*Ono, Frank H.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Place and date:
Castellina, Italy, 4 July 1944. Entered service at: North Judson, Indiana
Citation:
Private First Class Frank H. Ono distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action
on 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. In attacking a heavily defended hill, Private
First Class Ono’s squad was caught in a hail of formidable fire from the
well-entrenched enemy. Private First Class Ono opened fire with his automatic rifle and
silenced one machine gun 300 hundred yards to the right front. Advancing through incessant
fire, he killed a sniper with another burst of fire, and while his squad leader
reorganized the rest of the platoon in the rear, he alone defended the critical position.
His weapon was then wrenched from his grasp by a burst of enemy machine pistol fire as
enemy troops attempted to close in on him. Hurling hand grenades, Private First Class Ono
forced the enemy to abandon the attempt, resolutely defending the newly won ground until
the rest of the platoon moved forward. Taking a wounded comrade's rifle, Private First
Class Ono again joined in the assault. After killing two more enemy soldiers, he boldly
ran through withering automatic, small arms, and mortar fire to render first aid to his
platoon leader and a seriously wounded rifleman. In danger of being encircled, the platoon
was ordered to withdraw. Volunteering to cover the platoon, Private First Class Ono
occupied virtually unprotected positions near the crest of the hill, engaging an enemy
machine gun emplaced on an adjoining ridge and exchanging fire with snipers armed with
machine pistols. Completely disregarding his own safety, he made himself the constant
target of concentrated enemy fire until the platoon reached the comparative safety of a
draw. He then descended the hill in stages, firing his rifle, until he rejoined the
platoon. Private First Class Ono’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.
