*Nakamura, William K.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442nd Infantry. Place and date: Castellina, Italy. Born:
21 January 1922, Seattle, Wash. Entered service at: Minidoka
Relocation Center, Hunt, Idaho
Citation:
Private First Class William K. Nakamura distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. During a fierce firefight, Private First
Class Nakamura’s platoon became pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a
concealed position. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura crawled 20 yards
toward the hostile nest with fire from the enemy machine gun barely missing him. Reaching
a point 15 yards from the position, he quickly raised himself to a kneeling position and
threw four hand grenades, killing or wounding at least three of the enemy soldiers. The
enemy weapon silenced, Private First Class Nakamura crawled back to his platoon, which was
able to continue its advance as a result of his courageous action. Later, his company was
ordered to withdraw from the crest of a hill so that a mortar barrage could be placed on
the ridge. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura remained in position to
cover his comrades’ withdrawal. While moving toward the safety of a wooded draw, his
platoon became pinned down by deadly machine gun fire. Crawling to a point from which he
could fire on the enemy position, Private First Class Nakamura quickly and accurately
fired his weapon to pin down the enemy machine gunners. His platoon was then able to
withdraw to safety without further casualties. Private First Class Nakamura was killed
during this heroic stand. Private First Class Nakamura’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.
