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Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Congressional Research Service
The Library of Congress
Report for Congress
Medals of Honor by Action
Civil War
Smith, Andrew J. *
Congress approved P.L. 106-223 on June 20, 2000, removing the statutory time
limit on the award for Corporal Jackson.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 55
th
Massachusetts Voluntary
Infantry. Place and date: Near Boyds Landing, South Carolina, 30 November,
1864. Entered service at: (unknown). Born: 3 September 1842. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty:
Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, of Clinton, Illinois, a member of the 55
th
Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, distinguished himself on 30 November 1864 by
saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during a bloody charge
called the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina. In the late afternoon, as the 55
th
Regiment pursued enemy skirmishers and conducted a running fight, they ran into
a swampy area backed by a rise where the Confederate Army awaited. The
surrounding woods and thick underbrush impeded infantry movement and artillery
support. The 55
th
and 34
th
regiments formed columns to advance on the enemy
position in a flanking movement. As the Confederates repelled other units, the 55
th
and 54
th
regiments continued to move into tanking positions. Forced into a narrow
gorge crossing a swamp in the face of the enemy position, the 55
th
s Color-Sergeant
was killed by an exploding shell, and Corporal Smith took the Regimental Colors
from his hand and carried them through heavy grape and canister fire. Although half
of the officers and a third of the enlisted men engaged in the fight were killed or
wounded, Corporal Smith continued to expose himself to enemy fire by carrying the
colors throughout the battle. Through his actions, the Regimental Colors of the 55
th
Infantry Regiment were not lost to the enemy.
Corporal Andrew Jackson Smiths extraordinary valor in the face of deadly
enemy fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect
great credit upon him, the 55
th
Regiment, and the United States Army. Page 7
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1
Title 10, U.S. Code, sec. 3744, 6248, 8744.
Spanish-American War
Roosevelt, Theodore. *
Congress approved P.L. 105-371 on November 12, 1998, to authorize and
request that the President award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Theodore
Roosevelt for action in the attack of San Juan Heights, July 1, 1898. President
Clinton initiated an Army review. An army panel approved the award in June 2000.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, First Cavalry
Regiment. Place and date: San Juan Heights, Republic of Cuba, 1 July 1898.
Entered service : Resigned position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to join Army,
May 6, 1898. Born: 27 October 1858, New York, New York. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty:
Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery
on 1 July 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring
charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his
personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and
gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault
through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemys heavy fire,
he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge and was the first to reach
the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol,
allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in
the Battle for San Juan Hill.
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelts extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
World War I
Stowers, Freddie.*
Corporal Stowerss recommendation was delayed due to administrative error.
The law provides that in such cases time limitations may be waived.
1
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company C, 371
st
Infantry
Regiment, 93
rd
Infantry Division. Place and date: Champagne Marne Sector,
France, 28 September 1918. Entered service at: (unknown). Born: 1897, Anderson
County, South Carolina. Citation: Corporal Stowers, a native of Anderson County,
South Carolina, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism on 28 September 1918,
while serving as a squad leader in Company C, 371
st
Infantry Regiment, 93
rd
Infantry
Division.
His company was the lead company during the attack on Hill 188, Champagne
Marne Sector, France, during World War I. A few minutes after the attack began, the
enemy ceased firing and began climbing up onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their arms as if wishing to surrender. The enemys actions caused the American
forces to cease fire and to come out into the open. As the company started forward
and when within about 100 meters of the trench line, the enemy jumped back into Page 8
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their trenches and greeted Corporal Stowerss company with interlocking bands of
machine gun fire and mortar fire causing well over 50% casualties. Faced with
incredible enemy resistance, Corporal Stowers took charge, setting such a courageous
example of personal bravery and leadership that he inspired his men to follow him
in the attack. With extraordinary heroism and complete disregard of personal danger
under devastating fire, he crawled forward leading his squad toward an enemy
machine gun nest, which was causing heavy casualties to his company. After fierce
fighting, the machine gun position was destroyed and the enemy soldiers were killed.
Displaying great courage and intrepidity, Corporal Stowers continued to press the
attack against a determined enemy. While crawling forward and urging his men to
continue the attack on a second trench line, he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire. Although Corporal Stowers was mortally wounded, he pressed forward, urging
on the members of his squad until he died. Inspired by the heroism and display of
bravery of Corporal Stowers, his company continued the attack against incredible
odds, contributing to the capture of Hill 188 and causing heavy enemy casualties.
Corporal Stowerss conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and supreme
devotion to his men were well above and beyond the call of duty, follow the finest
traditions of military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United
States Army.
World War II
Baker, Vernon J .
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C, 370
th
Infantry
Regiment. Place and date: Castle Aghinolfi, Germany, 5 and 6 April 1945. Entered
service: 26 June 1941. Born: 17 December 1919, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Citation:
First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action 5 and 6 April 1945.
Lieutenant Baker advanced at the head of his weapons platoon, along with
Company Cs three rifle platoons, toward their objective: Castle Aghinolfi, a German
mountain strong point on the high ground just east of the coastal highway and about
two miles from the 370
th
Infantry Regiments line of departure. Moving more rapidly
than the rest of the company, Lieutenant Baker and about 25 men reached the south
side of a draw some 250 yards from the castle within 2 hours. In reconnoitering for
a suitable position to set up a machine gun, Lieutenant Baker observed two
cylindrical objects pointing out of a slit in a mount at the edge of the hill. Crawling
up and under the opening, he stuck his M-1 into the slit and emptied the clip, killing
the observation posts occupants. Moving to another position in the same area,
Lieutenant Baker stumbled upon a well-camouflaged machine gun nest, the crew of
which was eating breakfast. He shot and killed both enemy soldiers. After Captain
John F. Runyon, Company Cs Commander, joined the group, a German soldier
appeared from the draw and hurled a grenade, which failed to explode. Lieutenant
Baker shot the enemy twice as he tried to flee. Lieutenant Baker then went down into
the draw alone. There he blasted open the concealed entrance of another dugout with
a hand grenade, shot one German soldier who emerged after the explosion, tossed
another grenade into the dugout, and entered firing his sub-machine gun, killing two
more Germans. As Lieutenant Baker climbed back out of the draw, enemy machine
gun and mortar fire began to inflict heavy casualties among the group of 25 soldiers,
killing or wounding about two-thirds of them. When expected reinforcements did
not arrive, Captain Runyon ordered a withdrawal in two groups. Lieutenant Baker Page 9
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volunteered to cover the withdrawal of the first group, which consisted of mostly
walking wounded, and to remain to assist in the evacuation of the more seriously
wounded. During the second groups withdrawal, Lieutenant Baker, supported by
covering fire from one of his platoon members, destroyed two machine gun positions
(previously bypassed during the assault) with hand grenades. In all, Lieutenant Baker
accounted for nine dead enemy soldiers, elimination of three machine gun positions,
an observation post, and a dugout. On the following night, Lieutenant Baker
voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward
the division objective.
Lieutenant Bakers fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to
his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.
Carter, Edward A., Jr.*
Rank and Organization: Staff Sergeant, Seventh Army Infantry Company
Number 1 (Provisional). Place and date: Near Speyer, Germany, 23 March 1945.
Entered service: 26 September 1941. Born: 26 May 1916, Los Angeles, California.
Citation: Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr. distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 23 March 1945.
At approximately 0830 hours, 23 March 1945 near Speyer, Germany, the tank
upon which Staff Sergeant Carter was riding received bazooka and small arms fire
from the vicinity of a large warehouse to its left front. Staff Sergeant Carter and his
squad took cover behind an intervening road bank. Staff Sergeant Carter volunteered
to lead a three-man patrol to the warehouse where other unit members noticed the
original bazooka fire. From here they were to ascertain the location and strength of
the opposing position and advance approximately 150 yards across an open field.
Enemy small arms fire covered this field. As the patrol left this covered position,
they received intense enemy small arms fire, killing one member of the patrol
instantly. This caused Staff Sergeant Carter to order the two members of the patrol
to return to the covered position and cover him with rifle fire while he proceeded to
carry out the mission. The enemy fire killed one of the two soldiers while they were
returning to the covered position, and seriously wounded the remaining soldier before
he reached the covered position. An enemy machine gun burst wounded Staff
Sergeant Carter three times in the left arm as he continued the advance. He
continued and received another wound in his left leg that knocked him from his feet.
As Staff Sergeant Carter took wound tablets and drank from his canteen, the enemy
shot it from his left hand. Disregarding these wounds, Staff Sergeant Carter
continued the advance by crawling until he was within 30 yards of his objective. The
enemy fire became so heavy that Staff Sergeant Carter took cover behind a bank and
remained there for approximately 2 hours. Eight enemy riflemen approached Staff
Sergeant Carter, apparently to take him prisoner. Staff Sergeant Carter killed six of
the enemy soldiers and captured the remaining two. These two enemy soldiers later
gave valuable information concerning the number and disposition of enemy troops.
Staff Sergeant Carter refused evacuation until he had given full information about
what he had observed and learned from the captured enemy soldiers. This
information greatly facilitated the advance on Speyer. Staff Sergeant Carters
extraordinary heroism was an inspiration to the officers and men of the Seventh
Army, Infantry company Number 1 (Provisional) and exemplify the highest traditions
of the military service. Page 10
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Casamento, Anthony.
Congress approved Private Law 95-163 on November 2, 1978, removing the
statutory time limit on the award for Corporal Casamento.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines,
First Marine Division. Place and date: Guadalcanal, 1 November 1942. Entered
service at: Brooklyn, New York, 19 August 1940. Born: 16 November 1920,
Brooklyn, New York.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First
Marine Division on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, in action against the
enemy Japanese forces on 1 November 1942. Serving as a leader of a machine gun
section, Corporal Casamento directed his unit to advance along a ridge near the
Mantanikau River where they engaged the enemy. He positioned his section to
provide covering fire for two flanking units and to provide direct support for the main
force of his company, which was behind him. During the course of this engagement,
all members of his section were either killed or severely wounded and he himself
suffered multiple, grievous wounds. Nonetheless, Corporal Casamento continued to
provide critical supporting fire for the attack and in defense of his position.
Following the loss of all effective personnel, he set up, loaded, and manned his units
machine gun, tenaciously holding the enemy forces at bay. Corporal Casamento
single-handedly engaged and destroyed one machine gun emplacement to his front
and took under fire the other emplacement on the flank. Despite the heat and ferocity
of the engagement, he continued to man his weapon and repeatedly repulsed multiple
assaults by the enemy forces, thereby protecting the flanks of the adjoining
companies and holding his position until the arrival of his main attacking force.
Corporal Casamentos courageous fighting spirit, heroic conduct, and unwavering
dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Davila, Rudolph B.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company H, 7
th
Infantry.
Place and date: Near Artena, Italy, 28 March 1944. Entered service: 6 March 1941
Born: 27 April 1916, El Paso, Texas. Citation: 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 yard 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 fire fight 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, engage a second enemy Page 11
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2
Ibid.
force from the tanks 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 Davilas 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.
Day, James.
Corporal Days recommendation was delayed due to administrative error. The
law provides that in such cases time limitations may be waived.
2
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company G Second Battalion, 22
nd
Marines, Sixth Marine Division. Place and date: Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 14 to
17 May 1945. Entered service: St. Louis, Missouri, 1943. Born: 5 October 1925,
East St. Louis, Illinois. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as a squad leader serving with the Second Battalion, 22
nd
Marines,
Sixth Marine Division in sustained combat operations against Japanese Forces on
Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 14 to 17 May 1945. On the first day, Corporal Day
rallied his squad and the remnants of another unit and led them to a critical position
forward of the front lines of Sugar Loaf Hill. Soon thereafter, they came under an
intense mortar and artillery barrage that was quickly followed by a ferocious ground
attack by some 40 Japanese soldiers. Despite the loss of one-half of his men,
Corporal Day remained at the forefront, shouting encouragement, hurling hand
grenades, and directing deadly fire, thereby repelling the determined enemy.
Reinforced by six men, he led his squad in repelling three fierce night attacks, but
suffered five additional Marines killed and one wounded, whom he assisted to safety.
Upon hearing nearby calls for corpsmen assistance, Corporal Day braved heavy
enemy fire to escort four seriously wounded Marines, one at a time, to safety.
Corporal Day then manned a light machine gun, assisted by a wounded Marine, and
halted another night attack. In this ferocious action, his machine gun was destroyed,
and he suffered multiple white phosphorous and fragmentation wounds. He
reorganized his defensive position in time to halt a fifth enemy attack with
devastating small arms fire. On three separate occasions, Japanese soldiers closed
to within a few feet of his foxhole, but they were killed by Corporal Day. During the
second day, the enemy conducted numerous unsuccessful swarming attacks against
his exposed position. When the attacks momentarily subsided, over 70 enemy dead
were counted around his position. On the third day, a wounded and exhausted
Corporal Day repulsed the enemys final attack, killing a dozen enemy soldiers at
close range. Having yielded no ground and with more than 100 enemy dead around
his position, Corporal Day preserved the lives of his fellow Marines and made a
significant contribution to the success of the Okinawa campaign. Page 12
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By his extraordinary heroism, repeated acts of valor and quintessential battle
field leadership, Corporal Day inspired the efforts of his outnumbered Marines to
defeat a much larger enemy force, reflecting great credit upon himself in upholding
the highest standards and traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval
Service.
Fox, John R.*
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Cannon Company, 366
th
Infantry, 92
nd
Infantry Division, 598
th
Field Artillery Battalion. Place and date: Near
Sommocolonia, Italy. Entered service: 28 February 1941. Born: 18 May 1915,
Cincinnati, Ohio. Citation:
First Lieutenant John R. Fox distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism at
the risk of his own life on 26 December 1944 in the Serchio River Valley Sector, in
the vicinity of Sommocolonia, Italy. Lieutenant Fox was a member of Cannon
Company, 366
th
Infantry, 92
nd
Infantry Division, acting as a forward observer, while
attached to the 598
th
Field Artillery Battalion. Christmas Day in the Serchio Valley
was spent in positions which had been occupied for some weeks. During Christmas
night, there was a gradual influx of enemy soldiers in civilian clothes, and by early
morning the town was largely in enemy hands. An organized attack by uniformed
German formations was launched around 0400 hours, 26 December 1944. Reports
were received that the area was being heavily shelled by everything the Germans had,
and although most of the U.S. infantry forces withdrew from the town, Lieutenant
Fox and members of his observer party remained behind on the second floor of a
house, directing defensive fires. Lieutenant Fox reported at 0800 hours that the
Germans were in the streets and attacking in strength. He called for artillery fire
increasingly close to his own position. He told his battalion commander, That was
just where I wanted it. Bring it in 60 yards! His commander protested that there
was a heavy barrage in the area and the bombardment would be too close. Lieutenant
Fox gave his adjustment, requesting that the barrage be fired. The distance was cut
in half. The Germans continued to press forward in large numbers, surrounding the
position. Lieutenant Fox again called for artillery fire with the commander protesting
again stating, Fox, that will be on you! The last communication from Lieutenant
Fox was Fire It! Theres more of them than there are of us. Give them hell! The
bodies of Lieutenant Fox and his party were found in the vicinity of his position
when his position was retaken. This action by Lieutenant Fox, at the cost of his own
life, inflicted heavy casualties, causing the deaths of approximately 100 German
soldiers, thereby delaying the advance of the enemy until infantry and artillery units
could be reorganized to meet the attack.
Lieutenant Foxs extraordinarily valorous actions exemplify the highest
traditions of the military service.
Hajiro, Barney .
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company I, 442
nd
Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near Bruyeres and Biffontaine, France, 1922, and
29 October 1944. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 1 February 1942. Born:
(unknown). Citation: 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 Page 13
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19 October 1944 in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, rendered assistance to allied
troops attacking a house 2000 yards away, 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 this
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 Hajiros heroic actions, the
attack was successful.
Private Hajiros 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.
Hasemoto, Miko. *
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company B, 100
th
Infantry
Battalion, 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cerasuolo, Italy, 29
November 1943. Entered service at: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 30 June 1941.
Born: 16 July 1916, Honolulu, Hawaii. Citation: 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 the 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 Hasemotos 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.
Hayashi, Joe. *
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company K, 442
nd
Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near Tendola, Italy, 20 and 22 April 1945. Entered
service: (unknown) Born: circa 1919. Citation: 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 Page 14
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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 Hayashis extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, hist unit
and the United States Army.
Hayashi, Shizuya.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company A, 100
th
Battalion
(Separate), 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cerasuolo, Italy, 29
November 1943. Entered service: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 24 March 1941.
Born: 28 November 1917, Waialua (Oahu), Hawaii. Citation: 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 Hayashis 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.
Inouye, Daniel K.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 442
nd
Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Near San Terenzo, Italy, 21 April 1945. Entered
service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 5 November 1944. Born: 7 September 1924,
Honolulu, Hawaii. Citation: 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
attaching a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant
Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small Page 15
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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 snipers 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 Inouyes 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.
James,Willy F., Jr.*
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 413
th
Infantry. Place and date: Near Lippoldsberg, Germany, 7 April 1945. Entered
service: 11 September 1942. Born: 18 March 1920, Kansas City, Missouri. Citation:
Private First Class Willy F. James, Jr. distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism at the risk of his own life on 7 April 1945 in the Weser River Valley, in the
vicinity of Lippoldsberg, Germany. On 7 April 1945, Company G, 413
th
Infantry,
fought its way across the Weser River in order to establish a crucial bridgehead. The
company then launched a fierce attack against the town of Lippoldsberg, possession
of which was vital to securing and expanding the important bridgehead. Private First
Class James was first scout of the lead squad in the assault platoon. The mission of
the unit was to seize and secure a group of houses on the edge of town, a foothold
from which the unit could launch an attack on the rest of the town. Far out in the
front, Private First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. His platoon leader
came forward to investigate, but poor visibility made it difficult for Private First
Class James to point out enemy positions with any accuracy. Private First Class
James volunteered to go forward to fully reconnoiter the enemy situation. Furious
crossfire from enemy snipers and machine guns finally pinned down Private First
Class James after he had made his way forward approximately 200 yards across open
terrain. Lying in an exposed position for more than an hour, Private First Class
James intrepidly observed the enemys positions, which were given away by the fire
he was daringly drawing upon himself. Then, with utter indifference to his personal
safety, in a storm of enemy small arms fire, Private First Class James made his way
back more than 300 yards across open terrain under enemy observation to his platoon
positions, and gave a full detailed report on the enemy disposition. The unit worked
out a new plan of maneuver based on Private First Class Jamess information. The
gallant soldier volunteered to lead a squad in an assault on the key house in the group
that formed the platoon objective. He made his way forward, leading his squad in an
assault on the strongly-held enemy positions in the building and designating targets
accurately and continuously as he moved along. While doing so, Private First Class
James saw his platoon leader shot down by enemy snipers. Hastily designating and Page 16
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coolly orienting a leader in his place, Private First Class James instantly went to the
aid of his platoon leader, exposing himself recklessly to the incessant enemy fire. As
he was making his way across open ground, Private First Class James was killed by
a burst from an enemy machine gun. Private First Class Jamess extraordinarily
heroic action in the face of withering enemy fire provided the disposition of enemy
troops to his platoon. Inspired to the utmost by Private First Class Jamess self-
sacrifice, the platoon sustained the momentum of the assault and successfully
accomplished its mission with a minimum of casualties. Private First Class James
contributed very definitely to the success of his battalion in the vitally important
combat operation of establishing and expanding a bridgehead over the Weser River.
His fearless, self-assigned actions far above and beyond the normal call of duty
exemplify the finest traditions of the American combat soldier and reflect the highest
credit upon Private First Class James and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Kobashigawa, Yeiki.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 100
th
Infantry Battalion (Separate), 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lanuvio
Italy, 2 June 1944. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 14 November 1941. Born:
28 September 1917, Hilo, Hawaii. Citation: 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 Kobashigawas 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, the 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 Kobashigawas 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.
Kuroda, Robert T. *
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company H, 442
nd
Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: Near Bruyeres, France, 20 October 1944.
Entered service: 23 March 1943. Born: 8 November 1922. Citation: 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 Page 17
CRS-13
ridge. Once he located the machine gun, Staff Sergeant Kuroda advanced to a point
within 10 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 officers assistance, he found that the officer had been
killed. Picking up the officers 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 Kurodas courageous actions and indomitable fighting spirit
ensured the destruction of enemy resistance in the sector.
Staff Sergeant Kurodas 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.
Moto, Kaoru. *
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 100
th
Infantry Battalion (Separate), 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Castelina,
Italy, 7 July 1944. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 7 July 1944. Born:
(unknown). Citation: 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 platoons
progress. On his own initiative, he made his way to a point 10 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 Motos 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.
Muranaga, Kiyoshi, K. *
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company F, 442
nd
Infantry Regiment, 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Suvereto, Italy, 26
June 1944. Entered service at: 29 May 1943. Born: 16 February 1922. Citation:
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 Page 18
CRS-14
extraordinary heroism in action on 26 June 1944, near Suvereto, Italy. Private 1st
Class Muranagas 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 Muranagas 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
Muranagas 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 Muranagas previous fire, the enemy soldiers
decided not to risk further exposure and immediately abandoned their position.
Private First Class Muranagas 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.
Nakae, Masato. *
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company A, 100
th
Battalion, 442
nd
Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Near Pisa, Italy, 19 August 1944. Entered
service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 8 February 1942. Born: (unknown). Citation: 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 comrades 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 Nakaes 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.
Nakamine, Shinyei. *
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company B, 100
th
Infantry
Battalion (Separate), 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near La Torreto, Italy,
2 June 1944. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 14 November 1941. Born: 26
February 1920. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty: Page 19
CRS-15
Private Shinyei Nakamine distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 2 June 1944, near La Torreto, Italy. During an attack, Private Nakamines
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 platoons 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 Nakamines 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.
Nakamura, William K. *
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442
nd
Regiment, 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Castellina, Italy, 4 July 1944.
Entered service at: 27 July 1943 . Born: 21 January 1922. Citation: 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 Nakamuras 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 Nakamuras 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.
Nishimoto, Joe M. *
Rank and organization: Private, First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442
nd
Regimental Combat Team (Attached to the Third Battalion). Place and date:
Vicinity of La Houssiere, France, 7 November 1944. Entered service: (unknown). Page 20
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Born: circa 1920. Citation: 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 Nishimotos 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.
Ohata, Allan M. *
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 100
th
Infantry
Battalion (Separate), 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cerasuolo, 29-30
November 1943. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii, 21 November 1941. Born:
13 September 1918, Honolulu, Hawaii. Citation: 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 platoons 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 comrades position, he immediately fired upon the enemy, killing
10 enemy soldiers and successfully covering his comrades 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 Ohatas 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.
Okubo, James. K.
Congress approved P.L. 106-223 on June 20, 2000, removing the statutory time
limit on the award for Technician Fifth Grade Okubo.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, Medical Corps, U.S. Army,
Medical Detachment, 442
nd
Combat Team. Place and date: Near Biffontaine, Page 21
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France, 28 and 29 October and 4 November 1944. Entered service at: Alturas,
California, 22 May 1943. Born: Anacortes, Washington. Citation: 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 Fort
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. Okubos 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.
Okutso, Yukio.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F, 442
nd
Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: On Mount Belvedere near Massa, Italy,
7 April 1945. Entered service at: Hanapepe, Hawaii, 12 March 1943. Born: 3
November 1921, Koloa, Hawaii. Citation: 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 platoons
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 Okutsus 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.
Ono, Frank H. *
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company G, 442
nd
Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near Castellina, Italy. Entered service at: Knox,
Indiana, 2 September 1943. Born: 6 June 1923. Citation: 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, Page 22
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Private First Class Onos 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 comrades 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 Onos 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.
Otani, Kazuo. *
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 442
nd
Infantry
Regiment, 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Pieve di S. Luce, Italy, 15
July 1944. Entered service at: Indianapolis, Indiana, 16 February 1942. Born: 2 June
1918. Citation: 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 Otanis 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. Page 23
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Staff Sergeant Otanis 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.
Rivers, Ruben.*
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 761
st
Tank
Battalion. Place and date: Near Guebling, France, 16 to 19 November 1944.
Entered service: 15 January 1942. Born: 30 October 1918, Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. Citation:
Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action during 16-19 November 1944, while serving with Company A, 761
st
Tank
Battalion. On 16 November 1944, while advancing toward the town of Guebling,
France, Staff Sergeant Riverss tank hit a mine at a railroad crossing. Although
severely wounded, his leg slashed to the bone, Staff Sergeant Rivers declined an
injection of morphine, refused to be evacuated, took command of another tank, and
advanced with his company into Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing
evacuation, Staff Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tanks fire at enemy
positions beyond the town through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn that
day, Company As tanks advanced toward Bourgaltroff, their next objective, but were
stopped by enemy fire. Captain David J. Williams, the company commander,
ordered his tanks to withdraw and take cover. Staff Sergeant Rivers, however
radioed that he had spotted the German antitank positions: I see em. Well fight
em! Staff Sergeant Rivers, joined by another Company A tank, opened fire on
enemy tanks, covering Company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Staff Sergeant
Riverss tank was hit, killing him and wounding the rest of the crew.
Staff Sergeant Riverss fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration
to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.
Sakato, George T.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company E, 442
nd
Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near Biffontaine, France, 29 October 1944. Entered
service at: Fort Douglas, Utah, 1 March 1944. Born: 19 February 1921, Colton,
California. Citation: 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. Page 24
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Private Sakatos 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.
Salomon, Ben L. *
Congress approved the FY2002 National Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 107-
107, Section 551, on December 28, 2001, removing the statutory time limit on the
award for Captain Salomon.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army 2
nd
Battalion, 105
th
Infantry
Regiment, 27
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July
1944. Entered service: Denver, Colorado. Born: 1 September 1914,Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty:
Captain Ben L. Salomon was serving at Saipan, in the Marianas Islands on July
7, 1944, as the Surgeon for the 2d Battalion, 105
th
Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry
Division. The Regiments 1st and 2d Battalions were attacked by an overwhelming
force estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 Japanese soldiers. It was one of the largest
attacks attempted in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Although both units
fought furiously, the enemy soon penetrated the Battalions combined perimeter and
inflicted overwhelming casualties. In the first minutes of the attack, approximately
30 wounded soldiers walked, crawled, or were carried into Captain Salomons aid
station, and the small tent soon filled with wounded men. As the perimeter began to
be overrun, it became increasingly difficult for Captain Salomon to work on the
wounded. He then saw a Japanese soldier bayoneting one of the wounded soldiers
lying near the tent. Firing from a squatting position, Captain Salomon quickly killed
the enemy soldier. Then, as he turned his attention back to the wounded, two more
Japanese soldiers appeared in the front entrance of the tent. As these enemy soldiers
were killed, four more crawled under the tent walls. Rushing them, Captain Salomon
kicked the knife out of the hand of one, shot another, and bayoneted a third. Captain
Salomon butted the fourth enemy soldier in the stomach and a wounded comrade
then shot and killed the enemy soldier. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Captain
Salomon ordered the wounded to make their way as best they could back to the
regimental aid station, while he attempted to hold off the enemy until they were clear.
Captain Salomon then grabbed a rifle from one of the wounded and rushed out of the
tent. After four men were killed while manning a machine gun, Captain Salomon
took control of it. When his body was later found, 98 dead enemy soldiers were piled
in front of his position.
Captain Salomons extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
his unit, and the United States Army.
Tanouye, Ted T. *
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K, 442
nd
Infantry Regiment, 34
th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Molino A
Ventoabbto, Italy, 7 July 1944. Entered service: 21 February 1942. Born: 14
November 1919. Citation: 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 Page 25
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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 Tanouyes 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.
Thomas, Charles L.*
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C, 614
th
Tank
Destroyer Battalion. Place and date: Near Climbach, France, 14 December 1944.
Entered service: 20 January 1942. Born: 17 April 1920, Birmingham, Alabama.
Citation:
Then Lieutenant Charles L. Thomas distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 14 December 1944. One platoon of Company C, 614
th
Tank
Destroyer Battalion, was designated as the leading element in a task force formed to
storm and capture the village of Climbach, France. Lieutenant Thomas, the
commanding officer of Company C, realized, with the obscurity of information
regarding the enemy and a complete lack of reconnaissance, the mission would be an
extremely dangerous one. Fully cognizant of the danger, Lieutenant Thomas
volunteered to command the selected platoon of his company and ride in the
columns leading vehiclea highly maneuverable, but equally vulnerable, M-20
scout car. Lieutenant Thomas knew that if there was a concentration of enemy armor
in the village, as was believed, he would absorb the initial shock of the first enemy
resistance. The task force left Preuschdorf, France, at 1023 hours, and proceeded to
advance in column toward Climbach. Lieutenant Thomas in his scout car stayed well
in form of the column. At 1400 hours, upon reaching the high ground southeast of
the village, Lieutenant Thomas experienced initial contact with the enemy. As his
scout car advanced to an exposed position on the heights, he received intense direct
fire from enemy artillery, self-propelled guns, and small arms at a range of 700 yards.
The first burst of hostile fire disabled the scout car and severely wounded Lieutenant
Thomas. He immediately signaled the column to halt. Before leaving the wrecked
vehicle, Lieutenant Thomas and the crew found themselves subjected to a veritable
hail of enemy fire. Lieutenant Thomas received multiple gunshot wounds in his
chest, legs, and left arm. In spite of the intense pain caused by his wounds,
Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement of his first Page 26
CRS-22
3
Ibid.
two antitank guns. In a few minutes these guns were effectively returning the enemy
fire. Realizing that it would be impossible for him to remain in command of the
platoon because of his injuries, Lieutenant Thomas then signaled for the platoon
commander to join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him as to the
enemy gun positions, his ammunition status, and the general situation. Although
fully cognizant of the probable drastic consequences of not receiving prompt medical
attention, Lieutenant Thomas refused evacuation until he felt certain that his junior
officer was in full control of the situation. Only then did Lieutenant Thomas allow
his evacuation to the rear. Throughout the action, Lieutenant Thomas displayed
magnificent personal courage and a complete disregard for his own safety. His
extraordinary heroism spurred the soldiers of the platoon to a fierce determination to
triumph, and resulted in a mass display of heroism by them.
Lieutenant Thomass intrepid actions throughout the operation reflect the
highest traditions of military service.
Urban, Matt.
Lieutenant Urbans recommendation was delayed due to administrative error.
The law provides that in such cases time limitations may be waived.
3
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army Second Battalion, 60
th
Infantry Regiment, Ninth Infantry Division. Place and date: Renouf, St. Lo, France,
the Meuse River near Heer, Belgium, 14 June to 3 September 1944. Entered service
at: Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 2 July 1941. Born: 25 August 1919, Buffalo, New
York. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty:
During the period 14 June to 3 September 1944, Lieutenant Colonel (then
Captain) Matt Urban distinguished himself by a series of bold, heroic actions,
exemplified by singularly outstanding combat leadership, personal bravery, and
tenacious devotion to duty, while assigned to the Second Battalion, 60
th
Infantry
Regiment, Ninth Infantry Division. On 14 June, Captain Urbans company, attacking
at Renouf, France, encountered heavy enemy small arms and tank fire. The enemy
tanks were unmercifully raking his units positions and inflicting heavy casualties.
Captain Urban, realizing that his company was in imminent danger of being
decimated, armed himself with a bazooka. He worked his way with an ammo carrier
through hedgerows, under a continuing barrage of fire, to a point near the tanks. He
brazenly exposed himself to the enemy fire and, firing the bazooka, destroyed both
tanks. Responding to Captain Urbans action, his company moved forward and
routed the enemy. Later that same day, still in the attack near Orglandes, Captain
Urban was wounded in the leg by direct fire from a 37mm tank-gun. He refused
evacuation and continued to lead his company until they moved into defensive
positions for the night. At 0500 hours the next day, still in the attack near Orglandes,
Captain Urban, though badly wounded, directed his company in another attack. One
hour later he was again wounded. Suffering from two wounds, one serious, he was
evacuated to England. In mid-July, while recovering from his wounds, he learned of
his units severe losses in the hedgerows of Normandy. Realizing his units need for
battle-tested leaders, he voluntarily left the hospital and hitchhiked his way back to
his unit near St. Lo, France. Arriving at the Second Battalion Command Post at 1130 Page 27
CRS-23
hours, 25 July, he found that his unit had jumped-off at 1100 hours in the first attack
of Operation Cobra. Still limping from his leg wound, Captain Urban made his
way forward to retake command of his company. He found his company held up by
strong enemy opposition. Two supporting tanks had been destroyed and another,
intact but with no tank commander or gunner, was not moving. He located a
lieutenant in charge of the support tanks and directed a plan of attack to eliminate the
enemy strong-point. The lieutenant and a sergeant were immediately killed by the
heavy enemy fire when they tried to mount the tank. Captain Urban, though
physically hampered by his leg wound and knowing quick action had to be taken,
dashed through the scathing fire and mounted the tank. With enemy bullets
ricocheting from the tank, Captain Urban ordered the tank forward and, completely
exposed to the enemy fire, manned the machine gun and placed devastating fire on
the enemy. His action, in the face of enemy fire, galvanized the battalion into action,
and they attacked and destroyed the enemy position. On 2 August, Captain Urban
was wounded in the chest by shell fragments and, disregarding the recommendation
of the Battalion Surgeon, again refused evacuation. On 6 August, Captain Urban
became the commander of the Second Battalion. On 15 August, he was again
wounded but remained with his unit. On 3 September, the Second Battalion was
given the mission of establishing a crossing-point on the Meuse River near Heer,
Belgium. The enemy planned to stop the advance of the allied Army by
concentrating heavy forces at the Meuse. The Second Battalion, attacking toward the
crossing-point, encountered fierce enemy artillery, small arms, and mortar fire, which
stopped the attack. Captain Urban quickly moved from his command post to the lead
position of the battalion. Reorganizing the attacking elements, he personally led a
charge toward the enemys strong-point. As the charge moved across the open
terrain, Captain Urban was seriously wounded in the neck. Although unable to talk
above a whisper from the paralyzing neck wound, and in danger of losing his life, he
refused to be evacuated until the enemy was routed and his battalion had secured the
crossing-point on the Meuse River.
Captain Urbans personal leadership, limitless bravery, and repeated
extraordinary exposure to enemy fire served as an inspiration to his entire battalion.
His valorous and intrepid actions reflect the utmost credit on him and uphold the
noble traditions of the United States Army.
Wai, Francis B. *
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Infantry, Headquarters, 34
th
Infantry
Regiment. Place and date: Near Leyte, Philippine Islands, 20 October 1944.
Entered service:(unknown). Born: (unknown). Citation: 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 Page 28
CRS-24
remaining Japanese pillbox in the area, he was killed by its occupants. Captain Wais
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 Wais 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.
Watson, George.*
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Second Battalion, 29
th
Quartermaster Regiment. Place and date: Near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea, 8
March 1943. Entered service: 1 September 1942. Born: 24 March 1914,
Birmingham, Alabama. Citation:
Private George Watson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 8
March 1943, while serving in the Pacific Command with the Second Battalion, 29
th
Quartermaster Regiment, near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea. Private Watson was on
board a troop ship, the Dutch Steamer (United States Army Transport) Jacob, when
it was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. Before it sank, the ship was abandoned.
Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in deep waters long
enough to assist several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of a life raft.
This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in saving the lives
of several of his comrades. Weakened by continuous physical exertion and overcome
by muscular fatigue, Private Watson drowned when the suction of the sinking ship
dragged him beneath the surface of the swirling waters. His demonstrated bravery
and unselfish act set in motion a train of compelling events that finally led to
American victory in the Pacific.
Private Watsons extraordinary valorous actions, his daring and inspiring
leadership, and his self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow man exemplify the finest
traditions of military service.
Vietnam War
Benavidez, Roy P.
Congress approved Private Law 96-81, December 18, 1980, removing the
statutory time limit on the award for Master Sergeant Benavidez.
Rank and Organization: Master Sergeant, Detachment B-56, Fifth Special
Forces Group, Republic of Vietnam. Place and Date: West of Loc Ninh on 2 May
1968. Entered Service at: Houston, Texas, June 1955. Born: 5 August 1935, DeWitt
County, Cuero, Texas. Citation:
Master Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Roy P. Benavidez, United States Army,
who distinguished himself by a series of daring and extremely valorous actions on
2 May 1968, while assigned to Detachment B 56, Fifth Special Forces Group
(Airborne), First Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 May
1968, a 12-man Special Forces Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters in
a dense jungle area west of Loc Ninh, Vietnam, to gather intelligence information
about confirmed large-scale enemy activity. This area was controlled and routinely
patrolled by the North Vietnamese Army. After a short period of time on the ground,
the team met heavy enemy resistance, and requested emergency extraction. Three
helicopters attempted extraction, but were unable to land due to intense enemy small Page 29
CRS-25
arms and anti-aircraft fire. Sergeant Benavidez was at the Forward Operating Base
in Loc Ninh monitoring the operation by radio when these helicopters returned to
off-load wounded crew members and to assess aircraft damage. Sergeant Benavidez
voluntarily boarded a returning aircraft to assist in another extraction attempt.
Realizing that all the team members were either dead or wounded and unable to
move to the pickup zone, he directed the aircraft to a nearby clearing, where he
jumped from the hovering helicopter and ran approximately 75 meters under
withering small arms fire to the crippled team. Prior to reaching the teams position
he was wounded in his right leg, face, and head. Despite these painful injuries, he
took charge, repositioning the team members and directing their fire to facilitate the
landing of an extraction aircraft, and the loading of wounded and dead team
members. He then threw smoke canisters to direct the aircraft to the teams position.
Despite his severe wounds and under intense enemy fire, he carried and dragged half
of the wounded team members to the awaiting aircraft. He then provided protective
fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team
members. As the enemys fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body and
classified documents on the dead team leader. When he reached the leaders body,
Sergeant Benavidez was severely wounded by small arms fire in the abdomen and
grenade fragments in his back. At nearly the same moment, the aircraft pilot was
mortally wounded, and his helicopter crashed. Although in extremely critical
condition due to his multiple wounds, Sergeant Benavidez secured the classified
documents and made his way back to the wreckage, where he aided the wounded out
of the overturned aircraft, and gathered the stunned survivors into a defensive
perimeter. Under increasing enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, he moved
around the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to his weary men,
reinstilling in them a will to live and fight. Facing a buildup of enemy opposition
with a beleaguered team, Sergeant Benavidez mustered his strength, began calling
in tactical air strikes, and directed the fire from supporting gunships to suppress the
enemys fire and so permit another extraction attempt. He was wounded again in his
thigh by small arms fire while administering first aid to a wounded team member just
before another extraction helicopter was able to land. His indomitable spirit kept him
going as he began to ferry his comrades to the craft. On his second trip with the
wounded, he was clubbed from additional wounds to his head and arms before killing
his adversary. He then continued under devastating fire to carry the wounded to the
helicopter. Upon reaching the aircraft, he spotted and killed two enemy soldiers who
were rushing the craft from an angle that prevented the aircraft door gunner from
firing upon them. With little strength remaining, he made one last trip to the
perimeter to ensure that all classified material had been collected or destroyed, and
to bring in the remaining wounded. Only then, in extremely serious condition from
numerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to be pulled into the
extraction aircraft. Sergeant Benavidezs gallant choice to join voluntarily his
comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering
enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, saved the
lives of at least eight men.
His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely
valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United
States Army. Page 30
CRS-26
4
Ibid.
Cook, Donald, G.*
Colonel Cook received his MoH for his heroic behavior while being held as a
POW in North Vietnam. News of his deeds could not be obtained until POWs with
whom he had served were repatriated. The law provides that time limitations may
be waived in such cases.
4
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps. Place and date: Binh Gia,
Phovc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, 31 December 1964. Entered service at:
Quantico, Virginia. Born: 9 August 1934, Brooklyn, New York. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while interned as Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic
of Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964 to 8 December 1967. Despite the
fact that by so doing he knew he would bring about harsher treatment for himself,
Colonel (then Captain) Cook established himself as the senior prisoner, even though
in actuality he was not. Repeatedly assuming more than his share of the manual labor
in order that the Prisoners of War could improve the state of their health, Colonel
Cook willingly and unselfishly put the interests of his comrades before that of his
own well-being and, eventually, his life. Giving more needy men his medicine and
drug allowance while constantly nursing them, he risked infection from contagious
diseases while in a rapidly deteriorating state of health. This unselfish and exemplary
conduct, coupled with his refusal to stray even the slightest from the Code of
Conduct, earned him the deepest respect from not only his fellow prisoners, but his
captors as well. Rather than negotiate for his own release or better treatment, he
steadfastly frustrated attempts by the Viet Cong to break his indomitable spirit, and
passed this same resolve on to the men with whose well-being he so closely
associated himself. Knowing his refusals would prevent his release prior to the end
of the war, and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small in
the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a Code of Conduct
far above that which could be expected.
His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain
death reflected the highest credit upon Colonel Cook, the Marine Corps, and the
United States Naval Service.
Freeman, Ed W.
Congress approved P.L. 106-223 on June 20, 2000, removing the statutory time
limit on the award for Captain Freeman.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, 229
th
Assault Helicopter Battalion,
1
st
Cavalry Division (Airmobile) Place and date: Ia Drang Valley, Republic of
Vietnam. Entered service at: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 13 September 1948. Born:
20 November 1927, Neely, Mississippi. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by
numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14
November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229
th
Assault Helicopter Battalion,
1
st
Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a
16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion Page 31
CRS-27
at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was
almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war,
fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force.
When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense
direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed
helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically
needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights
had a direct impact on the battles outcome by providing the engaged units with
timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would
almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical
evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain
Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an
estimated 30 seriously wounded soldierssome of whom would not have survived
had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within
100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were
perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freemans selfless acts of
great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the
call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of
his peers.
Captain Freemans extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
his unit and the United States Army.
Ingram, Robert R.
Congress approved P.L. 105-103, November 20, 1997, removing the statutory
time limit on the award for Petty Officer Ingram.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, serving
with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines. Place and date: Ngai Province,
Republic of Vietnam, 28 March 1966. Entered service at: Jacksonville, Florida, 30
September 1963. Born: 10 January 1945, Clearwater, Florida. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh
Marines, against elements of a North Vietnam Aggressor (NVA) battalion in Quang
Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam on March 28, 1966. Petty Officer Ingram
accompanied the point platoon as it aggressively engaged an outpost of an NVA
battalion. As the battle moved off a ridge line, down a tree-covered slope, to a small
rice paddy and a village beyond, a tree line suddenly exploded with an intense hail
of automatic rifle fire from approximately 100 North Vietnamese regulars. In
moments, the platoon was decimated. Oblivious to the danger, Petty Officer Ingram
crawled across the battlefield to reach a downed Marine. As he administered aid, a
bullet went through the palm of his hand. Calls for corpsmen echoed across the
ridge. Bleeding, he edged across the fire-swept landscape, collecting ammunition
from the dead and administering aid to the wounded. Receiving two more wounds,
with the third wound being a life-threatening one, he looked for a way off the face
of the ridge, but again he heard the call for help and again he resolutely answered.
He gathered magazines, resupplied and encouraged those capable of returning fire,
and rendered aid to the more severely wounded until he finally reached the right flank
of the platoon. While dressing the head wound of another corpsman, he sustained his
fourth bullet wound. From 1600 hours until almost sunset, Petty Officer Ingram Page 32
CRS-28
pushed, pulled, cajoled, and doctored his Marines. Enduring the pain from his many
wounds and disregarding the probability of his own death, Petty Officer Ingrams
gallant actions saved many lives. By his indomitable fighting spirit, daring initiative,
and unfaltering dedication to duty, Petty Officer Ingram reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Pitsenbarger, William H. *
Congress approved the FY2001 National Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 106-
398, Section 548, removing the statutory time limit on the award for Airman First
Class Pitsenbarger.
Rank and organization: Airman First Class, Pararescue Crew Member,
Detachment 6, 38
th
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, U.S. Air Force.
Place and date: Near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam. Entered service at: Piqua,
Ohio, 31 December 1962. Born: 8 July 1944, Piqua, Ohio. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty:
Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on 11
April 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew
Member, Detachment 6, 38
th
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. On that
date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for
evacuation of casualties incurred in an ongoing firefight between elements of the
United States Armys 1
st
Infantry Division and a sizeable enemy force approximately
35 miles east of Saigon. With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman
Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the
jungle, to the ground. On the ground, he organized and coordinated rescue efforts,
cared for the wounded, prepared casualties for evacuation, and insured that the
recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. Through his personal
efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. As each of the nine
casualties evacuated that day was recovered, Airman Pitsenbarger refused evacuation
in order to get more wounded soldiers to safety. After several pick-ups, one of the
two rescue helicopters involved in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy ground
fire and was forced to leave the scene for an emergency landing. Airman
Pitsenbarger stayed behind on the ground to perform medical duties. Shortly
thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. During a subsequent attempt
to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong
force. When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and
Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. He courageously
resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition
to American defenders. As the battle raged on, he repeatedly exposed himself to
enemy fire to care for the wounded, pull them out of the line of fire, and return fire
whenever he could, during which time he was wounded three times. Despite his
wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as
possible. In the vicious fighting that followed, the American forces suffered 80
percent casualties as their perimeter was breached, and Airman Pitsenbarger was
fatally wounded. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by
staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen.
His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and
traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Air Force. Page 33
CRS-29
Rascon, Alfred.
Congress approved P.L. 106-65 on October 5, 1999, removing the statutory time
limit on the award for Specialist Four Rascon.
Rank and organization: Specialist Four, U.S. Army, Reconnaissance Platoon,
Headquarters Company, First Battalion (Airborne), 503
rd
Infantry, 173
rd
Airborne
Brigade (Separate). Place and date: Long Khanh Province, Republic of Vietnam,16
March 1966. Entered Service at: Fort Ord, California, August 1963. Born: 10
September 1945, Chihuahua, Mexico. Citation:
Specialist Four Alfred Rascon distinguished himself by a series of
extraordinarily courageous acts on 16 March 1966, while assigned as a medic to the
Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company First Battalion (Airborne), 503
rd
Infantry, 173
rd
Airborne Brigade (Separate). While moving to reinforce its sister
battalion under intense enemy attack, the reconnaissance platoon came under heavy
fire from a numerically superior enemy force. The intense fire from crew-served
weapons and grenades severely wounded several point squad soldiers. Specialist
Four Rascon, ignoring directions to stay behind shelter until cover fire could be
provided, made his way forward. He repeatedly tried to reach the severely wounded
point machine-gunner lying on an open enemy trail, but was driven back each time
by withering fire. Finally, he jumped to his feet and, with total disregard for his
personal safety, he raced through heavy enemy fire and exploding grenades to reach
his wounded comrade. He then intentionally placed his body between the soldier and
the enemy machine guns, sustaining numerous shrapnel injuries and a serious wound
to the hip. Ignoring his own wounds, he dragged the larger soldier from the fire-
raked trail. Hearing a second machine gunner yell that he was running out of
ammunition, Specialist Four Rascon, still under heavy enemy fire, crawled back to
the wounded machine-gunner, stripped him of his bandoleers of ammunition, and
gave them to the machine gunner, who continued his suppressive fire. Later,
Specialist Four Rascon, fearing the abandoned machine gun, its ammunition, and
spare barrel should fall into enemy hands, made his way to retrieve them. On his
way, he was wounded in the face and torso by grenade fragments, but continued to
recover the abandoned machine gun, ammunition, and spare barrel items, enabling
another soldier to provide added suppressive fire to the pinned-downed squad. While
searching for additional wounded, he saw the point grenadier wounded by small arms
fire and grenades. With complete disregard for his own life, Specialist Four Rascon
covered the wounded soldier with his body, thereby absorbing the blasts from the
exploding grenades and saving the soldiers life. As grenades were being thrown at
the wounded point squad leader, Specialist Rascon again, in completed disregard for
his own life, covered the soldier with his body, absorbing the full force of the grenade
explosions. Once more, Specialist Four Rascon was critically wounded by shrapnel,
but again he continued to search for and aid the wounded. Although severely
wounded, he remained on the battlefield himself, and continued treating the wounded
and directing their evacuation. Only after being placed on the evacuation helicopter
did he allow aid to be given to himself.
Specialist Four Rascons extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire,
his heroism in rescuing the wounded, and his gallantry by repeatedly risking his own
life for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Page 34
CRS-30
Swanson, Jon E. *
Congress approved the FY2002 National Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 107-
107, Section 551, on December 28, 2001, removing the statutory time limit on the
award for Captain Swanson.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army Troop B, First Squadron, Ninth
Cavalry, First Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Kingdom of
Cambodia, 26 February 1971. Entered service at: Denver, Colorado. Born: 1 May
1942, San Antonio Texas. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Captain Jon E. Swanson distinguished himself by acts of bravery on February
26, 1971, while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the
Kingdom of Cambodia. With two well-equipped enemy regiments known to be in
the area, Captain Swanson was tasked with pinpointing the enemys precise
positions. Captain Swanson flew at treetop level at a slow airspeed, making his
aircraft a vulnerable target. The advancing ARVN unit came under heavy automatic
weapons fire from enemy bunkers 100 meters to their front. Exposing his aircraft to
enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Swanson immediately engaged the enemy bunkers
with concussion grenades and machine gun fire. After destroying five bunkers and
evading intense ground-to-air fire, he observed a .51 caliber machine gun position.
With all his heavy ordnance expended on the bunkers, he did not have sufficient
explosives to destroy the position. Consequently, he marked the position with a
smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack. After completion of the attack,
Captain Swanson found the weapon still intact and an enemy soldier crawling over
to man it. He immediately engaged the individual and killed him. During this time,
his aircraft sustained several hits from another .51 caliber machine gun. Captain
Swanson engaged the position with his aircrafts weapons, marked the target, and
directed a second Cobra gun ship attack. He volunteered to continue the mission,
despite the fact that he was now critically low on ammunition and his aircraft was
crippled by enemy fire. As Captain Swanson attempted to fly toward another .51
caliber machine gun position, his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the
ground, causing his death. Captain Swansons courageous actions resulted in at least
eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons.
Captain Swansons extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
his unit, and the United States Army.
The Unknown Soldier.*
P.L. 98-301 authorized the President to award the Medal of Honor to the
Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War. The Medal was bestowed during interment
ceremonies on Memorial Day, May 28, 1984. In June 1998, the Department of
Defense announced that the results of DNA tests on the remains of the Vietnam
Unknown confirmed his identity as Air Force First Lieutenant Michael J. Blassie.
His remains were returned to his family and reinterred in St. Louis. Members of
Blassies family requested that he retain the Medal . The Pentagon denied this
request, stating that the Vietnam Unknown Medal of Honor will be kept on
permanent display at Arlington National Cemetery in symbolic tribute to all who lost
their lives in the Vietnam War. Page 35
CRS-31
Versace, Humbert R. *
Congress approved the FY2002 National Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 107-
107, Section 551, on December 28, 2001, removing the statutory time limit on the
award for Captain Versace.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army. Detachment A, 5
th
Special Forces
Group, Special Operations Group, Military Assistance Command. Place and date:
Ca Mau, Republic of Vietnam. Entered service at: West Point, New York, 3 June
1959. Born: 2 July 1937, Honolulu, Hawaii. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Captain Humbert R. Versace distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism
during the period of 29 October 1963 to 26 September 1965, while serving as S-2
Advisor, Military Assistance A | |
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