tank and, despite the crash of bullets on the hull, engaged a second enemy force from the tank's turret. Dismounting, he advanced 130 yards in short rushes, crawled 20 yards and charged into an enemy-held house to eliminate the defending force of five with a hand grenade and rifle fire. Climbing to the attic, he straddled a large shell hole in the wall and opened fire on the enemy. Although the walls of the house were crumbling, he continued to fire until he had destroyed two more machine guns. His intrepid actions brought desperately needed heavy weapons support to a hard-pressed rifle company and silenced four machine gunners, which forced the enemy to abandon their prepared positions. Staff Sergeant Davila's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private
Barney F. Hajiro distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 19, 22, and 29 October 1944,
in the vicinity of Bruyeres and Biffontaine,
eastern France. Private Hajiro, while acting
as a sentry on top of an embankment on 19 October
1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, rendered
assistance to allied troops attacking a house
200 yards away by exposing himself to enemy fire
and directing fire at an enemy strong point.
He assisted the unit on his right by firing his
automatic rifle and killing or wounding two enemy
snipers. On 22 October 1944, he and one comrade
took up an outpost security position about 50
yards to the right front of their platoon, concealed
themselves, and ambushed an 18-man, heavily armed,
enemy patrol, killing two, wounding one, and
taking the remainder as prisoners. On 29 October
1944, in a wooded area in the vicinity of Biffontaine,
France, Private Hajiro initiated an attack up
the slope of a hill referred to as "Suicide Hill"
by running forward approximately 100 yards under
fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades
about 10 yards, drawing fire and spotting camouflaged
machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with
fire and single-handedly destroyed two machine
gun nests and killed two enemy snipers. As a
result of Private Hajiro's heroic actions, the
attack was successful. Private Hajiro's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and
the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE MIKIO HASEMOTO
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private Mikio Hasemoto distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 29 November 1943, in the
vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy. A force of approximately
40 enemy soldiers, armed with machine guns, machine
pistols, rifles, and grenades, attacked the left
flank of his platoon. Two enemy soldiers with
machine guns advanced forward, firing their weapons.
Private Hasemoto, an automatic rifleman, challenged
these two machine gunners. After firing four
magazines at the approaching enemy, his weapon
was shot and damaged. Unhesitatingly, he ran
10 yards to the rear, secured another automatic
rifle and continued to fire until his weapon
jammed. At this point, Private Hasemoto and his
squad leader had killed approximately 20 enemy
soldiers. Again, Private Hasemoto ran through
a barrage of enemy machine gun fire to pick up
an M-1 rifle. Continuing their fire, Private
Hasemoto and his squad leader killed 10 more
enemy soldiers. With only three enemy soldiers
left, he and his squad leader charged courageously
forward, killing one, wounding one, and capturing
another. The following day, Private Hasemoto
continued to repel enemy attacks until he was
killed by enemy fire. Private Hasemoto's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private Joe Hayashi distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 20 and 22 April 1945, near
Tendola, Italy. On 20 April 1945, ordered to
attack a strongly defended hill that commanded
all approaches to the village of Tendola, Private
Hayashi skillfully led his men to a point within
75 yards of enemy positions before they were
detected and fired upon. After dragging his wounded
comrades to safety, he returned alone and exposed
himself to small arms fire in order to direct
and adjust mortar fire against hostile emplacements.
Boldly attacking the hill with the remaining
men of his squad, he attained his objective and
discovered that the mortars had neutralized three
machine guns, killed 27 men, and wounded many
others. On 22 April 1945, attacking the village
of Tendola, Private Hayashi maneuvered his squad
up a steep, terraced hill to within 100 yards
of the enemy. Crawling under intense fire to
a hostile machine gun position, he threw a grenade,
killing one enemy soldier and forcing the other
members of the gun crew to surrender. Seeing
four enemy machine guns delivering deadly fire
upon other elements of his platoon, he threw
another grenade, destroying a machine gun nest.
He then crawled to the right flank of another
machine gun position where he killed four enemy
soldiers and forced the others to flee. Attempting
to pursue the enemy, he was mortally wounded
by a burst of machine pistol fire. The dauntless
courage and exemplary leadership of Private Hayashi
enabled his company to attain its objective.
Private Hayashi's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE SHIZUYA HAYASHI
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Private Shizuya Hayashi distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 29 November 1943, near Cerasuolo,
Italy. During a flank assault on high ground
held by the enemy, Private Hayashi rose alone
in the face of grenade, rifle, and machine gun
fire. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip,
he charged and overtook an enemy machine gun
position, killing seven men in the nest and two
more as they fled. After his platoon advanced
200 yards from this point, an enemy antiaircraft
gun opened fire on the men. Private Hayashi returned
fire at the hostile position, killing nine of
the enemy, taking four prisoners, and forcing
the remainder of the force to withdraw from the
hill. Private Hayashi's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the United
States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
SECOND LIEUTENANT DANIEL K. INOUYE
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April
1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy.
While attacking a defended ridge guarding an
important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye
skillfully directed his platoon through a hail
of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a
swift enveloping movement that resulted in the
capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought
his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force.
Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the
enemy halted the advance with crossfire from
three machine guns. With complete disregard for
his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye
crawled up the treacherous slope to within five
yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two
grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before
the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized
a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by
a sniper's bullet, he continued to engage other
hostile positions at close range until an exploding
grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the
intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued
to direct his platoon until enemy resistance
was broken and his men were again deployed in
defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy
soldiers were killed and eight others captured.
By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his
indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye
enabled his platoon to advance through formidable
resistance, and was instrumental in the capture
of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
TECHNICAL SERGEANT YEIKI KOBASHIGAWA
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Technical Sergeant Yeiki Kobashigawa distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on 2 June
1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. During
an attack, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's platoon
encountered strong enemy resistance from a series
of machine guns providing supporting fire. Observing
a machine gun nest 50 yards from his position,
Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa crawled forward
with one of his men, threw a grenade and then
charged the enemy with his submachine gun while
a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed
one enemy soldier and captured two prisoners.
Meanwhile, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa and
his comrade were fired upon by another machine
gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a squad to advance
to his first position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa
again moved forward with a fellow soldier to
subdue the second machine gun nest. After throwing
grenades into the position, Technical Sergeant
Kobashigawa provided close supporting fire while
a fellow soldier charged, capturing four prisoners.
On the alert for other machine gun nests, Technical
Sergeant Kobashigawa discovered four more, and
skillfully led a squad in neutralizing two of
them. Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
STAFF SERGEANT ROBERT T. KURODA
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Staff Sergeant Robert T. Kuroda distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action, on 20 October
1944, near Bruyeres, France. Leading his men
in an advance to destroy snipers and machine
gun nests, Staff Sergeant Kuroda encountered
heavy fire from enemy soldiers occupying a heavily
wooded slope. Unable to pinpoint the hostile
machine gun, he boldly made his way through heavy
fire to the crest of the ridge. Once he located
the machine gun, Staff Sergeant Kuroda advanced
to a point within ten yards of the nest and killed
three enemy gunners with grenades. He then fired
clip after clip of rifle ammunition, killing
or wounding at least three of the enemy. As he
expended the last of his ammunition, he observed
that an American officer had been struck by a
burst of fire from a hostile machine gun located
on an adjacent hill. Rushing to the officer's
assistance, he found that the officer had been
killed. Picking up the officer's submachine gun,
Staff Sergeant Kuroda advanced through continuous
fire toward a second machine gun emplacement
and destroyed the position. As he turned to fire
upon additional enemy soldiers, he was killed
by a sniper. Staff Sergeant Kuroda's courageous
actions and indomitable fighting spirit ensured
the destruction of enemy resistance in the sector.
Staff Sergeant Kuroda's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the United
States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KAORU MOTO
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Private First Class Kaoru Moto distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on 7 July
1944, near Castellina, Italy. While serving as
first scout, Private First Class Moto observed
a machine gun nest that was hindering his platoon's
progress. On his own initiative, he made his
way to a point ten paces from the hostile position,
and killed the enemy machine gunner. Immediately,
the enemy assistant gunner opened fire in the
direction of Private First Class Moto. Crawling
to the rear of the position, Private First Class
Moto surprised the enemy soldier, who quickly
surrendered. Taking his prisoner with him, Private
First Class Moto took a position a few yards
from a house to prevent the enemy from using
the building as an observation post. While guarding
the house and his prisoner, he observed an enemy
machine gun team moving into position. He engaged
them, and with deadly fire forced the enemy to
withdraw. An enemy sniper located in another
house fired at Private First Class Moto, severely
wounding him. Applying first aid to his wound,
he changed position to elude the sniper fire
and to advance. Finally relieved of his position,
he made his way to the rear for treatment. Crossing
a road, he spotted an enemy machine gun nest.
Opening fire, he wounded two of the three soldiers
occupying the position. Not satisfied with this
accomplishment, he then crawled forward to a
better position and ordered the enemy soldier
to surrender. Receiving no answer, Private First
Class Moto fired at the position, and the soldiers
surrendered. Private First Class Moto's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KIYOSHI K. MURANAGA
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Private First Class Kiyoshi K. Muranaga distinguished
himself by extraordinary heroism in action on
26 June 1944, near Suvereto, Italy. Private First
Class Muranaga's company encountered a strong
enemy force in commanding positions and with
superior firepower. An enemy 88mm self-propelled
gun opened direct fire on the company, causing
the men to disperse and seek cover. Private First
Class Muranaga's mortar squad was ordered to
action, but the terrain made it impossible to
set up their weapons. The squad leader, realizing
the vulnerability of the mortar position, moved
his men away from the gun to positions of relative
safety. Because of the heavy casualties being
inflicted on his company, Private First Class
Muranaga, who served as a gunner, attempted to
neutralize the 88mm weapon alone. Voluntarily
remaining at his gun position, Private First
Class Muranaga manned the mortar himself and
opened fire on the enemy gun at a range of approximately
400 yards. With his third round, he was able
to correct his fire so that the shell landed
directly in front of the enemy gun. Meanwhile,
the enemy crew, immediately aware of the source
of mortar fire, turned their 88mm weapon directly
on Private First Class Muranaga's position. Before
Private First Class Muranaga could fire a fourth
round, an 88mm shell scored a direct hit on his
position, killing him instantly. Because of the
accuracy of Private First Class Muranaga's previous
fire, the enemy soldiers decided not to risk
further exposure and immediately abandoned their
position. Private First Class Muranaga's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE MASATO NAKAE
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private Masato Nakae distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 19 August 1944, near Pisa,
Italy. When his submachine gun was damaged by
a shell fragment during a fierce attack by a
superior enemy force, Private Nakae quickly picked
up his wounded comrade's M-1 rifle and fired
rifle grenades at the steadily advancing enemy.
As the hostile force continued to close in on
his position, Private Nakae threw six grenades
and forced them to withdraw. During a concentrated
enemy mortar barrage that preceded the next assault
by the enemy force, a mortar shell fragment seriously
wounded Private Nakae. Despite his injury, he
refused to surrender his position and continued
firing at the advancing enemy. By inflicting
heavy casualties on the enemy force, he finally
succeeded in breaking up the attack and caused
the enemy to withdraw. Private Nakae's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE SHINYEI NAKAMINE
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Private Shinyei Nakamine distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 2 June 1944, near La Torreto,
Italy. During an attack, Private Nakamine's platoon
became pinned down by intense machine gun crossfire
from a small knoll 200 yards to the front. On
his own initiative, Private Nakamine crawled
toward one of the hostile weapons. Reaching a
point 25 yards from the enemy, he charged the
machine gun nest, firing his submachine gun,
and killed three enemy soldiers and captured
two. Later that afternoon, Private Nakamine discovered
an enemy soldier on the right flank of his platoon's
position. Crawling 25 yards from his position,
Private Nakamine opened fire and killed the soldier.
Then, seeing a machine gun nest to his front
approximately 75 yards away, he returned to his
platoon and led an automatic rifle team toward
the enemy. Under covering fire from his team,
Private Nakamine crawled to a point 25 yards
from the nest and threw hand grenades at the
enemy soldiers, wounding one and capturing four.
Spotting another machine gun nest 100 yards to
his right flank, he led the automatic rifle team
toward the hostile position but was killed by
a burst of machine gun fire. Private Nakamine's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military
service and reflect great credit on him, his
unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM K. NAKAMURA
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Private First Class William K. Nakamura distinguished
himself by extraordinary heroism in action on
4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. During a
fierce firefight, Private First Class Nakamura's
platoon became pinned down by enemy machine gun
fire from a concealed position. On his own initiative,
Private First Class Nakamura crawled 20 yards
toward the hostile nest with fire from the enemy
machine gun barely missing him. Reaching a point
15 yards from the position, he quickly raised
himself to a kneeling position and threw four
hand grenades, killing or wounding at least three
of the enemy soldiers. The enemy weapon silenced,
Private First Class Nakamura crawled back to
his platoon, which was able to continue its advance
as a result of his courageous action. Later,
his company was ordered to withdraw from the
crest of a hill so that a mortar barrage could
be placed on the ridge. On his own initiative,
Private First Class Nakamura remained in position
to cover his comrades' withdrawal. While moving
toward the safety of a wooded draw, his platoon
became pinned down by deadly machine gun fire.
Crawling to a point from which he could fire
on the enemy position, Private First Class Nakamura
quickly and accurately fired his weapon to pin
down the enemy machine gunners. His platoon was
then able to withdraw to safety without further
casualties. Private First Class Nakamura was
killed during this heroic stand. Private First
Class Nakamura's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOE M. NISHIMOTO
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private First Class Joe M. Nishimoto distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on
7 November 1944, near La Houssiere, France. After
three days of unsuccessful attempts by his company
to dislodge the enemy from a strongly defended
ridge, Private First Class Nishimoto, as acting
squad leader, boldly crawled forward through
a heavily mined and booby-trapped area. Spotting
a machine gun nest, he hurled a grenade and destroyed
the emplacement. Then, circling to the rear of
another machine gun position, he fired his submachine
gun at point-blank range, killing one gunner
and wounding another. Pursuing two enemy riflemen,
Private First Class Nishimoto killed one, while
the other hastily retreated. Continuing his determined
assault, he drove another machine gun crew from
its position. The enemy, with their key strong
points taken, were forced to withdraw from this
sector. Private First Class Nishimoto's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
STAFF SERGEANT ALLAN M. OHATA
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Sergeant Allan M. Ohata distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 29 and 30 November 1943,
near Cerasuolo, Italy. Sergeant Ohata, his squad
leader, and three men were ordered to protect
his platoon's left flank against an attacking
enemy force of 40 men, armed with machine guns,
machine pistols, and rifles. He posted one of
his men, an automatic rifleman, on the extreme
left, 15 yards from his own position. Taking
his position, Sergeant Ohata delivered effective
fire against the advancing enemy. The man to
his left called for assistance when his automatic
rifle was shot and damaged. With utter disregard
for his personal safety, Sergeant Ohata left
his position and advanced 15 yards through heavy
machine gun fire. Reaching his comrade's position,
he immediately fired upon the enemy, killing
10 enemy soldiers and successfully covering his
comrade's withdrawal to replace his damaged weapon.
Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman held
their position and killed 37 enemy soldiers.
Both men then charged the three remaining soldiers
and captured them. Later, Sergeant Ohata and
the automatic rifleman stopped another attacking
force of 14, killing four and wounding three
while the others fled. The following day he and
the automatic rifleman held their flank with
grim determination and staved off all attacks.
Staff Sergeant Ohata's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the United
States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE JAMES K. OKUBO
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and
29 October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret
Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern
France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire
coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks,
Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled
150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines.
Two grenades were thrown at him while he left
his last covered position to carry back wounded
comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small
arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men
on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On
4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran
75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and,
while exposed to hostile fire directed at him,
evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman
from a burning tank, who otherwise would have
died. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military
service and reflect great credit on him, his
unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
TECHNICAL SERGEANT YUKIO OKUTSU
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Technical Sergeant Yukio Okutsu distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945,
on Mount Belvedere, Italy. While his platoon
was halted by the crossfire of three machine
guns, Technical Sergeant Okutsu boldly crawled
to within 30 yards of the nearest enemy emplacement
through heavy fire. He destroyed the position
with two accurately placed hand grenades, killing
three machine gunners. Crawling and dashing from
cover to cover, he threw another grenade, silencing
a second machine gun, wounding two enemy soldiers,
and forcing two others to surrender. Seeing a
third machine gun, which obstructed his platoon's
advance, he moved forward through heavy small
arms fire and was stunned momentarily by rifle
fire, which glanced off his helmet. Recovering,
he bravely charged several enemy riflemen with
his submachine gun, forcing them to withdraw
from their positions. Then, rushing the machine
gun nest, he captured the weapon and its entire
crew of four. By these single-handed actions
he enabled his platoon to resume its assault
on a vital objective. The courageous performance
of Technical Sergeant Okutsu against formidable
odds was an inspiration to all. Technical Sergeant
Okutsu's extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS FRANK H. ONO
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private First Class Frank H. Ono distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on 4 July
1944, near Castellina, Italy. In attacking a
heavily defended hill, Private First Class Ono's
squad was caught in a hail of formidable fire
from the well-entrenched enemy. Private First
Class Ono opened fire with his automatic rifle
and silenced one machine gun 300 hundred yards
to the right front. Advancing through incessant
fire, he killed a sniper with another burst of
fire, and while his squad leader reorganized
the rest of the platoon in the rear, he alone
defended the critical position. His weapon was
then wrenched from his grasp by a burst of enemy
machine pistol fire as enemy troops attempted
to close in on him. Hurling hand grenades, Private
First Class Ono forced the enemy to abandon the
attempt, resolutely defending the newly won ground
until the rest of the platoon moved forward.
Taking a wounded comrade's rifle, Private First
Class Ono again joined in the assault. After
killing two more enemy soldiers, he boldly ran
through withering automatic, small arms, and
mortar fire to render first aid to his platoon
leader and a seriously wounded rifleman. In danger
of being encircled, the platoon was ordered to
withdraw. Volunteering to cover the platoon,
Private First Class Ono occupied virtually unprotected
positions near the crest of the hill, engaging
an enemy machine gun emplaced on an adjoining
ridge and exchanging fire with snipers armed
with machine pistols. Completely disregarding
his own safety, he made himself the constant
target of concentrated enemy fire until the platoon
reached the comparative safety of a draw. He
then descended the hill in stages, firing his
rifle, until he rejoined the platoon. Private
First Class Ono's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
STAFF SERGEANT KAZUO OTANI
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Staff Sergeant Kazuo Otani distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action on 15 July 1944,
near Pieve Di S. Luce, Italy. Advancing to attack
a hill objective, Staff Sergeant Otani's platoon
became pinned down in a wheat field by concentrated
fire from enemy machine gun and sniper positions.
Realizing the danger confronting his platoon,
Staff Sergeant Otani left his cover and shot
and killed a sniper who was firing with deadly
effect upon the platoon. Followed by a steady
stream of machine gun bullets, Staff Sergeant
Otani then dashed across the open wheat field
toward the foot of a cliff, and directed his
men to crawl to the cover of the cliff. When
the movement of the platoon drew heavy enemy
fire, he dashed along the cliff toward the left
flank, exposing himself to enemy fire. By attracting
the attention of the enemy, he enabled the men
closest to the cliff to reach cover. Organizing
these men to guard against possible enemy counterattack,
Staff Sergeant Otani again made his way across
the open field, shouting instructions to the
stranded men while continuing to draw enemy fire.
Reaching the rear of the platoon position, he
took partial cover in a shallow ditch and directed
covering fire for the men who had begun to move
forward. At this point, one of his men became
seriously wounded. Ordering his men to remain
under cover, Staff Sergeant Otani crawled to
the wounded soldier who was lying on open ground
in full view of the enemy. Dragging the wounded
soldier to a shallow ditch, Staff Sergeant Otani
proceeded to render first aid treatment, but
was mortally wounded by machine gun fire. Staff
Sergeant Otani's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
PRIVATE GEORGE T. SAKATO
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October
1944, on hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine,
France. After his platoon had virtually destroyed
two enemy defense lines, during which he personally
killed five enemy soldiers and captured four,
his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire.
Disregarding the enemy fire, Private Sakato made
a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to
charge and destroy the enemy strongpoint. While
his platoon was reorganizing, he proved to be
the inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack
on the left flank during which his squad leader
was killed. Taking charge of the squad, he continued
his relentless tactics, using an enemy rifle
and P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack.
During this entire action, he killed 12 and wounded
two, personally captured four and assisted his
platoon in taking 34 prisoners. By continuously
ignoring enemy fire, and by his gallant courage
and fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat
into victory and helped his platoon complete
its mission. Private Sakato's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the United
States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
TECHNICAL SERGEANT TED T. TANOUYE
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Technical Sergeant Ted T. Tanouye distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action on 7 July
1944, near Molino A Ventoabbto, Italy. Technical
Sergeant Tanouye led his platoon in an attack
to capture the crest of a strategically important
hill that afforded little cover. Observing an
enemy machine gun crew placing its gun in position
to his left front, Technical Sergeant Tanouye
crept forward a few yards and opened fire on
the position, killing or wounding three and causing
two others to disperse. Immediately, an enemy
machine pistol opened fire on him. He returned
the fire and killed or wounded three more enemy
soldiers. While advancing forward, Technical
Sergeant Tanouye was subjected to grenade bursts,
which severely wounded his left arm. Sighting
an enemy-held trench, he raked the position with
fire from his submachine gun and wounded several
of the enemy. Running out of ammunition, he crawled
20 yards to obtain several clips from a comrade
on his left flank. Next, sighting an enemy machine
pistol that had pinned down his men, Technical
Sergeant Tanouye crawled forward a few yards
and threw a hand grenade into the position, silencing
the pistol. He then located another enemy machine
gun firing down the slope of the hill, opened
fire on it, and silenced that position. Drawing
fire from a machine pistol nest located above
him, he opened fire on it and wounded three of
its occupants. Finally taking his objective,
Technical Sergeant Tanouye organized a defensive
position on the reverse slope of the hill before
accepting first aid treatment and evacuation.
Technical Sergeant Tanouye's extraordinary heroism
and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the United
States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
CAPTAIN FRANCIS B. WAI
UNITED STATES ARMY
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Captain Francis B. Wai distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action, on 20 October 1944, in Leyte,
Philippine Islands. Captain Wai landed at Red
Beach, Leyte, in the face of accurate, concentrated
enemy fire from gun positions advantageously
located in a palm grove bounded by submerged
rice paddies. Finding the first four waves of
American soldiers leaderless, disorganized, and
pinned down on the open beach, he immediately
assumed command. Issuing clear and concise orders,
and disregarding heavy enemy machine gun and
rifle fire, he began to move inland through the
rice paddies without cover. The men, inspired
by his cool demeanor and heroic example, rose
from their positions and followed him. During
the advance, Captain Wai repeatedly determined
the locations of enemy strong points by deliberately
exposing himself to draw their fire. In leading
an assault upon the last remaining Japanese pillbox
in the area, he was killed by its occupants.
Captain Wai's courageous, aggressive leadership
inspired the men, even after his death, to advance
and destroy the enemy. His intrepid and determined
efforts were largely responsible for the rapidity
with which the initial beachhead was secured.
Captain Wai's extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.