"Private Mikio Hasemoto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
action on 29 November 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy. A
force of approximately 40 enemy soldiers, armed with machine guns,
machine pistols, rifles, and grenades, attacked the left flank of his
platoon. Two enemy soldiers with machine guns advanced forward, firing
their weapons. Private Hasemoto, an automatic rifleman, challenged these
two machine gunners. After firing four magazines at the approaching
enemy, his weapon was shot and damaged. Unhesitatingly, he ran 10 yards
to the rear, secured another automatic rifle and continued to fire until
his weapon jammed. At this point, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader
had killed approximately 20 enemy soldiers. Again, Private Hasemoto ran
through a barrage of enemy machine gun fire to pick up an M-1 rifle. Continuing their fire, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader killed 10
more enemy soldiers. With only three enemy soldiers left, he and his
squad leader charged courageously forward, killing one, wounding one,
and capturing another. The following day, Private Hasemoto continued to
repel enemy attacks until he was killed by enemy fire. Private
Hasemoto'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."
From Pvt. Hasemoto's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on June 21, 2000.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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