In 1996 Congress directed the Secretary of the
Army to conduct a review of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in World
War II "to determine whether any such award should be upgraded to the Medal of Honor." The task of identifying soldiers who
qualified for the review and locating the required official documentation was given to the Command History Office at the
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California. The team completed their research in
September 1998 and turned their findings over to the US Army's Military Awards Branch. On 21 June 2000 President William
Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to 22 Asian-Pacific Americans.
The citations for the 22 recipients, awarded on 21
June 2000, have been integrated and are listed with the previous Medal of Honor Recipients.
The citations are presented chronologically by war, and then alphabetically within each conflict.
JOSE B. NISPEROS
Rank and organization: Private, 34th Company, Philippine Scouts. Place and date: At Lapurap, Basilan, Philippine Islands, 24
September 1911. Entered service at: San Fernandos Union, P.I.. Birth: San Fernandos Union, P.I.. Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: Having been badly wounded (his left arm was broken and lacerated and he had received several spear wounds in the body
so that he could not stand) continued to fire his rifle with one hand until the enemy was repulsed, thereby aiding materially in
preventing the annihilation of his party and the mutilation of their bodies. |
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JOSE CALUGAS
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery B, 88th Field Artillery, Philippine Scouts. Place and date: At Culis, Bataan
Province, Philippine Islands, 16 January 1942. Entered service at: Fort Stotsenburg, Philippine Islands. Born: 29 December 1907,
Barrio Tagsing, Leon, Iloilo, Philippine Islands. G.O. No.: 10, 24 February 1942. Citation: The action for which the award was
made took place near Culis, Bataan Province, Philippine Islands, on 16 January 1942. A battery gun position was bombed and
shelled by the enemy until 1 gun was put out of commission and all the cannoneers were killed or wounded. Sgt. Calugas, a mess
sergeant of another battery, voluntarily and without orders ran 1,000 yards across the shell-swept area to the gun position.
There he organized a volunteer squad which placed the gun back in commission and fired effectively against the enemy, although
the position remained under constant and heavy Japanese artillery fire. |
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RUDOLPH B.
DAVILA
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. |
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BARNEY F. HAJIRO
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. |
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MIKIO HASEMOTO *
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.
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JOE HAYASHI
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. |
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SHIZUYA HAYASHI
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.
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DANIEL K.
INOUYE
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. |
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YEIKI KOBASHIGAWA
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. |
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ROBERT T.
KURODA *
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. |
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KAORU MOTO
*
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. |
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SADAO S. MUNEMORI *
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Combat Team. Place and date:
Near Seravezza, Italy, 5 April 1945. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif Birth: Los Angeles, Calif. G.O. No.. 24, 7 March
1946. Citation: He fought with great gallantry and intrepidity near Seravezza, Italy. When his unit was pinned down by grazing
fire from the enemy's strong mountain defense and command of the squad devolved on him with the wounding of its regular leader,
he made frontal, l-man attacks through direct fire and knocked out 2 machineguns with grenades Withdrawing under murderous fire
and showers of grenades from other enemy emplacements, he had nearly reached a shell crater occupied by 2 of his men when an
unexploded grenade bounced on his helmet and rolled toward his helpless comrades. He arose into the withering fire, dived for
the missile and smothered its blast with his body. By his swift, supremely heroic action Pfc. Munemori saved 2 of his men at the
cost of his own life and did much to clear the path for his company's victorious advance. |
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KIYOSHI K.
MURANAGA *
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. |
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MASATO NAKAE *
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. |
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SHINYEI NAKAMINE *
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. |
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WILLIAM K. NAKAMURA *
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. |
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JOE M. NISHIMOTO *
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. |
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ALLAN M. OHATA
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. |
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JAMES K. OKUBO
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. |
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YUKIO OKUTSU
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. |
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FRANK H. ONO *
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. |
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KAZUO OTANI *
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. |
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GEORGE T. SAKATO
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. |
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TED T. TANOUYE *
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. |
|
FRANCIS B. WAI *
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. |
|
HIROSHI H. MIYAMURA
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Taejon-ni, Korea, 24 and 25 April 1951. Entered service at: Gallup, N. Mex. Birth: Gallup, N. Mex. G.O. No.: 85, 4 November
1953. Citation: Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position
when the enemy fanatically attacked threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machinegun squad leader, aware of
the imminent danger to his men unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat
killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their
evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machinegun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition
was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way
through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack
necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their
movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained
his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last
seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable heroism and
consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service.
|
|
LEROY A. MENDONCA
*
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Chich-on, Korea, 4 July 1951. Entered service at: Honolulu, T.H. Birth: Honolulu, T.H. G.O. No.: 83, 3 September 1952.
Citation: Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted
during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great
pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an
exposed position and covered the platoon's withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled
grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using
his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy
casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon's withdrawal to secondary positions, and
enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca's
extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army. |
|
HERBERT K. PILILAAU *
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Place and
date: Near Pia-ri, Korea, 17 September 1951. Entered service at: Oahu, T.H. Born: 10 October 1928, Waianae, Oahu, T.H. G.O.
No.: 58, 18 June 1952. Citation: Pfc. Pililaau, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The enemy sent wave after wave of fanatical
troops against his platoon which held a key terrain feature on "Heartbreak Ridge." Valiantly defending its position, the unit
repulsed each attack until ammunition became practically exhausted and it was ordered to withdraw to a new position.
Voluntarily remaining behind to cover the withdrawal, Pfc. Pililaau fired his automatic weapon into the ranks of the
assailants, threw all his grenades and, with ammunition exhausted, closed with the foe in hand-to-hand combat, courageously
fighting with his trench knife and bare fists until finally overcome and mortally wounded. When the position was subsequently
retaken, more than 40 enemy dead were counted in the area he had so valiantly defended. His heroic devotion to duty,
indomitable fighting spirit, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S.
Army. |
|
TERRY TERUO KAWAMURA *
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 173d Engineer Company, 173d Airborne Brigade, Republic of Vietnam. Place and
date:
Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam, 20 March 1969. Entered service at: Oahu, Hawaii. Born. 10 December 1949, Wahiawa, Oahu,
Hawaii. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Cpl. Kawamura distinguished himself by heroic action while serving as a member of the 173d Engineer Company. An enemy
demolition team infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons. Disregarding the intense fire,
Cpl. Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the occupants of
the room. Cpl. Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he
observed that another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the floor. He immediately realized
that 2 stunned fellow soldiers were in great peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Cpl. Kawamura
unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely disregarding his safety, Cpl. Kawamura
prevented serious injury or death to several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by
Cpl. Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
U.S. Army. |
|
ELMELINDO R. SMITH
*
Rank and organization: Platoon Sergeant (then S/Sgt.), U.S. Army, 1st Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 16 February 1967. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii. Born: 27
July 1935, Honolulu, Hawaii. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. During a reconnaissance patrol. his platoon was suddenly engaged by intense machinegun fire hemming in
the platoon on 3 sides. A defensive perimeter was hastily established, but the enemy added mortar and rocket fire to the
deadly fusillade and assaulted the position from several directions. With complete disregard for his safety, P/Sgt. Smith
moved through the deadly fire along the defensive line, positioning soldiers, distributing ammunition and encouraging his
men to repeal the enemy attack. Struck to the ground by enemy fire which caused a severe shoulder wound, he regained his
feet, killed the enemy soldier and continued to move about the perimeter. He was again wounded in the shoulder and stomach
but continued moving on his knees to assist in the defense. Noting the enemy massing at a weakened point on the perimeter,
he crawled into the open and poured deadly fire into the enemy ranks. As he crawled on, he was struck by a rocket. Moments
later, he regained consciousness, and drawing on his fast dwindling strength, continued to crawl from man to man. When he
could move no farther, he chose to remain in the open where he could alert the perimeter to the approaching enemy. P/Sgt.
Smith perished, never relenting in his determined effort against the enemy. The valorous acts and heroic leadership of
this outstanding soldier inspired those remaining members of his platoon to beat back the enemy assaults. P/Sgt. Smith's
gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and they reflect great credit upon him and
the Armed Forces of his country. |
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RODNEY J. T. YANO *
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Place and date:
Near Bien Hao, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1969. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii. Born: 13 December 1943,
Kealakekua Kona, Hawaii. Citation: Sfc. Yano distinguished himself while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop. Sfc. Yano was
performing the duties of crew chief aboard the troop's command-and-control helicopter during action against enemy forces
entrenched in dense jungle. From an exposed position in the face of intense small arms and antiaircraft fire he delivered
suppressive fire upon the enemy forces and marked their positions with smoke and white phosphorous grenades, thus enabling
his troop commander to direct accurate and effective artillery fire against the hostile emplacements. A grenade, exploding
prematurely, covered him with burning phosphorous, and left him severely wounded. Flaming fragments within the helicopter
caused supplies and ammunition to detonate. Dense white smoke filled the aircraft, obscuring the pilot's vision and
causing him to lose control. Although having the use of only 1 arm and being partially blinded by the initial explosion,
Sfc. Yano completely disregarded his welfare and began hurling blazing ammunition from the helicopter. In so doing he
inflicted additional wounds upon himself, yet he persisted until the danger was past. Sfc. Yano's indomitable courage and
profound concern for his comrades averted loss of life and additional injury to the rest of the crew. By his conspicuous
gallantry at the cost of his life, in the highest traditions of the military service, Sfc. Yano has reflected great credit
on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. |
* Denotes posthumous award |