*Moto, Kaoru
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Place and date:
Castellina, Italy, 7 July, 1944. Birth: Hawaii. Entered service at:
Spreckelsville, Maui, Hawaii.
Citation:
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 ten 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.
