KADOTA, WALTER SATOSHI
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Walter Satoshi Kadota (30100557), Technician
Fifth Grade [then Private], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical
Aidman with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached
to the 34th Infantry Division, on 20 October 1943, near Leonardo,
Italy. During an attack by the 100th Infantry Battalion, the platoon
to which Technician Fifth Grade Kadota was attached was pinned down by
intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire. With utter disregard for
his own personal safety, he left his defiladed position, moved about
in the open terrain and administered first-aid to twelve of his fellow
comrades who had been wounded. Then, as his platoon withdrew under
heavy fire, he evacuated a large number of the casualties, although
enemy machine-guns were only 50 yards away at the time. Technician
Fifth Grade Kadota's courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave
danger saved the lives of many of his fellow comrades and was a credit
to the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 9 (February 8, 1944)
KAGAWA, BUDDY Y.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Buddy Y. Kagawa (30104923), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the
enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental
Combat Team, attacned to the 34th Infantry Division, near Luciana,
Italy, on 16 and 17 July 1944. As a squad leader of a rifle company of
the 442d Regimental Combat Team, Staff Sergeant Kagawa led his men in
a company attack on the town of Luciana, Italy. When a strong enemy
mortar, artillery and machine gun fire suddenly cut off platoon
communications to the Company Command Post, Staff Sergeant Kagawa,
realizing the seriousness of the situation, rushed fifty yards through
the intense enemy fire and crawled the remaining forty yards to the
command post. Reporting the situation, he obtained vital fire support
which enabled his platoon to withdraw safely and reorganize. The
following day, his company again resumed its attack on the town.
Meeting fanatic resistance as his men entered the town, Staff Sergeant
Kagawa, without regard for his own safety, exposed himself in order to
locate the machine gun emplacement that was delaying his squad's
advance. Aggressively leading his men, he rushed toward the building
in which the machine gun nest was located, hurled grenades and
directed effective fire upon the enemy, and succeeded in destroying
the position. A second machine gun nest opened fire from a nearby
house, and, accompanied by one of his men, he advanced toward the
emplacement firing continuously. Although wounded, he led his men in a
ferocious assault of the position, capturing the gun and seven hostile
troops, sustaining a second wound in this encounter. Staff Sergeant
Kagawa's aggressive leadership and inspiring courage resulting in the
taking of two machine gun positions and the capture of seven prisoners
were in keeping with the finest traditions of the American
Infantryman.
Headquarters, U.S.
Army-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 253
(September 26, 1945)
KAGAWA, BUDDY Y.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Buddy Y. Kagawa (30104923), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy
while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat
Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the
enemy on 28 October 1944, near Biffontaine, France. Attacking along a
heavily wooded ridge, Staff Sergeant Kagawa proceeded ahead of his
squad to clear German Flanking positions which had stopped his
platoon. Grabbing an automatic rifle, he sprinted from tree to tree
through murderous mortar, artillery and sniper fire, killing two enemy
snipers and routing two others. Then, exposing himself to direct
machine gun fire, he exchanged several bursts, destroying the
emplacement and killing the gunner. Having cleared the flank, Staff
Sergeant Kagawa ordered his squad forward and stood guard in an
exposed position while his men prepared dug-in positions. Staff
Sergeant Kagawa was seriously wounded during an artillery barrage, but
remained on guard until all his men had taken cover. The courage and
fighting spirit of Staff Sergeant Kagawa were an inspiration to his
men and exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 5th Army, General
Orders No. 86 (July 10, 1945)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII)
KAHOLOKULA, EDWARD B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Edward B. Kaholokula (20011428), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
against the enemy while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry
Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attaced to the 34th Infantry
Division, near Pastina, Italy, on 12 July 1944. As acting squad leader
of a rifle company, Private First Class Kaholokula led his men in a
company assault on the town of Pastina when heavy sniper fire halted
the advance. Without thought for personal safety, he climbed a small
shrub-covered hill and observed fifteen enemy troops in the ravine
below, Boldly exposing himself to the enemy, he fired rapidly and
accurately, killing three. A sniper's bullet struck his helmet, and he
fell to the ground. Hearing movement on the other side of the hill,
Private First Class Kaholokula crept forward despite concentrated
machine gun and pistol fire and again engaged the enemy, killing two
and forcing the others to flee. With this enemy strongpoint secured by
the selfless and courage deed of Private First Class Kaholokula, the
company was able to proceed and capture the objective. His inspiring
leadership and gallantry were in keeping with the finest traditions of
the American Infantryman.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces,
Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 253 (September
26, 1945)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
KAICHI, HIDEO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Hideo Kaichi (30104312), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy
while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat
Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 26 June 1944, in the
vicinity of Suvereto, Italy. While his battalion was pinned down by
heavy fire from an enemy position, Sergeant Kaichi and a comrade
accompanied a lieutenant on a mission to determine the location of the
enemy guns. After completing this mission they crawled back under
repeated enemy machine gun and machine pistol fire. When they reached
the area previously occupied by one of their companies, they came upon
a seriously wounded soldier. Picking him up, Sergeant Kaichi and his
comrades carried him to the cover of a culvert 30 yards away. When the
lieutenant went for aid, it became no longer safe to stay there, so
Sergeant Kaichi and his comrade carried the wounded soldier to the
safety of a building across a flat open field with only a shallow
ditch for cover. For the entire 300 yards, under constant enemy fire,
they carried the wounded man on their backs as they inched ahead on
their stomachs. Upon nearing the building they left the security of
the ditch and made a dash for the building, exposing themselves
completely to enemy fire. After administering first aid, in partial
view of the enemy, they carried him back to our lines under cover of
our own artillery and mortar barrage. Sergeant Kaichi's daring courage
and utter disregard for personal safety under extremely dangerous
enemy fire exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 69 (July 27, 1944)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
KAISAKI, ARTHUR A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Arthur A. Kaisaki (39918221), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
against the enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 442d
Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 14
November 1944, in France. Wounded in the leg by a grenade fragment,
Private Kaisaki refused to leave his patrol which had not yet
completed its mission of neutralizing an enemy strong point. He then
crawled to a culvert on high ground 40 yards away, over an area under
enemy observation, assumed a position from which he could fire into
the enemy-occupied buildings, and temporarily silenced the enemy
weapons while his comrades joined him in the culvert. When one of the
men was wounded and failed to reach cover, Private Kaisaki exposed
himself to pull him to safety and render first aid. He then returned
to the culvert and fired four rounds of rifle grenades in rapid
succession, silencing the enemy machine gun which had been firing at
his patrol.
Headquarters, Sixth Army Group,
General Orders No. 11, (February 23, 1945)
Home Town: Lewiston, Idaho
KANAYA, JIMMIE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jimmie Kanaya (19020945), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the
enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 442d Regimental
Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 5 July 1944,
in the vicinity of Castallina, Italy. When the Battalion to which
Sergeant Kanaya was attached was subjected to an intense artillery and
mortar barrage, nine men from one of the companies were seriously
wounded. In spite of the concentrated machine gun fire, Sergeant
Kanaya, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, crawled to
the wounded soldiers and rapidly and effectively rendered first aid to
them for a period of two and one-half hours until every man had been
properly cared for. The extreme courage and devotion to his comrades
displayed by Sergeant Kanaya was exemplary and a credit to himself and
his organization.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 98 (September 19, 1944)
Home Town: Portland, Oregon
KANAZAWA, HIROSHI
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Hiroshi Kanazawa (39916447), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 442d Regimental
Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 9 July 1944,
in the vicinity of Castellina, Italy. When eight men of the company
were wounded during an engagement with the enemy, Private First Class
Kanazawa efficiently administered first aid and evacuated all eight of
them. Three times, on his own initiative, he crawled forward under
enemy mortar, automatic and small arms fire to render first aid to his
wounded comrades 50 yards in front of friendly lines. During the
afternoon, Private First Class Kanazawa gave first aid to every
wounded man in the Company. Private First Class Kanazawa's
fearlessness, determination and devotion to duty was an inspiration to
his fellow comrades and a credit to the Armed Forces of the United
States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 150 (December 7, 1944)
Home Town: Hunt, Idaho
KASHINO, SHIRO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Shiro Kashino (39919567), Staff Sergeant [then
Private], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against the enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion,
442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, on
14 April 1945, in Italy. Staff Sergeant Kashino led a platoon in an
attack on an enemy observation post located on a hill overlooking
Carrara. Leaving one squad to support the assault as a base of fire,
Staff Sergeant Kashino led two squads to the foot of their objective
where he sent one squad to the right and one to the left while he
proceeded alone to the peak of the reverse slope. Reaching the top, he
encountered two enemy emplacements, each manned by two enemy soldiers.
Opening up with his submachine gun, he killed two and wounded a third
as they fled down the slope of the hill. Meanwhile, hostile forces
began firing on the assault group from three sides and the platoon
leader asked for volunteers to go back and ask for mortar support. He
volunteered to go and, while descending the hill, noticed a number of
his men who were wounded and under enemy machine gun fire. The foe
fired at him but he delivered his message to the mortar section and
returned to aid the wounded, found their strength depleted by
casualties, and went back to the mortar section and obtained makeshift
litters and bearers who, directed by him, evacuated the injured. He
then returned to the top of the hill and reorganized his men for
defense. At dawn, the foe counterattacked again but Staff Sergeant
Kashino fully exposed himself and wounded two and pinned down three
more of the foe who were attempting to creep up on his position. His
heroic gallantry exemplifies the highest traditions of the American
Soldier.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 100 (October 20, 1945)
Home Town: Salt Lake City, Utah
KASHIWA, GENRO
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Genro Kashiwa (30104311), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy
while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat
Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, on 5 April 1945, in
Italy. Technical Sergeant Kashiwa was in charge of a platoon assigned
to clear the summit of a mountain to prevent a hostile counterattack
on his battalion's positions. After a personal reconnaissance, he
directed one squad to attempt to move around the base of the summit
and take the enemy from the rear while he led the other squad in a
frontal assault. The plan worked excellently and his squad was able to
almost reach the top before detected. Catching the enemy soldiers ten
yards away from their machine guns, he rushed forward and cut the
Germans off from their weapons. After firing one shot with his tommy
gun, the weapon jammed but the foe was confused and fled. He quickly
seized an enemy machine gun and fired it on the fleeing soldiers,
forcing them to seek shelter in a reinforced bunker and then he
crawled alone to within grenade range and threw two grenades which
forced the remaining six Germans to surrender. His outstanding courage
reflects great credit on the finest traditions of the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 97 (October 9, 1945)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII)
KASTL, ORIEN A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Orien A. Kastl (37515326), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A,
88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in
Germany on 1 March 1945. When two of his comrades were pinned down
near a road block by intense automatic weapons, rifle and anti-tank
fire, Sergeant Kastl voluntarily moved forward with a one-quarter ton
vehicle. He fought his way to the side of his comrades and succeeded
in bringing them to safety. The entire action was carried out against
intense fire in the face of an advancing enemy. Sergeant Kastl's
actions reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 61 (July 4, 1945)
Home Town: Bronson, Kansas
KAUFFMAN, ALBERT
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Albert Kauffman, Private First Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
an Antiaircraft Gun Crew of the 1st Infantry Division, on 6 February
1944, near Mount Trocchio, Italy. On that date, enemy shelling of an
antiaircraft gun position resulted in a direct hit on a loaded
ammunition trailer. Private First Class Kauffman and his gun sergeant
were wounded by exploding ammunition. Although painfully wounded,
Private First Class Kauffman removed the sergeant and dragged him out
of danger. Finding the sergeant dead, Private First Class Kauffman
returned to the trailer to extinguish the fire despite further
shelling and the danger of more explosions. Only after putting the
fire out did he seek medical aid for himself. Private First Class
Kauffman's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 39 (1944)
KAUFFMAN, ALBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Albert L. Kauffman (33025310), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Coast
Artillery Corps on 6 February 1944, near Mount Trocchio, Italy. Enemy
shelling of a gun position resulted in a direct hit on a loaded
ammunition trailer. A fire was started and exploding ammunition
wounded Private Kauffman and his gun sergeant. Although painfully
injured, Private Kauffman removed the sergeant from the danger area.
Finding the sergeant dead upon examination he returned despite
continued shelling to extinguish the fire. Only after doing all he
could toward putting out the fire did Private Kauffman seek medical
aid for himself. His conduct during this action exemplifies the
highest standards of the military service.
Headquarters, II Corps, General
Orders No. 36 (June 9, 1944)
Home Town: Parkeburg, Pennsylvania
KAUFMANN, VICTOR F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Victor F. Kaufmann (11092095), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th
Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, on 26 March 1945, in
Germany. When Private Kaufmann's company was subjected to heavy enemy
artillery, machine gun, and tank fire, one of his comrades was
seriously wounded. Despite the intense fire Private Kaufmann
immediately crawled to his side, applied a tourniquet, and carefully
checked the bleeding. When the company withdrew to escape the
continuous fire, Private Kaufmann remained behind administering aid
until the man could be safely moved. Then, amid the heavy fire, he
carried his wounded comrade two hundred yards to the new company
positions and saw him safely evacuated.
Headquarters, 30th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 137 (June 1, 1945)
Home Town: Indiana
KAWAMOTO, HARUO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Haruo Kawamoto (30101945), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion
(Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 29 November
1943, in the vicinity of Cerosulo, Italy. When Private First Class
Kawamoto, assistant BAR gunner, saw that his ammunition carrier was
seriously wounded he immediately ran to him and gave him first -aid,
exposing himself to heavy enemy machine gun, rifle and mortar fire.
When he had assured himself that his comrade was being taken care of,
he returned to his position and materially aided the BAR gunner in
knocking out an enemy machine gun nest, an anti-aircraft position and
in the capturing of several prisoners. Private First Class Kawamoto's
courageous and selfless action reflects highest credit upon himself
and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 42 (1944)
Born: June 17, 1916 at Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII), Bronze Star, 2@ Purple Hearts
KELLER, JAMES A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James A. Keller (0-1015127), First Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 745th
Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in
Germany on 17 October 1944. First Lieutenant Keller's outstanding
gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 42 (February 17, 1945)
Home Town: Mineral Wells, Texas
KELLY, DAVID B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David B. Kelly (0-1013091), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving
with Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany
on 5 March 1945. Leading a tank attack on a heavily fortified enemy
position, Captain Kelly personally directed the assault from his tank.
When his vehicle was knocked out by enemy fire, he continued to lead
on foot. During the engagement, Captain Kelly was wounded, but refused
evacuation until the objective was taken and his company was
reorganized. In leading the assault, he displayed extraordinary
bravery and expert tactical knowledge. His inspiring example and
leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military
Service of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 12 (March 22, 1945)
Home Town: South Amboy, New Jersey
KELLY, THOMAS J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas J. Kelly (0-1301159), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 34th
Infantry Division, on the night of ** November 1943, in the vicinity
of *****, Italy. Lieutenant Kelly, Communications Officer of the Third
Battalion, was following the ration carrying party of the forward
units of the Battalion in order to supply wire for a possible advance.
When the party reached a point in a heavily mined area where engineers
had been stopped temporarily because of loss of men and equipment due
to personnel mines, Lieutenant Kelly personally reconnoitered a trail
through the minefield. With utter disregard for his own personal
safety, and although hindered by darkness, Lieutenant Kelly disarmed
six of the dangerous enemy mines. His quick action greatly facilitated
the opening of the supply route to our forward units. Lieutenant
Kelly's conduct and courage in the face of grave danger was an
inspiration to the men under his command and a credit to the Armed
Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 6 (January 25, 1944)
Home Town: Long Island City, New York
KELLY, WILLIAM B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William B. Kelly (17089084), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company
C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 26 October 1944,
in France. On that date, Sergeant Kelly was assigned the mission of
flanking an enemy tank which was firing on his company. Skillfully
maneuvering forward, Sergeant Kelly worked his way to a distance of 25
yards in the rear of the tank location. Upon nearing the tank area he
discovered two tanks instead of one were firing. Using hand grenades,
Sergeant Kelly damaged both tanks beyond usability and captured both
tank crews. During the course of this action he was under continuous
hand grenade and heavy enemy fire.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 117 (1945)
Home Town: Pueblo, Colorado
*KEMP, JOHN J. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John J. Kemp (0-454328), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
serving with Battery C, 882d Field Artillery Battalion, 70th Infantry
Division, on 16 and 17 March 1945, near Saarbrucken, Germany. While
enemy artillery and machine guns were firing on his front line
observation post, Lieutenant Kemp observed and directed artillery fire
in support of an infantry-tank attack. When three tanks were
threatened by enemy fire, he concealed their position by calling for
and adjusting protective smoke upon the hostile anti-tank battery. The
next day, when hostile machine guns inflicted several casualties among
the troops, he voluntarily returned to his observation post and
directed artillery fire on the enemy guns. In this action, Lieutenant
Kemp was killed. His gallant sacrifice on behalf of fellow soldiers
exemplifies the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United
States.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 38 (May 14, 1945)
Home Town: Mapleton, Iowa
KEMP, LLOYD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lloyd R. Kemp (39420185), Technician Fifth Grade
[then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against
the enemy while serving with Company A, 80th Tank Battalion, 8th
Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. When his tank was
disabled, Corporal Kemp escaped to the shelter of a nearby house.
Seeing his tank commander lying wounded beside the tank, Corporal Kemp
left the security of his position and removed the wounded officer to
shelter. He remained with him, completely surrounded by enemy, tending
his wounds. His heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit on
himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 24 (May 3, 1945)
Home Town: Sacramento, California
KEMP, ROBERT J.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Robert J. Kemp (0-2055195), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while serving with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Gela, Sicily, on 11 July 1943.
When enemy tanks overran our positions, Second Lieutenant (the Staff
Sergeant) Kemp courageously remained in the forward area and inspired
his men to hold their ground, despite intense artillery and
machine-gun fire. Lieutenant Kemp's aggressive leadership and
exemplary conduct enabled his unit to reorganize and effectively repel
the attacking forces.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 23 (May 27, 1944)
Home Town: Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII)
KENNEY, WILLIAM R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William R. Kenney (0445359), First Lieutenant
(Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with the 227th Field Artillery Battalion, 29th
Infantry Division, in Normandy, France. On August 10 1944, information
was received that an advanced infantry battalion in the St Germain
sector was isolated and in desperate need of ammunition. Fully aware
of the hazards of the undertaking, First Lieutenant Kenney volunteered
to pilot a liaison plane to drop the ammunition to the beleaguered
battalion. Despite intense enemy small arms fire which was directed at
his slow, unarmed, light and extremely vulnerable aircraft, First
Lieutenant successfully reached his destination where urgently needed
ammunition was dropped. The intrepidity, professional skill and
devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant reflect great credit
upon himself and the Military Service.
Headquarters, 29th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 8 (1945)
Home Town: Colorado
KENNY, LESLIE R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Leslie R. Kenny (32853758), Private, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C,
88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in
Germany on 8 March 1945. While advancing with a patrol given the
mission of securing the bank of the Rhine River along a 1000 yard
front, Private Kenny observed three enemy setting up a machine gun
position to the left flank. Acting on his own initiative, Private
Kenny outflanked the position and took it. His initiative and devotion
to duty without regard for his own safety contributed materially to
the success of the operation and his actions reflect great credit upon
himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 84 (August 8, 1945)
Home Town: Johnstown, New York
*KEY, LEWIS ALBERT (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Lewis Albert Key (0-1291375),
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A,
100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry
Division, on ** November 1943, in Italy. Second Lieutenant Key and his
platoon were called upon to act as a point for the Battalion in an
attack on a hill. He went ahead with his scouts and located an
extensive enemy minefield that was directly in the point of advance.
Fully realizing the danger involved, Lieutenant Key marked off the
minefield and then, without mine detecting equipment, successfully
cleared a path through the field so that his battalion could pass
through. Second Lieutenant Key's courage, initiative and efficiency
was exemplary and a credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 9 (February 8, 1944)
Home Town: Hartsville, Tennessee
KIDDER, JAMES D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James D. Kidder (0-26227), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 274th
Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 21 February 1945. During
the battle for wooded terrain south of Styring Wendel, France, an
enemy counterattack cut off one company from the battalion and
regained a strong fortified position. Recognizing the seriousness of
the situation, Captain Kidder, organizing a group of men from three
separate tactical units, led them with such skill and aggressiveness
that they drove the enemy back, inflicting heavy casualties and
re-establishing contact with the company which had been cut off. After
quickly establishing defensive positions he went to the rear and,
despite hazardous enemy artillery fire, brought up a heavy machinegun
to a strategic position in time to aid in beating back another enemy
counterattack, accounting for 15 known dead. Throughout the action
Captain Kidder displayed such outstanding leadership and courage that
all the men were inspired to greater efforts and finally drove the
enemy from the fortified positions.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 23 (March 28, 1945)
Home Town: Sederna Park, Maryland
KILLERAN, THOMAS C.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas C. Killeran, Private, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 4th
Reconnaissance Battalion, on 6 June 1944, in France. On that date
Private Killeran with one companion, displaying the highest courage in
the face of unknown dangers, became one of the first American Soldiers
of the ground forces to land on French soil. He volunteered for the
mission of the landing on D-DAY on the Iles De St Marcouf, a
strategically placed island commanding the beach where assault was to
be made. Private Killeran and his companion paddled through heavy surf
and mined waters in a small two-man rubber boat to within 100 yards of
the island. Private Killeran then destroyed his craft by slashing it
open, and swam the remaining distance armed only with a knife. Once on
the island, which was heavily covered with anti-tank and
anti-personnel mines, Private Killeran and his companion signaled the
assault forces and marked the beach with lights. Private Killeran's
outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, VII Corps, General
Orders No. 43 (1944)
KIM, YOUNG OAK
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Young Oak Kim (0-1309572), First Lieutenant [then
Second Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company B,
100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry
Division, from ** to ** 1943, in Italy. Lieutenant Kim was one of
three men acting as scouts for his combat patrol having the mission of
clearing an area known to contain enemy machine-gun positions. When
the scouts, advancing ahead of the patrol, discovered a German
ammunition carrying party, Lieutenant Kim intentionally drew the enemy
fire so that the other two men could locate and dispose of the enemy
with hand grenades. Using the same tactics Lieutenant Kim and his
comrades accounted for four enemy machine-gun nests and captured seven
prisoners. On ** November 1943, Lieutenant Kim observed an entire
German company entering the area and though his patrol was
outnumbered, he held his ground, ordering his men to hold their fire
until an enemy platoon had entered the area. They then opened fire and
the trapped Germans fled in disorder, but Lieutenant Kim and his men
flanked them and drove them into adjacent friendly troops and as a
result, the entire platoon was either killed or captured. Lieutenant
Kim's outstanding leadership, courage and conduct in the face of grave
danger was highly meritorious and a credit to the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 9 (February 8, 1944)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII)
KINDER, HOWARD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Howard R. Kinder (38343763), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 517th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 18 September 1944, in France. While
acting as Platoon Scout, Private First Class Kinder discovered a group
of the enemy awaiting the approach of his platoon. After informing his
platoon leader of the situation, he proceeded forward for some 125
yards under direct small arms and machine gun fire from two enemy
machine gun positions. Though wounded in the face and shoulder,
Private First Class Kinder continued forward and placed such effective
fire upon the enemy groups with his sub-machine gun that they
withdrew. Private First Class Kinder's courageous action cleared the
way for his platoon and hastened their advance. The gallantry
displayed by Private First class Kinder, in advancing against direct
fire in spite of wounds, is in keeping with the highest traditions of
the United States Army.
Headquarters, XVIII Corps
(Airborne), G. O. No. 10 (January 22, 1945)
Home Town: Texas
KING, GLENN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Glenn E. King (32038702), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 36th
Armored Infantry Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in action on 18 April
1945, in Germany. Sergeant King's outstanding gallantry and devotion
to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 3d Armored
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3d Armored Division,
General Orders No. 63 (May 17, 1945)
Home Town: New Jersey
*KING, WILLIAM R. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to William R. King (37488142),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with Headquarters, 80th Tank Battalion, 8th
Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March and 31 March 1945. Private
King was driver of a one-quarter ton truck. When his platoon,
advancing on a reconnaissance mission, was pinned down by artillery
and small arms fire, he was instructed to make his way to safety.
Seeing one of the battalion tanks burning, he returned to the front
and attempted to evacuate the members of the tank crew. He then drove
another vehicle to safety under heavy fire. On the following day
Private King was pinned down by small arms and artillery fire. Seeing
that his platoon leader was wounded, he voluntarily left his position,
making his way across open terrain to inform the battalion commander
of the situation and to bring up medical aid. While so engaged he was
fatally wounded. His devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety
in the interest of his comrades is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 89 (August 14, 1945)
Home Town: Seward County, Nebraska
KINOSHITA, ROBERT S.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert S. Kinoshita (0-258299), Captain (Medical
Corps), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
against the enemy while serving as Battalion Surgeon, 38th Armored
Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division, on 16 August 1944, in the
area of Leves, France. As our troops fought their way into Leves,
fierce German opposition caused heavy casualties. Learning of the
plight of the wounded, Captain Kinoshita moved through fire-swept
streets to their aid. With only a slim wall for protection, he
collected, treated and swiftly evacuated the casualties. Even when the
battle reached its peak, Captain Kinoshita continued on his perilous
mission of mercy. Wounded himself, he braved hostile fire and burning
buildings that lined his path to reach the men who needed him. His
epic courage, which saved many of our wounded from suffering and
death, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 7th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 29 (1945)
KINOSHITA, ROBERT S.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to
Robert S. Kinoshita (0-258299), Captain (Medical Corps), U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy
while serving as Battalion Surgeon, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion,
7th Armored Division, on 17 September 1944, at Lorry Area, France.
Captain Kinoshita, while waiting in his jeep to advance forward into a
wooded area at Lorry Arena, with a march column, were shelled heavily
and continuously by 88-mm. shells and mortar shell fire of the enemy.
A tank stopped on the road just in front of Captain Kinoshita's jeep
was hit and at the next burst, Captain Kinoshita and his driver were
wounded by shrapnel. Disregarding his wounds, he carried his driver to
the ditch along the road, protecting the driver with his body and
treated him and directed his evacuation. He then ordered the vehicles
and men of his Detachment to return to the town of Lorry to set up an
emergency aid station. He then crept through the mud, for it was
raining heavily at the time, across to the other side of the road and
treated a severely wounded soldier. He then climbed on the tank to
evacuate the wounded even though heavy fire was being brought to bear
in that area. He treated many other patients even though he was
constantly under fire and even though he had been wounded. He carried
a patient through the mud and directed his evacuation. Then, after all
the patients had been taken care of, he left the scene of action to
have his wound treated. He then continued to treat the incoming
patients in the aid station. His daring and heroic action under fire
were observed by the men in the ditches and his work which was above
and beyond the call of ordinary duty, helped to reassure them and
inspire them to greater efforts. His gallant action was in accord with
the highest traditions of the United States Medical Corps. His work
not only raised the morale of the troops but also helped save many
lives.
War Department, General Orders No.
134 (1946)
Home Town: Oregon
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (WWII)
KINTER, KENNETH E.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Kenneth E. Kinter, First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second
Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Company I, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 20 April
1945, at 0900 hours, in Nurnberg, Germany, First Lieutenant Kinter ran
100 yards under fierce enemy rifle and machine gun fire to a large
building in which he took cover and engaged a Germany machine gun nest
100 yards away in a fight. Despite the heavy stream of bullets that
poured through the window from which he was firing, and with only a
carbine with which to ward off the enemy, First Lieutenant Kinter
fought valiantly against heavy odds, and in half an hour he killed or
wounded five Germans manning the machine gun emplacement and the
company was therefore able to move forward.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 223 (June 23, 1945)
Home Town: Afton, New York
*KISHI, ROBERT T. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert T. Kishi (39919576),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G,
2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d
Infantry Division, on 8 April 1945, near Seravezza, Italy. Five men
were severely wounded under the fire of enemy rifles and three machine
guns as their squad was advancing in attack. Private First Class Kishi,
a platoon runner, on his own initiative, immediately crawled
seventy-five yards to within fifty yards of the hostile guns. With his
carbine, he placed such accurate fire on the position that one machine
gun was silenced. Then, locating the position of another gun, he
sneaked upon the German officer manning it, forced his surrender, and
took him to the platoon. Private First Class Kishi then engaged in
aiding the wounded, and while so doing was mortally wounded himself.
Private First Class Kishi's gallant fighting spirit exemplified the
highest heroism of the American Soldier.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 60 (August 6, 1945)
Born: 1918 at Stockton, California
Home Town: Stockton, California
KLATZ, LOWELL V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lowell V. Klatz, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while serving with the Coast Artillery Regiment,
during the Japanese aerial attack on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7
December 1941. While on duty near Wahiawa, Staff Sergeant Klatz
distinguished himself with gallantry in action for bringing down a
Japanese plane with his automatic rifle. He voluntarily and on his own
initiative without regard for his own safety left the shelter of the
Command Post in the face of heavy fire from enemy planes. He coolly
waited in an exposed position until one of the enemy planes approached
within 100 yards and then deliberately aimed automatic rifle fire at
one of the two enemy planes. Firing along with Second Lieutenant
Stephen G. Saltzman, the combined fire caused the enemy plane to crash
resulting in the destruction of the airship and its crew. The cool
determination and disregard for his personal safety displayed was an
inspiration to the members of his regiment.
Authority: "Heroes of Pearl
Harbor", Donald K. & Helen L. Ross
KNOWLTON, MARTIN P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Martin P. Knowlton (1410744), Private, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical
Aidman with the 24th Infantry Division at Pastrana, Leyte, Philippine
Islands, on 27 October 1944. On this date, Private Knowlton, with
complete disregard for his own personal safety and in line with heavy
enemy sniper fire, administered medical aid to approximately ten
wounded men. This act required Private Knowlton to expose himself
repeatedly as a target to the enemy snipers and, despite the fact that
bullets were striking near him and the fact that one bullet penetrated
his jungle pack, he continued administering first aid. Private
Knowlton's daring and fearless courage exhibited in this feat is
worthy of the highest traditions of the army and reflects great credit
upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 29 (December 5, 1944)
Home Town: New York, New York
KOBASHI, KIYOMI K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Kiyomi K. Kobashi (37595818), Private First Class
[then Private], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th
Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d
Infantry Division, on 5 April 1945, in Italy. Private First Class
Kobashi was a scout advancing with his platoon leader and another
scout upon enemy positions under a friendly artillery barrage. When
the barrage lifted, he began climbing a steep slope and stumbled, his
hand touching a trip wire loosened by the shelling. He warned the men
behind him to detour the area and continued through the minefield
where he was soon fired upon by enemy machine gun fire which swept the
area. The foe then used a large number of hand grenades which caused
numerous casualties in the platoon but Private First Class Kobashi
continued crawling forward until within 15 yards of the hostile
outposts. Exposing himself to fire at the enemy, he noticed two
machine guns firing at his platoon. At that moment a grenade killed a
member of the adjacent platoon and he immediately picked up the dead
man's rifle, grenade launcher, and 6 rifle grenades. Then, exposing
himself in order to aim, he fired a grenade into a machine gun
emplacement, killing two of the enemy and silencing the weapon. His
courageous actions reflects high credit on the United States Army.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 97 (October 9, 1945)
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
*KOCH, JOHN G. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John G. Koch (36913196), Private,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving
with the 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in
Germany on 5 March 1945. Private Koch was advancing, dismounted, in
support of a tank attack. He pushed forward aggressively, without
regard for intense machine gun fire which pinned down men on both
sides of him. When his platoon encountered intense direct fire and
hand grenade attacks, it was necessary to withdraw to a nearby
building. While moving to this position Private Koch was mortally
wounded but managed to reach the cover of a ditch. When aid arrived
his chief concern was to direct assistance to a wounded officer. Not
until he had been assured the officer had been cared for, would he
allow himself to be moved. Realizing that silence was imperative, he
remained quiet despite the pain of his wounds. His courage and high
regard for the welfare of others reflect great credit on himself and
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 56 (June 28, 1945)
Home Town: Peoria, Illinois
KOGA, RICHARD H.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Richard H. Koga (30105087), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the
enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 100th Infantry
Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry
Division, on 14 April 1945, in Italy. A company of enemy troops
launched a counterattack on a platoon in an effort to retake a town. A
morning mist made it possible for the foe to infiltrate to within 100
yards of the platoon's positions before being detected. In the
firefight that followed, a number of men were wounded. Technician
Fifth Grade Koga, an attached Aid Man, was responsible for caring for
his wounded comrades. He left his slit trench during the heavy
fighting and went to their aid. Though the enemy threw hand grenades
and fired at him, he remained to administer aid. Thinking that the
enemy could not see his brassard, he removed it and waved it at them.
The enemy continued to fire upon him, with three of the bullets
piercing his clothes, but doing no damage to him. One bullet
perforated his right ear, but he kept at his work. Not until the
attack was repelled and the wounded evacuated did he receive treatment
for his wound. Technician Fifth Grade Koga's courageous devotion to
duty reflects the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 97 (October 9, 1945)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII)
*KOHARA, SADAICHI (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Sadaichi Kohara (30104510),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company K,
3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d
Infantry Division, on 20 April 1945, in Italy. Having advanced within
200 yards of the enemy, a patrol was suddenly pinned down by two
hostile machine guns. Leaving his men under cover, Private First Class
Kohara advanced 10 yards before locating the two machine gun
emplacements. Unable to advance through the crossfire, the patrol was
pinned down by this fire for a half an hour before he and a rifleman
could advance 50 yards. Finally reaching a vantage point 20 yards from
the first emplacement, Private first Class Kohara threw a hand grenade
and killed three of the foe. The two men wee withdrawing when the
rifleman was hit by a sniper. Private First Class Kohara dragged him
back to safety with his patrol. He returned to attempt to knock out
the remaining machine gun but the resistance was too great. Calling
for 81-mm. mortar fire, he immediately crawled 10 yards forward and
adjusted the fire until the hostile weapon was neutralized. Later,
while adjusting mortar fire on another hostile machine gun position,
he was mortally wounded. His outstanding courage exemplified the
finest traditions of the American Soldier.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 97 (October 9, 1945)
Born: March 8, 1923 at Honolulu, Hawaii
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
KOLHOSS, HARVEY O.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Harvey O. Kolhoss, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action while serving with the 79th Infantry Division,
in action against enemy forces in January 1945, at Hatton, France. On
that date, when Lieutenant Kolhoss could not establish radio contact
with another unit of tank destroyers, he rushed to their location
which was under heavy enemy fire. He found the platoon had suffered
the loss of its leader as well as two tank destroyers. Displaying
superb leadership under fire, Lt. Kolhoss immediately assumed command
and in swift succession formed road-blocks with the two remaining
destroyers and supervised their fire which resulted in the destruction
of an enemy Mark IV tank, reorganized nearby leaderless infantry into
a strong defensive line, and after the enemy had been repulsed,
assisted in evacuation of the wounded. First Lieutenant Kolhoss'
outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 79th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 79th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 71 (1945)
Born: September 15, 1914 at Fallon, Nevada
Home Town: Fallon, Nevada
KOMETANI, KATSUMI
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Katsumi Kometani (0-476008), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
the enemy while serving with the Medical Detachment, 100th Infantry
Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry
Division, near Fort Bastione, Italy, on 18 April 1945. When a combat
patrol was isolated approximately a mile from the front lines and in
urgent need of litter crews, Captain Kometani volunteered to lead the
crews over two miles of mountainous terrain to the patrol. Although
under harassing fire and in danger of enemy patrols, he led his men
forward; until, three hours later, the party reached the patrol.
Largely because of his efforts, the wounded were saved from suffering
and the patrol was able to extricate itself from a difficult
situation. His courage and able service has on this and numerous other
occasions, contributed materially to the welfare of the men of the
battalion, and his devotion to duty, and able leadership, reflect
great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces,
Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 15 (January
16, 1946)
KOMIYAMA, CLARENCE M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Clarence M. Komiyama (30105752), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
against the enemy while serving as a Medial Aidman with the 442d
Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 17
October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France. During an intense
artillery barrage, Private First Class Komiyama and several of his
comrades were wounded. Although suffering from a painful shrapnel
wound, he crawled to the other wounded men and rendered them first
aid. When the shelling lifted and aid arrived from the company, he
refused to be treated before he had cared for the five wounded men.
Only after having supervised the evacuation of all the casualties did
he consent to receive treatment for his wounds. Private First Class
Komiyama's disregard for personal safety and devotion to duty
exemplify the highest traditions of the Medical Department of the
United States Army.
Headquarters, 7th Army, General
Orders No. 126 (December 18, 1944)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
KOMODA, MASAO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Masao Komoda (18080044), Private, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy
while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d
Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 20
October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France. Ambushed by the
enemy, one platoon of Company C was pinned down by enemy fire. From
the surrounding woods, the enemy Tiger tanks supported by fifty
riflemen, suddenly appeared. When his squad leader seized a bazooka
and commenced firing at the tanks, Private Komoda unhesitatingly
exposed himself to direct tank and rifle fire in order to load the
weapon. He thus enabled his squad leader to fire three rounds at the
advancing enemy, disabling the leading tank and causing the enemy
force to withdraw. Private Komoda's utter disregard for personal
safety in the face of intense tank and rifle fire contributed
immeasurably in repulsing a strong enemy force.
Headquarters, 7th Army, General
Orders No. 134 (December 26, 1944)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
KONDO, AKIRA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Akira Kondo (30106277), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy
while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat
Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 20 October 1944, near
Bruyeres, France. During a heavy concentration of enemy artillery
fire, Sergeant Kondo and his mortar squad were pinned down in an open
field. During the course of the barrage, one man was seriously
injured. Sergeant Kondo, realizing that his men were dangerously
exposed, ordered them to take cover. While going to the rescue of his
wounded comrade, Sergeant Kondo was wounded. Despite his injury he
calmly administered first aid to the stricken soldier, then amid the
terrific artillery barrage, he carried him to safety. Sergeant Kondo's
daring rescue of a wounded comrade in the face of intense enemy
artillery fire exemplifies the highest traditions of the Armed Forces
of the United States.
Headquarters, 7th Army, General
Orders No. 126 (December 18, 1944)
Home Town: Hilo, Hawaii
*KONDO, HARUSHI (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harushi Kondo (30100396), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters Company,
100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), in action on 4 November 1943, in
the vicinity of Neafro, Italy. Private First Class Kondo, a member of
a wire team, was laying communication wire to his Battalion forward
Command Post along a road when an enemy group armed with approximately
six rifles and two machine-guns opened fired on him at close range.
Unable to by-pass the position and in spite of the concentrated fire,
Private Kondo and his comrades determined to push on through.
Returning the enemy fire as best they could, he and his comrades
continued laying the wire. During this action Private First Class
Kondo was mortally wounded, but even as he fell he hurled a hand
grenade at the nearest machine-gun nest. Private First Class Kondo's
devotion to duty, courage and unusual bravery was exemplary and a
credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 6 (January 25, 1944)
Born: May 28, 1913 28, 1913 at Aiea, Oahu, Hawaii
Home Town: Aiea, Oahu, Hawaii
KOONTZ, DONALD J.
(First Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald J. Koontz (35015421), Technician Fifth
Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action at New Georgia, Solomon
Islands, in rushing through a fire-swept area to carry a wounded
soldier to safety where he administered first aid on 1 August 1943.
Technician Fifth Grade Koontz's outstanding gallantry and devotion to
duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in
the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 394 (1943)
Home Town: Maumee, Ohio
Personal Awards: Silver Star w/OLC (WWII)
*KROL, JOHN M. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John M. Krol (0-1309025), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with the 422d Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry
Division, on 16 December 1944, in Germany. When his regiment was
overrun by a strong enemy force, Lieutenant Krol went to his division
command post with information concerning the situation and to receive
further orders for his regiment. On his return trip, he discovered
that his regiment had been virtually surrounded. Knowing the
importance of delivering his message, Lieutenant Krol braved the enemy
fire and was fatally wounded in his attempt to pass through the
enemy-held territory.
Headquarters, 1st Army, General
Orders No. 8 (January 18, 1946)
Home Town: New York
KRONONGER, DONALD C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald C. Krononger (33836793), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Company B, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored
Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945, 2 April and 12 April 1945. On 5
March Private Krononger was personally responsible for the surrender
of twenty enemy who were endangering his platoon's advance. On another
occasion he returned across open fields under fire to recover
equipment left behind by wounded comrades. Later he manned an
automatic rifle after the rifleman had been wounded. On 12 April his
aggressive actions forced surrender of several heavily armed enemy who
were defending a house in the outskirts of a town. Although wounded on
two different occasions, he refused evacuation on both occasions in
order to continue with the action. His courage and devotion to duty
reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United
States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 76 (July 27, 1945)
Home Town: Allentown, Pennsylvania
KRUG, CLARENCE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Clarence A. Krug (37665826), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 8th
Armored Division in Germany on 28 February 1945. Sergeant Krug
voluntarily advanced to help clear a mine field which was under heavy
artillery and small arms fire. After the field was cleared he crossed
500 yards of open terrain to lead tanks forward. On another occasion
Sergeant Krug was in charge of a patrol charged with the mission of
reconnoitering a destroyed bridge. He led his patrol behind enemy
lines, displaying great skill in avoiding detection. The patrol
returned with valuable information. His courage, skill and devotion to
duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 76 (July 27, 1945)
Home Town: Iowa
KUBALA, SYLVESTER J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Sylvester J. Kubala (18033101), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company
C, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 4 January 1945.
When an enemy machine gun threatened to halt his platoon's advance,
Private First Class Kubala crawled 100 yards over snow-covered terrain
in daylight, under severe hostile fire, to a position from where he
could engage the German gun. Disregarding the hail of enemy fire, he
single-handedly charged the gun, firing his M-1 rifle as he ran,
killing two of the crew and capturing four others. His intrepid and
courageous action accounted for an enemy machine gun and six Germans,
and enabled his platoon to continue its advance.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 93 (August 11, 1945)
Home Town: Iowa Park, Texas
KUNIEDA, MINORU
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Minoru Kunieda (30101708), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
the enemy while serving with Company D, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d
Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 20
August 1944, near Riglione di Pisa, Italy. When an enemy
reconnaissance patrol infiltrated to within four yards of a machine
gun position manned by Private First Class Kunieda and another
soldier, their machine gun failed to function. Private First Class
Kunieda, with complete disregard for his own safety and armed only
with a .45 caliber pistol, forced the enemy patrol to withdraw. His
courage and determination were instrumental in successfully defending
an important position in his unit's sector against a superior enemy
force.
Headquarters, 7th Army, General
Orders No. 138 (December 27, 1944)
Home Town: Hilo, Hawaii
KUNIGELIS, JOHN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John J. Kunigelis (33148944), Corporal, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the
54th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Armored Division, in action on 27
March 1945, in Germany. Corporal Kunigelis' outstanding gallantry and
devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 3d
Armored Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3d Armored Division,
General Orders No. 63 (May 17, 1945)
Home Town: Pennsylvania
KUNTZ, ROBERT A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert A. Kuntz (0-448365), First Lieutenant
(Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with Battery A, 398th Armored Field Artillery
Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945.
Lieutenant Kuntz went to the aid of a forward observer and his tank
crew seriously injured by enemy fire. To reach the position, he
traversed a section of road swept by constant fire. After evacuating
the wounded officer, he returned through the same dangerous area to
aid members of the crew. He then remained to serve as forward
observer, adjusting fire on the enemy gun that was holding up the
advance of a tank company. His actions, beyond the call of duty,
reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United
States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 30 (May 9, 1945)
Home Town: Indiana
KUR, EDWARD T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Edward T. Kur (36036827), Technical Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Leader
in Company A, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division,
at Ubstadt, Germany, on 2 April 1945. When his platoon was encircled
by hostile forces, Technical Sergeant Kur, braving intense enemy fire,
personally neutralized the enemy positions with machine gun fire and
hand grenades, enabling his men to effect a safe withdrawal. His
gallant achievement reflects great credit upon himself and the
military forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 10th Armored
Division, General Orders No. 158 (July 11, 1945)
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
KURTZ, RAYMOND H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Raymond H. Kurtz (33594299), Technician Fifth
Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving as a Medical Aidman with the 49th Armored Infantry Battalion,
8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Corporal Kurtz,
carried out his duties in the face of heavy machine gun and mortar
fire despite serious wounds which he sustained. With a compound
fracture of one leg, he crawled under fire to the assistance of three
wounded men. He dragged another man to safety from a position exposed
to small arms fire. His own strength failing, he then dragged himself
to a house where he continued to give aid to other wounded men until
he lost consciousness. In carrying out his missions of mercy, Corporal
Kurtz displayed gallantry that was beyond the call of duty.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 12 (March 22, 1945)
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
KUSUNOKI, TAKASHI
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Takashi Kusunoki (30104561), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against
the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d
Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, near
Biffontaine, France, on 29 October 1944. In an attempt to establish
contact with an entrapped battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment,
Company A was suddenly pinned down by direct fire from an enemy tank
and several of the men seriously wounded. Private First Class Kusonoki,
noticing the helpless condition of his wounded comrades, fearlessly
left his covered position and rushed to their aid. Though the enemy
continued with his deadly tank fire, Private First Class Kusunoki
courageously administered first aid to the wounded and, with the help
of a fellow soldier carried them to a place of comparative safety. By
his courageous action Private First Class Kusunoki was an inspiration
to every member of his unit and reflects credit upon himself and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Sixth Army Group,
General Orders No. 3, (January 18, 1945)
Home Town: Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii
KUWAYAMA, YEIICHI
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Yeiichi Kuwayama (32013547), Technician Fourth
Grade, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while serving while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 442d
Regimental Combat Team, in action near Biffontaine, France, on 29
October 1944. Observing a comrade severely wounded and lying fully
exposed to intense hostile fire, Technician Fourth Grade Kuwayama,
with utter disregard for his own safety, quickly left his sheltered
position and crawled toward the injured man. Although he received a
shrapnel wound in the head and was partially blinded by his own blood,
Technician Fourth Grade Kuwayama reached his fallen comrade and calmly
administered first aid to his comrade. He then dragged the wounded man
to safety through a hail of bursting mortar shells and machine gun
fire. Technician Fourth Grade Kuwayama's complete disregard for
personal safety, and undaunted bravery exemplify the finest traditions
of the Army of the United States.
Headquarters, 7th Army, General
Orders No. 28 (February 2, 1945)
Home Town: Woodside, Queens, New York
