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MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
2ND LIEUTENANT DANIEL K. INOUYE
Unit: Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team,
U.S. Army
Place of heroic deed: San Terenzo, Italy
Date of heroic deed: April 21, 1945
*Later 1st Lieutenant
*Living recipient
CITATION
Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo,
Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important
road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his
platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire,
in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of
an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40
yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations,
the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine
guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second
Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five
yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying
the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up
and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by
a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile
positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered
his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation
and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was
broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions.
In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others
captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable
leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance
through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture
of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye’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.
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