Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979-2008

Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979-2008
Updated June 4, 2008
Julissa Gomez-Granger
Information Research Specialist
Knowledge Services Group



Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979-2008
Summary
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest award for military valor. It is
presented by the President in the name of Congress and thus is often called the
Congressional Medal of Honor. Since its first presentation in 1863, 3,467 Medals of
Honor have been awarded to a total of 3,448 individuals (there have been 19 double
recipients). In 1979, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee issued the committee
print, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1978, which lists recipients and provides the
full text of the citations describing the actions that resulted in the awarding of the
Medal. This report covers additions and changes to the list of recipients of the Medal
since the release of the committee print. For further information, see CRS Report 95-
519, Medal of Honor: History and Issues, by David F. Burrelli. This report will be
updated as new recipients are named.



Contents
In troduction ......................................................1
Medals of Honor by Action..........................................2
Civil War....................................................2
Smith, Andrew J..........................................2
Spanish-American War.........................................2
Roosevelt, Theodore.......................................2
World War I..................................................3
Stowers, Freddie..........................................3
World War II.................................................4
Baker, Vernon J...........................................4
Carter, Edward A., Jr.......................................5
Casamento, Anthony.......................................5
Davila, Rudolph B.........................................6
Day, James...............................................7
Fox, John R..............................................8
Hajiro, Barney............................................8
Hasemoto, Miko...........................................9
Hayashi, Joe..............................................9
Hayashi, Shizuya.........................................10
Inouye, Daniel K.........................................10
James,Willy F., Jr.........................................11
Kobashigawa, Yeiki.......................................12
Kuroda, Robert T.........................................12
Moto, Kaoru.............................................13
Muranaga, Kiyoshi K......................................13
Nakae, Masato...........................................14
Nakamine, Shinyei........................................14
Nakamura, William K.....................................15
Nishimoto, Joe M.........................................15
Ohata, Allan M...........................................16
Okubo, James K..........................................16
Okutso, Yukio...........................................17
Ono, Frank H............................................17
Otani, Kazuo............................................18
Rivers, Ruben............................................19
Sakato, George T.........................................19
Salomon, Ben L..........................................20
Tanouye, Ted T..........................................20
Thomas, Charles L........................................21
Urban, Matt.............................................22
Wai, Francis B...........................................23
Watson, George..........................................24
Korean War.................................................24
Keeble, Woodrow W......................................24
Rubin, Tibor.............................................25
Vietnam War................................................26



Cook, Donald G..........................................27
Freeman, Ed W..........................................29
Ingram, Robert R.........................................29
Pitsenbarger, William H....................................30
Rascon, Alfred...........................................31
Swanson, Jon E..........................................32
The Unknown Soldier.....................................33
Versace, Humbert R.......................................33
Somalia ....................................................34
Gordon, Gary I...........................................34
Shughart, Randall D.......................................34
Afghanistan .................................................35
Murphey, Michael P.......................................35
Iraq ........................................................36
Dunham, Jason L.........................................36
McGinnis, Ross A........................................36
Monsoor, Michael A......................................37
Smith, Paul R............................................37
Restoration of Award..............................................38
Chapman, Amos..........................................38
Cody, William F..........................................38
Dixon, William..........................................38
Doshier, James D.........................................38
Woodall, William H.......................................39
Renunciation of Award............................................39
Liteky, Charles...........................................39
Contacts for Additional Information..................................39



Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979-2008
Introduction
The Congressional Research Service receives numerous requests for lists of
recipients of the Medal of Honor (MoH), the nation’s highest award for military
bravery. Since its first presentation in 1863, 3,467 Medals of Honor have been
awarded to a total of 3,448 individuals (there have been 19 double recipients). In
1979, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee issued the committee print, Medal of
Honor Recipients: 1863-1978, which lists recipients and provides the full text of the
citations describing the actions that resulted in the awarding of the MoH. Since the
release of the committee print, there have been several additions and changes to the
list of recipients of this award.
This report lists those additions and changes by military action and provides the
full text of their official citations. The citations were provided by the military awards
offices or Internet websites of the respective services. A list of these offices and
Internet links is provided at the end of this report. In some instances, Congress
approved legislation to remove statutory time limits in order for the Medal to be
awarded. Where this has occurred, the legislation is cited.
The FY1996 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 104-106, Section 524)
provided for the review of records relating to Asian Americans and Native American
Pacific Islanders who received Distinguished Service Crosses or Navy Crosses for
service during World War II. This legislation also waived the time limit to allow the
President to award the MoH; consequently, 22 Asian Americans were upgraded to
the MoH. (Some military personnel records were destroyed for these individuals in
a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center. Records were reconstructed
from auxiliary sources, therefore, data on the place where the individual entered
service and birth information is not always available.) These individuals are Rudolph
B. Davila, Barney F. Hajiro, Mikio Hasemoto, Joe Hayashi, Shizuya Hayashi, Daniel
K. Inouye, Yeiki Kobashigawa, Yukio Okutsu, Robert T. Kuroda, Kaoru Moto,
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga, Masato Nakae, Shinyei Namamine, William K. Nakamura,
Joe M. Nishimoto, James K. Okubo, Allen M. Ohata, Frank Ono, Kazuo Otani,
George T. Sakato, Ted T. Tanouye, and Francis B. Wai.
The FY1997 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 104-201, Section 561,
September 23, 1996) waived the time limit to allow the President to award the MoH
to seven African American soldiers for their heroic acts during World War II. (Some
military personnel records were destroyed for these individuals in a 1973 fire at the
National Personnel Records Center. Records were reconstructed from auxiliary
sources, therefore, the place indicated after the date of birth is the home of record at
the time the individual entered the military, and not necessarily the place of birth.
Data on the place where the individual entered service is not available.) These



individuals are Vernon J. Baker, Edward A. Carter, Jr., John R. Fox, Willy F. James,
Jr., Ruben Rivers, Charles L. Thomas, and George Watson.
For historical information and a more detailed account of congressional and
other efforts to award the MoH, see CRS Report 95-519, Medal of Honor: History
and Issues, by David F. Burrelli.
Medals of Honor by Action
An asterisk (*) indicates those individuals who were awarded their medal
posthumously.
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, 55th Massachusetts Voluntary
Infantry. Place and date: Near Boyd’s 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 55th
Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, distinguished himself on 30 November 1864 by
saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during a bloody chargeth
called the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina. In the late afternoon, as the 55
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 artillerythth
support. The 55 and 34 regiments formed columns to advance on the enemy
position in a flanking movement. As the Confederates repelled other units, the 55thth
and 54 regiments continued to move into tanking positions. Forced into a narrow
gorge crossing a swamp in the face of the enemy position, the 55th’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 theth
colors throughout the battle. Through his actions, the Regimental Colors of the 55
Infantry Regiment were not lost to the enemy.
Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith’s extraordinary valor in the face of deadly
enemy fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflectth
great credit upon him, the 55 Regiment, and the United States Army.
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 enemy’s 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 Roosevelt’s 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 Stowers’s 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, 371st Infantry
Regiment, 93rd 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, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93rd 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 enemy’s 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
their trenches and greeted Corporal Stowers’s 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


1 Title 10, Sections 3744, 6248, 8744, of the U.S. Code.

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 Stowers’s 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, 370th 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 C’s 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 370th Infantry Regiment’s 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 post’s 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 C’s 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
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 group’s 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 Baker’s 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 Carter’s
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.
Casamento, Anthony.
Congress approved Private Law 95-163 on November 2, 1977, 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 unit’s
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 Casamento’s 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, 7th 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
force from the tank’s turret. Dismounting, he advanced 130 yards in short rushes,
crawled 20 yards and charged into an enemy-held house to eliminate the defending
force of five with a hand grenade and rifle fire. Climbing to the attic, he straddled
a large shell hole in the wall and opened fire on the enemy. Although the walls of the
house were crumbling, he continued to fire until he had destroyed two more machine
guns. His intrepid actions brought desperately needed heavy weapons support to a



hard- pressed rifle company and silenced four machine gunners, which forced the
enemy to abandon their prepared positions.
Staff Sergeant Davila’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
Day, James.
Corporal Day’s 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, 22nd
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, 22nd 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 enemy’s 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.
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.


2 Ibid.

Fox, John R.*
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Cannon Company, 366th
Infantry, 92nd Infantry Division, 598th 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, 366th Infantry, 92nd Infantry Division, acting as a forward observer, while
attached to the 598th 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! There’s 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 Fox’s extraordinarily valorous actions exemplify the highest
traditions of the military service.
Hajiro, Barney.nd
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company I, 442 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
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 Hajiro’s heroic actions, the
attack was successful.
Private Hajiro’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Hasemoto, Miko.*
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company B, 100th Infantryth
Battalion, 34 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 Hasemoto’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Hayashi, Joe.*
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company K, 442nd 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
a strongly defended hill that commanded all approaches to the village of Tendola,
Private Hayashi skillfully led his men to a point within 75 yards of enemy positions
before they were detected and fired upon. After dragging his wounded comrades to
safety, he returned alone and exposed himself to small arms fire in order to direct and
adjust mortar fire against hostile emplacements. Boldly attacking the hill with the
remaining men of his squad, he attained his objective and discovered that the mortars



had neutralized three machine guns, killed 27 men, and wounded many others. On
22 April 1945, attacking the village of Tendola, Private Hayashi maneuvered his
squad up a steep, terraced hill to within 100 yards of the enemy. Crawling under
intense fire to a hostile machine gun position, he threw a grenade, killing one enemy
soldier and forcing the other members of the gun crew to surrender. Seeing four
enemy machine guns delivering deadly fire upon other elements of his platoon, he
threw another grenade, destroying a machine gun nest. He then crawled to the right
flank of another machine gun position where he killed four enemy soldiers and forced
the others to flee. Attempting to pursue the enemy, he was mortally wounded by a
burst of machine pistol fire. The dauntless courage and exemplary leadership of
Private Hayashi enabled his company to attain its objective.
Private Hayashi’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, hist unit
and the United States Army.
Hayashi, Shizuya.th
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company A, 100 Battalion
(Separate), 34th 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 Hayashi’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Inouye, Daniel K.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 442nd
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
arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery
and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force.
Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with
crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety,
Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of
the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement.



Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun
nest. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile
positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite
the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until
enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive
positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By
his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant
Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was
instrumental in the capture of the ridge.
Second Lieutenant Inouye’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
James,Willy F., Jr.*th
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 413
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, 413th 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 enemy’s 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 James’s 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
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 James’s 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 James’s 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, 100th
Infantry Battalion (Separate), 34th 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 Kobashigawa’s platoon encountered strong enemy resistance
from a series of machine guns providing supporting fire. Observing a machine gun
nest 50 yards from his position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa crawled forward
with one of his men, threw a grenade and then charged the enemy with his
submachine gun while a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed one enemy
soldier and captured two prisoners. Meanwhile, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa and
his comrade were fired upon by another machine gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a
squad to advance to his first position, 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 Kobashigawa’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty
are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Kuroda, Robert T.*nd
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company H, 442
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
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 officer’s assistance, he found that the officer had been



killed. Picking up the officer’s submachine gun, Staff Sergeant Kuroda advanced
through continuous fire toward a second machine gun emplacement and destroyed
the position. As he turned to fire upon additional enemy soldiers, he was killed by
a sniper. Staff Sergeant Kuroda’s courageous actions and indomitable fighting spirit
ensured the destruction of enemy resistance in the sector.
Staff Sergeant Kuroda’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
Moto, Kaoru.*th
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 100
Infantry Battalion (Separate), 34th 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 platoon’s
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 Moto’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
Muranaga, Kiyoshi K.*
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company F, 442nd
Infantry Regiment, 34th 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 extraordinary
heroism in action on 26 June 1944, near Suvereto, Italy. Private First Class
Muranaga’s company encountered a strong enemy force in commanding positions
and with superior firepower. An enemy 88mm self-propelled gun opened direct fire
on the company, causing the men to disperse and seek cover. Private First Class
Muranaga’s mortar squad was ordered to action, but the terrain made it impossible



to set up their weapons. The squad leader, realizing the vulnerability of the mortar
position, moved his men away from the gun to positions of relative safety. Because
of the heavy casualties being inflicted on his company, Private First Class Muranaga,
who served as a gunner, attempted to neutralize the 88mm weapon alone. Voluntarily
remaining at his gun position, Private First Class Muranaga manned the mortar
himself and opened fire on the enemy gun at a range of approximately 400 yards.
With his third round, he was able to correct his fire so that the shell landed directly
in front of the enemy gun. Meanwhile, the enemy crew, immediately aware of the
source of mortar fire, turned their 88mm weapon directly on Private First Class
Muranaga’s position. Before Private First Class Muranaga could fire a fourth round,
an 88mm shell scored a direct hit on his position, killing him instantly. Because of
the accuracy of Private First Class Muranaga’s previous fire, the enemy soldiers
decided not to risk further exposure and immediately abandoned their position.
Private First Class Muranaga’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on
him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Nakae, Masato.*thnd
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company A, 100 Battalion, 442
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 comrade’s M-1 rifle and fired rifle grenades at the
steadily advancing enemy. As the hostile force continued to close in on his position,
Private Nakae threw six grenades and forced them to withdraw. During a
concentrated enemy mortar barrage that preceded the next assault by the enemy force,
a mortar shell fragment seriously wounded Private Nakae. Despite his injury, he
refused to surrender his position and continued firing at the advancing enemy. By
inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy force, he finally succeeded in breaking up
the attack and caused the enemy to withdraw.
Private Nakae’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Nakamine, Shinyei.*
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company B, 100th Infantry
Battalion (Separate), 34th 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:
Private Shinyei Nakamine distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 2 June 1944, near La Torreto, Italy. During an attack, Private Nakamine’s
platoon became pinned down by intense machine gun crossfire from a small knoll
200 yards to the front. On his own initiative, Private Nakamine crawled toward one
of the hostile weapons. Reaching a point 25 yards from the enemy, he charged the
machine gun nest, firing his submachine gun, and killed three enemy soldiers and



captured two. Later that afternoon, Private Nakamine discovered an enemy soldier
on the right flank of his platoon’s position. Crawling 25 yards from his position,
Private Nakamine opened fire and killed the soldier. Then, seeing a machine gun nest
to his front approximately 75 yards away, he returned to his platoon and led an
automatic rifle team toward the enemy. Under covering fire from his team, Private
Nakamine crawled to a point 25 yards from the nest and threw hand grenades at the
enemy soldiers, wounding one and capturing four. Spotting another machine gun
nest 100 yards to his right flank, he led the automatic rifle team toward the hostile
position but was killed by a burst of machine gun fire.
Private Nakamine’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Nakamura, William K.*nd
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442
Regiment, 34th 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 Nakamura’s platoon became pinned down by enemy machine gun
fire from a concealed position. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura
crawled 20 yards toward the hostile nest, with fire from the enemy machine gun
barely missing him. Reaching a point 15 yards from the position, he quickly raised
himself to a kneeling position and threw four hand grenades, killing or wounding at
least three of the enemy soldiers. The enemy weapon silenced, Private First Class
Nakamura crawled back to his platoon, which was able to continue its advance as a
result of his courageous action. Later, his company was ordered to withdraw from
the crest of a hill so that a mortar barrage could be placed on the ridge. On his own
initiative, Private First Class Nakamura remained in position to cover his comrades’
withdrawal. While moving toward the safety of a wooded draw, his platoon became
pinned down by deadly machine gun fire. Crawling to a point from which he could
fire on the enemy position, Private First Class Nakamura quickly and accurately fired
his weapon to pin down the enemy machine gunners. His platoon was then able to
withdraw to safety without further casualties. Private First Class Nakamura was
killed during this heroic stand.
Private First Class Nakamura’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on
him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Nishimoto, Joe M.*
Rank and organization: Private, First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442nd
Regimental Combat Team (Attached to the Third Battalion). Place and date:
Vicinity of La Houssiere, France, 7 November 1944. Entered service: (unknown).
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 Nishimoto’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on
him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Ohata, Allan M.*th
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 100 Infantry
Battalion (Separate), 34th 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 platoon’s left flank against
an attacking enemy force of 40 men, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, and
rifles. He posted one of his men, an automatic rifleman, on the extreme left, 15 yards
from his own position. Taking his position, Sergeant Ohata delivered effective fire
against the advancing enemy. The man to his left called for assistance when his
automatic rifle was shot and damaged. With utter disregard for his personal safety,
Sergeant Ohata left his position and advanced 15 yards through heavy machine gun
fire. Reaching his comrade’s position, he immediately fired upon the enemy, killing
10 enemy soldiers and successfully covering his comrade’s withdrawal to replace his
damaged weapon. Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman held their position and
killed 37 enemy soldiers. Both men then charged the three remaining soldiers and
captured them. Later, Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman stopped another
attacking force of 14, killing four and wounding three while the others fled. The
following day, he and the automatic rifleman held their flank with grim determination
and staved off all attacks.
Staff Sergeant Ohata’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
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, 442nd Combat Team. Place and date: Near Biffontaine,
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 Forêt
Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong



enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade
Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two
grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back
wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun
fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On 4
November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun
fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a
seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died.
Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo’s extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great
credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Okutso, Yukio.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F, 442nd
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 platoon’s
advance, he moved forward through heavy small arms fire and was stunned
momentarily by rifle fire, which glanced off his helmet. Recovering, he bravely
charged several enemy riflemen with his submachine gun, forcing them to withdraw
from their positions. Then, rushing the machine gun nest, he captured the weapon
and its entire crew of four. By these single-handed actions he enabled his platoon to
resume its assault on a vital objective. The courageous performance of Technical
Sergeant Okutsu against formidable odds was an inspiration to all.
Technical Sergeant Okutsu’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
Ono, Frank H.*nd
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company G, 442 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,
Private First Class Ono’s squad was caught in a hail of formidable fire from the
well-entrenched enemy. Private First Class Ono opened fire with his automatic rifle
and silenced one machine gun 300 hundred yards to the right front. Advancing
through incessant fire, he killed a sniper with another burst of fire, and while his
squad leader reorganized the rest of the platoon in the rear, he alone defended the
critical position. His weapon was then wrenched from his grasp by a burst of enemy



machine pistol fire as enemy troops attempted to close in on him. Hurling hand
grenades, Private First Class Ono forced the enemy to abandon the attempt, resolutely
defending the newly won ground until the rest of the platoon moved forward. Taking
a wounded comrade’s rifle, Private First Class Ono again joined in the assault. After
killing two more enemy soldiers, he boldly ran through withering automatic, small
arms, and mortar fire to render first aid to his platoon leader and a seriously wounded
rifleman. In danger of being encircled, the platoon was ordered to withdraw.
Volunteering to cover the platoon, Private First Class Ono occupied virtually
unprotected positions near the crest of the hill, engaging an enemy machine gun
emplaced on an adjoining ridge and exchanging fire with snipers armed with machine
pistols. Completely disregarding his own safety, he made himself the constant target
of concentrated enemy fire until the platoon reached the comparative safety of a
draw. He then descended the hill in stages, firing his rifle, until he rejoined the
platoon.
Private First Class Ono’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.
Otani, Kazuo.*
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 442nd Infantryth
Regiment, 34 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 Otani’s platoon became pinned down in a wheat field by
concentrated fire from enemy machine gun and sniper positions. Realizing the
danger confronting his platoon, Staff Sergeant Otani left his cover and shot and killed
a sniper who was firing with deadly effect upon the platoon. Followed by a steady
stream of machine gun bullets, Staff Sergeant Otani then dashed across the open
wheat field toward the foot of a cliff, and directed his men to crawl to the cover of
the cliff. When the movement of the platoon drew heavy enemy fire, he dashed along
the cliff toward the left flank, exposing himself to enemy fire. By attracting the
attention of the enemy, he enabled the men closest to the cliff to reach cover.
Organizing these men to guard against possible enemy counterattack, Staff Sergeant
Otani again made his way across the open field, shouting instructions to the stranded
men while continuing to draw enemy fire. Reaching the rear of the platoon position,
he took partial cover in a shallow ditch and directed covering fire for the men who
had begun to move forward. At this point, one of his men became seriously wounded.
Ordering his men to remain under cover, Staff Sergeant Otani crawled to the
wounded soldier, who was lying on open ground in full view of the enemy. Dragging
the wounded soldier to a shallow ditch, Staff Sergeant Otani proceeded to render first
aid treatment, but was mortally wounded by machine gun fire.
Staff Sergeant Otani’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him,
his unit, and the United States Army.



Rivers, Ruben.*
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 761st 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, 761st Tank
Battalion. On 16 November 1944, while advancing toward the town of Guebling,
France, Staff Sergeant Rivers’s 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 tank’s fire at enemy
positions beyond the town through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn that
day, Company A’s 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. We’ll 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
Rivers’s tank was hit, killing him and wounding the rest of the crew.
Staff Sergeant Rivers’s 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, 442nd 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.
Private Sakato’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and
the United States Army.



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 2nd Battalion, 105th Infantryth
Regiment, 27 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, 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry
Division. The Regiment’s 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 Salomon’s 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 Salomon’s 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, 442nd
Infantry Regiment, 34th 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
Sergeant Tanouye led his platoon in an attack to capture the crest of a strategically
important hill that afforded little cover. Observing an enemy machine gun crew
placing its gun in position to his left front, Technical Sergeant Tanouye crept forward
a few yards and opened fire on the position, killing or wounding three and causing



two others to disperse. Immediately, an enemy machine pistol opened fire on him.
He returned the fire and killed or wounded three more enemy soldiers. While
advancing forward, Technical Sergeant Tanouye was subjected to grenade bursts,
which severely wounded his left arm. Sighting an enemy-held trench, he raked the
position with fire from his submachine gun and wounded several of the enemy.
Running out of ammunition, he crawled 20 yards to obtain several clips from a
comrade on his left flank. Next, sighting an enemy machine pistol that had pinned
down his men, Technical Sergeant Tanouye crawled forward a few yards and threw
a hand grenade into the position, silencing the pistol. He then located another enemy
machine gun firing down the slope of the hill, opened fire on it, and silenced that
position. Drawing fire from a machine pistol nest located above him, he opened fire
on it and wounded three of its occupants. Finally taking his objective, Technical
Sergeant Tanouye organized a defensive position on the reverse slope of the hill
before accepting first aid treatment and evacuation.
Technical Sergeant Tanouye’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on
him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Thomas, Charles L.*
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C, 614th 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, 614th 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
column’s leading vehicle — a 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
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 Thomas’s intrepid actions throughout the operation reflect the
highest traditions of military service.
Urban, Matt.
Lieutenant Urban’s 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, 60th
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, 60th Infantry
Regiment, Ninth Infantry Division. On 14 June, Captain Urban’s company, attacking
at Renouf, France, encountered heavy enemy small arms and tank fire. The enemy
tanks were unmercifully raking his unit’s 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 Urban’s 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 unit’s severe losses in the hedgerows of Normandy. Realizing his unit’s 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
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,


3 Ibid.

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 enemy’s 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 Urban’s 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, 34th 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
remaining Japanese pillbox in the area, he was killed by its occupants. Captain Wai’s
courageous, aggressive leadership inspired the men, even after his death, to advance
and destroy the enemy. His intrepid and determined efforts were largely responsible
for the rapidity with which the initial beachhead was secured.



Captain Wai’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Watson, George.*
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Second Battalion, 29th
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, 29th
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 Watson’s extraordinary valorous actions, his daring and inspiring
leadership, and his self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow man exemplify the finest
traditions of military service.
Korean War
Keeble, Woodrow W.
Congress approved P.L. 110-28, Section 3308, on May 25, 2007, removing the
statutory time limit on the award for Master Sergeant Keeble.
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 2d Battalion,

19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Sangsan-ni, Korea,


October 20, 1951. Entered service at: Wahpeton, ND. Born: May 16, 1917 Waubay,
South Dakota.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty: Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished
himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in
action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on October 20, 1951. On that
day, Master Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support platoon in
Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position that
was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant
Keeble saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by
heavy enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions.
With complete disregard for his personal safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed
forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Master
Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the
hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on
him, Master Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy,



successfully destroying the position. Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to
the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact
that the enemy troops were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing
a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward
against the third hostile emplacement, and skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy
position. As his comrades moved forward to join him, Master Sergeant Keeble
continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties
on the enemy. Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and
seized its important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and
devotion to duty displayed that day by Master Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to
all around him and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Rubin, Tibor.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army. Place and date: Republic of
Korea, July 23, 1950 to April 20, 1953. Entered service at: (unknown). Born: 18
June, 1929, Hungary.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty: Corporal Tibor Rubin distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism during the period from July 23, 1950, to April 20, 1953, while
serving as a rifleman with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in
the Republic of Korea. While his unit was retreating to the Pusan Perimeter,
Corporal Rubin was assigned to stay behind to keep open the vital Taegu-Pusan Road
link used by his withdrawing unit. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers
of North Korean troops assaulted a hill defended solely by Corporal Rubin. He
inflicted a staggering number of casualties on the attacking force during his personal

24-hour battle, single-handedly slowing the enemy advance and allowing the 8th


Cavalry Regiment to complete its withdrawal successfully. Following the breakout
from the Pusan Perimeter, the 8th Cavalry Regiment proceeded northward and
advanced into North Korea. During the advance, he helped capture several hundred
North Korean soldiers. On October 30, 1950, Chinese forces attacked his unit at
Unsan, North Korea, during a massive nighttime assault. That night and throughout
the next day, he manned a .30 caliber machine gun at the south end of the unit’s line
after three previous gunners became casualties. He continued to man his machine
gun until his ammunition was exhausted. His determined stand slowed the pace of
the enemy advance in his sector, permitting the remnants of his unit to retreat
southward. As the battle raged, Corporal Rubin was severely wounded and captured
by the Chinese. Choosing to remain in the prison camp despite offers from the
Chinese to return him to his native Hungary, Corporal Rubin disregarded his own
personal safety and immediately began sneaking out of the camp at night in search
of food for his comrades. Breaking into enemy food storehouses and gardens, he
risked certain torture or death if caught. Corporal Rubin provided not only food to
the starving Soldiers, but also desperately needed medical care and moral support for
the sick and wounded of the POW camp. His brave, selfless efforts were directly
attributed to saving the lives of as many as forty of his fellow prisoners. Corporal
Rubin’s gallant actions in close contact with the enemy and unyielding courage and
bravery while a prisoner of war are in the highest traditions of military service and
reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.



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 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
team’s 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
team’s 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 enemy’s fire intensified, he hurried to recover the
body and classified documents on the dead team leader. When he reached the
leader’s 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
enemy’s 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 Benavidez’s 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.
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


4 Ibid.

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.
Crandall, Bruce P.
Congress approved the FY1996 National Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 104-
106, Section 522, on February 10, 1996, waiving the statutory time limit on any
award or decoration for an act of valor performed while serving on active duty during
the Vietnam era.
Rank and Organization: Major, U.S. Army, Company A, 229th Assault
Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Ia Drang
Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965. Place and date of birth: Olympia,
Washington, 1933. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism as a Flight Commander in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with
Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On
14 November 1965, his flight of 16 helicopters was lifting troops for a search and
destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang
Valley. On the fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time
the aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had Landing
Zone X-Ray targeted. As Major Crandall and the first eight helicopters landed to
discharge troops on his fifth troop lift, his unarmed helicopter came under such
intense enemy fire that the ground commander ordered the second flight of eight
aircraft to abort their mission. As Major Crandall flew back to Plei Me, his base of
operations, he determined that the ground commander of the besieged infantry
battalion desperately needed more ammunition. Major Crandall then decided to
adjust his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight
distance to deliver ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. While medical
evacuation was not his mission, he immediately sought volunteers and with complete
disregard for his own personal safety, led the two aircraft to Landing Zone X-Ray.
Despite the fact that the landing zone was still under relentless enemy fire, Major
Crandall landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of seriously wounded
soldiers aboard his aircraft. Major Crandall’s voluntary decision to land under the
most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit to continue to land
their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the realization that they would be
resupplied and that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. This greatly
enhanced morale and the will to fight at a critical time. After his first medical
evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone
throughout the day and into the evening. That day he completed a total of 22 flights,
most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible
service had been rendered to the Infantry battalion. His actions provided critical
resupply of ammunition and evacuation of the wounded. Major Crandall’s daring acts
of bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.



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, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion,
1st 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, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion,
1st 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
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 battle’s 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 soldiers — some 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 Freeman’s 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 Freeman’s 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
pushed, pulled, cajoled, and doctored his Marines. Enduring the pain from his many
wounds and disregarding the probability of his own death, Petty Officer Ingram’s
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,th
Detachment 6, 38 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, 38th 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 thest
United States Army’s 1 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.
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), 503rd Infantry, 173rd 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), 503rd
Infantry, 173rd 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 soldier’s 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 Rascon’s 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.
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 enemy’s 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 aircraft’s 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 Swanson’s courageous actions resulted in at least
eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons.
Captain Swanson’s 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
Blassie’s 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.
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, 5th 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 Advisory Group, Detachment 52, Ca Mau, Republic of
Vietnam. While accompanying a Civilian Irregular Defense Group patrol engaged
in combat operations in Thoi Binh District, An Xuyen Province, Captain Versace and
the patrol came under sudden and intense mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms
fire from elements of a heavily armed enemy battalion. As the battle raged, Captain
Versace, although severely wounded in the knee and back by hostile fire, fought
valiantly and continued to engage enemy targets. Weakened by his wounds and
fatigued by the fierce firefight, Captain Versace stubbornly resisted capture by the
over-powering Viet Cong force with the last full measure of his strength and
ammunition. Taken prisoner by the Viet Cong, he exemplified the tenets of the Code
of Conduct from the time he entered into Prisoner of War status. Captain Versace
assumed command of his fellow American soldiers, scorned the enemy’s exhaustive
interrogation and indoctrination efforts, and made three unsuccessful attempts to
escape, despite his weakened condition, which was brought about by his wounds and
the extreme privation and hardships he was forced to endure. During his captivity,
Captain Versace was segregated in an isolated prisoner of war cage, manacled in
irons for prolonged periods of time, and placed on extremely reduced ration. The
enemy was unable to break his indomitable will, his faith in God, and his trust in the
United States of America. Captain Versace, an American fighting man who
epitomized the principles of his country and the Code of Conduct, was executed by
the Viet Cong on 26 September 1965.
Captain Versace’s gallant actions in close contact with an enemy force and
unyielding courage and bravery while a prisoner of war are in the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the United
States Army.



Somalia
Gordon, Gary I.*
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army. Place and date: 3 October

1993, Mogadishu, Somalia. Entered service at: (unknown). Born: 13 August 1968,


Lincoln, Maine. Citation: Master Sergeant Gordon, United States Army,
distinguished himself by actions above and beyond the call of duty:
On 3 October 1993, while serving as Sniper Team Leader, United States Army
Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Master Sergeant Gordon’s sniper team provided precision fire from the lead
helicopter during an assault and at two helicopter crash sites, while subjected to
intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fires. When Master
Sergeant Gordon learned that ground forces were not immediately available to secure
the second crash site, he and another sniper unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted
to protect four critically wounded personnel, despite being well aware of the growing
number of enemy personnel closing in on the site. After his third request to be
inserted, Master Sergeant Gordon received permission to perform his volunteer
mission. When debris and enemy ground fires at the site caused them to abort the
first attempt, Master Sergeant Gordon was inserted 100 meters south of the crash site.
Equipped with only his sniper rifle and a pistol, Master Sergeant Gordon and his
fellow sniper, while under intense small arms fire from the enemy, fought their way
through a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew
members. Master Sergeant Gordon immediately pulled the pilot and the other crew
members from the aircraft, establishing a perimeter which placed him and his fellow
sniper in the most vulnerable position. Master Sergeant Gordon used his long range
rifle and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers until he depleted his
ammunition. Master Sergeant Gordon then went back to the wreckage, recovering
some of the crew’s weapons and ammunition. Despite the fact that he was critically
low on ammunition, he provided some of it to the dazed pilot and then radioed for
help. Master Sergeant Gordon continued to travel the perimeter, protecting the
downed crew. After his team member was fatally wounded and his own rifle
ammunition exhausted, Master Sergeant Gordon returned to the wreckage, recovered
a rifle with the last five rounds of ammunition and gave it to the pilot with the words,
“good luck.” Then, armed only with his pistol, Master Sergeant Gordon continued
to fight until he was fatally wounded. His actions saved the pilot’s life.
Master Sergeant Gordon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest standards of military service and reflect great credit upon
him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Shughart, Randall D.*
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army. Place and date: 3
October 1993, Mogadishu, Somalia. Entered service at: (unknown). Born: 30
August 1960, Lincoln, Nebraska. Citation: Sergeant First Class Shughart, United
States Army, distinguished himself by actions above and beyond the call of duty:
On October 1993, while serving as a Sniper Team Member, United States Army
Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Sergeant First Class Shughart provided precision sniper fire from the lead helicopter
during an assault on a building and at two helicopter crash sites, while subjected to
intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire. While providing
critical suppressive fire at the second crash site, Sergeant First Class Shughart and



his team leader learned that ground forces were not immediately available to secure
the site. Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader unhesitatingly volunteered
to be inserted to protect the four critically wounded personnel, despite being well
aware of the growing number of enemy personnel closing in on the site. After their
third request to be inserted, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader
received permission to perform this volunteer mission. When debris and enemy
ground fires at the site caused them to abort the first attempt, Sergeant First Class
Shughart and his team leader were inserted 100 meters south of the crash site.
Equipped with only his sniper rifle and a pistol, Sergeant First Class Shughart and
his team leader, while under intense small arms fire from the enemy, fought their way
through a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew
members. Sergeant First Class Shughart pulled the pilot and the other crew members
from the aircraft, establishing a perimeter which placed him and his fellow sniper in
the most vulnerable position. Sergeant First Class Shughart used his long range rifle
and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers while traveling the
perimeter, protecting the downed crew. Sergeant First Class Shughart continued his
protective fire until he depleted his ammunition and was fatally wounded. His
actions saved the pilot’s life.
Sergeant First Class Shughart’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were
in keeping with the highest standards of military service and reflect great credit upon
him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Afghanistan
Murphey, Michael P.*
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy SEAL. Place and date:
Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan, 28 June 2005. Entered Service at:
Patchogue, New York. Born: 7 May 1976, Smithtown, New York.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with
naval special warfare task unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading
a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy
demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of
Asadabad, Konar province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an
extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy’s team was discovered
by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters.
As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four member team.
Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in
engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous
enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring
his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy
continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell
mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for
his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the
extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open
terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived
him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his
headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided
his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery,
he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving



his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership,
courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected
great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval
Service.
Iraq
Dunham, Jason L.*
Rank and organization: Corporal, 4th Platoon, Co. K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marinesst
(Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, 1 Marine Division (Reinforced), U.S.
Marine Corps. Place and date: Karabilah, Iraq, 14 April 2004. Entered service at:
Scio, NY. Born: 10 November 1981, Scio, New York.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life aboveth
and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader, 4 Platoon,
Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st
Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham’s squad was
conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard
rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to
the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the
engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander’s convoy, which
had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and
his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham
ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot
several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in
a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles
to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped
out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the
ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal
Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the
imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with
his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines
from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally
wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted
courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham
gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and
upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
McGinnis, Ross A.*
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, United States Army. Place and
date: Adhamiya, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, 4 December 2006. Entered service at:
Pittsburgh, PA. Born: 14 June 1987, Meadville, PA.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty: Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished
himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st
Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations against an
armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 December 2006. That
afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce
and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the



M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell
through the gunner’s hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled “grenade,”
allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade’s blast. Then, rather
than leaping from the gunner’s hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the
courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was
mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between
his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion. Private McGinnis’
gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private
First Class McGinnis’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own
life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United
States Army.
Monsoor, Michael A.*
Rank and Organization: Master-At-Arms Second Class (Sea, Air And Land),
United States Navy. Place and date: Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Entered
service at: Garden Grove, CA. Born: 5 April 1981, Long Beach, CA.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as automatic weapons gunner for Naval Special Warfare
Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29
September 2006. As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army Sniper
Overwatch Element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection
from a rooftop in an insurgent held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor
distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. In the
early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering
the area around the element’s position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy’s initial
attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element,
engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy
activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun
between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. While the SEALs vigilantly
watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen
location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of
him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose
instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he
threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body,
saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and
unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor
gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and
upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Smith, Paul R.*
Rank and Organization: Sergeant First Class, United States Army. Place and
date: Baghdad, Iraq, 4 April 2003. Entered Service at: Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri,
October 1989. Born: 24 September 1969, El Paso, Texas.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty: Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself
by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with
an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003.
On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner
of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized



enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First
Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers,
one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight
developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage
the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation
of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket
propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their
defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50
caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total
disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the
attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous
actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers
killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant
First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the
Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne,” and the United States Army.
Restoration of Award
In 1916, the War Department convened a panel to review the records of each
Medal of Honor recipient. Upon review, 911 of these medals were canceled. In
1989, the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Records restored the medal to the
following recipients.
Chapman, Amos.
Rank: Civilian Scout. Born: 15 May 1839, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Organization: Sixth U.S. Cavalry. Place: Washita River, Texas. Action Date: 12
September 1874. Issue date: 4 November 1874. Citation: Gallantry in action.
Cody, William F.
Rank: Civilian Scout. Born: Scott County, Iowa. Organization: Third Cavalry,
U.S. Army. Action date: 26 April 1872. Place: Platte River, Nebraska. Citation:
Gallantry in action.
Dixon, William.
Rank: Scout. Born: 25 October 1850, Ohio County, West Virginia. War: Indian
Campaigns. Organization: Sixth U.S. Cavalry. Place: Wichita River, Texas. Action
date: 12 September 1874. Issue date: 4 November 1874. Citation: Gallantry in
action.
Doshier, James D.
Rank: Post Guide during Indian Wars. Born: Warren County, Tennessee, 2 May
1820. Entered service: Fort Richardson, Texas. Place: Holliday Creek Texas, Little
Wichita River. Action date: 5 October 1870. Issue date: 19 November 1879.
Citation: Gallantry in action and on the march.



Woodall, William H.
Rank: Civilian scout, U.S. Army, Major General Philip H. Sheridan’s
Headquarters, during Civil War. Birth date: (unknown). Entered service:
Winchester, Virginia. Place and date: Virginia, Appomattox campaign, Sailors
Creek, March 29 to April 9, 1865. Date of issue: 25 April 1865. Place: Washington,
DC, 3 May 1865. Note: Was chief civilian scout for Major General Philip H.
Sheridan’s Cavalry Corps, which consisted of VI and XIX Corps. Citation: Captured
flag of Brigadier General Rufus Barringer’s headquarter brigade.
Renunciation of Award
Liteky, Charles.
On July 29, 1986, Charles Liteky became the only known recipient to renounce
his Medal of Honor. Liteky, a former Army chaplain, renounced his MoH in protest
over U.S. policies in Central America.
Contacts for Additional Information
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
40 Patriots Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Telephone: (843) 884-8862
[ http://www.cmohs.org/index .html]
U.S. Army Center of Military History
Medal of Honor Citations
[ http://www.army.mil/cmh/moh.html]
U.S. Army Total Personnel Command
Attn: TAPC PDA
Hoffman Building II
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0471
Telephone: (703) 325-8700
[ http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor]
U.S. Navy Department
Navy Awards NO9B33
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-2000
Telephone: (202) 685-1770
U.S. Air Force Personnel Center
Attn: Awards and Decorations Branch
550 C Street West, Suite 12
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714



Telephone: (210) 565-2516
Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps
Attn: Military Awards
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
3280 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134
Telephone: (703) 784-9206