*Hasemoto, Mikio
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army,
Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Place and date: Cerasuolo, Italy,
29 November 1943. Born: 13 July 1916, Honolulu, Hawaii. Entered
service at: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Citation:
Private Mikio Hasemoto distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy.
A force of approximately 40 enemy soldiers, armed with machine guns, machine pistols,
rifles, and grenades, attacked the left flank of his platoon. Two enemy soldiers with
machine guns advanced forward, firing their weapons. Private Hasemoto, an automatic
rifleman, challenged these two machine gunners. After firing four magazines at the
approaching enemy, his weapon was shot and damaged. Unhesitatingly, he ran 10 yards to the
rear, secured another automatic rifle and continued to fire until his weapon jammed. At
this point, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader had killed approximately 20 enemy
soldiers. Again, Private Hasemoto ran through a barrage of enemy machine gun fire to pick
up an M-1 rifle. Continuing their fire, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader killed 10
more enemy soldiers. With only three enemy soldiers left, he and his squad leader charged
courageously forward, killing one, wounding one, and capturing another. The following day,
Private Hasemoto continued to repel enemy attacks until he was killed by enemy fire.
Private Hasemoto’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
United States Army.
