Yeiki Kobashigawa
"Technical Sergeant Yeiki Kobashigawa distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action on 2 June 1944, in the vicinity of
Lanuvio, Italy. During an attack, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's
platoon encountered strong enemy resistance from a series of machine
guns providing supporting fire. Observing a machine gun nest 50 yards
from his position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa crawled forward with
one of his men, threw a grenade and then charged the enemy with his
submachine gun while a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed
one enemy soldier and captured two prisoners. Meanwhile, Technical
Sergeant Kobashigawa and his comrade were fired upon by another machine
gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a squad to advance to his first position,
Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa again moved forward with a fellow soldier
to subdue the second machine gun nest. After throwing grenades into the
position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa provided close supporting fire
while a fellow soldier charged, capturing four prisoners. On the alert
for other machine gun nests, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa discovered
four more, and skillfully led a squad in neutralizing two of them.
Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa'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 T/Sgt. Kobashigawa's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on June 21, 2000.
Delayed but ultimately given the honor he deserved,
Brian & Mel
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