*Nishimoto, Joe M.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: La
Houssiere, France, 7 November 1944. Born: Fresno, Calif. Entered
service at: Marion, Ohio.
Citation:
Private First Class Joe M. Nishimoto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 7 November 1944, near La Houssiere, France. After three days of unsuccessful
attempts by his company to dislodge the enemy from a strongly defended ridge, Private
First Class Nishimoto, as acting squad leader, boldly crawled forward through a heavily
mined and booby-trapped area. Spotting a machine gun nest, he hurled a grenade and
destroyed the emplacement. Then, circling to the rear of another machine gun position, he
fired his submachine gun at point-blank range, killing one gunner and wounding another.
Pursuing two enemy riflemen, Private First Class Nishimoto killed one, while the other
hastily retreated. Continuing his determined assault, he drove another machine gun crew
from its position. The enemy, with their key strong points taken, were forced to withdraw
from this sector. Private First Class Nishimoto’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.
