Sakato, George T.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army,
Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: Biffontaine, France, 29
October, 1944. Born: 19 February 1921, Colcon, CA Entered service
at: Glendale, Ariz.
Citation:
Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29
October 1944, on hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. After his platoon had
virtually destroyed two enemy defense lines, during which he personally killed five enemy
soldiers and captured four, his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Disregarding the
enemy fire, Private Sakato made a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to charge and
destroy the enemy strongpoint. While his platoon was reorganizing, he proved to be the
inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack on the left flank during which his
squad leader was killed. Taking charge of the squad, he continued his relentless tactics,
using an enemy rifle and P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack. During this entire
action, he killed 12 and wounded two, personally captured four and assisted his platoon in
taking 34 prisoners. By continuously ignoring enemy fire, and by his gallant courage and
fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat into victory and helped his platoon complete
its mission. Private Sakato’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.
