Hayashi, Shizuya
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army,
Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Place and date: Cerasuolo, Italy,
29 November 1943. Born: 28 November 1917, Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii Entered
service at: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Citation:
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.
