*Muranaga, Kiyoshi K.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company F, 442nd Infantry. Place and date: Suvereto, Italy, 26
June 1944. Born: Lost Angeles, Calif. Entered service at:
Ameche, Colo.
Citation:
Private First Class Kiyoshi K. Muranaga distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 26 June 1944, near Suvereto, Italy. Private First Class Muranaga’s company
encountered a strong enemy force in commanding positions and with superior firepower. An
enemy 88mm self-propelled gun opened direct fire on the company, causing the men to
disperse and seek cover. Private First Class Muranaga’s mortar squad was ordered to
action, but the terrain made it impossible to set up their weapons. The squad leader,
realizing the vulnerability of the mortar position, moved his men away from the gun to
positions of relative safety. Because of the heavy casualties being inflicted on his
company, Private First Class Muranaga, who served as a gunner, attempted to neutralize the
88mm weapon alone. Voluntarily remaining at his gun position, Private First Class Muranaga
manned the mortar himself and opened fire on the enemy gun at a range of approximately 400
yards. With his third round, he was able to correct his fire so that the shell landed
directly in front of the enemy gun. Meanwhile, the enemy crew, immediately aware of the
source of mortar fire, turned their 88mm weapon directly on Private First Class
Muranaga’s position. Before Private First Class Muranaga could fire a fourth round,
an 88mm shell scored a direct hit on his position, killing him instantly. Because of the
accuracy of Private First Class Muranaga’s previous fire, the enemy soldiers decided
not to risk further exposure and immediately abandoned their position. Private First Class
Muranaga’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.
