Inouye, Daniel K.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, Company E, 442nd Infantry. Place and date: San Terenzo, Italy, 21
April 1945. Birth: 7 September 1924, Honolulu, Hawaii. Entered service at:
Honolulu, Hawaii.
Citation:
Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking 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.
