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MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KAORU MOTO
Unit: Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate),
U.S. Army
Place of heroic deed: Castellina, Italy
Date of heroic deed: July 7, 1944
*Awarded posthumously
CITATION
Private First Class Kaoru Moto distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 7 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. While
serving as first scout, Private First Class Moto observed a machine
gun nest that was hindering his platoon’s progress. On his
own initiative, he made his way to a point ten paces from the
hostile position, and killed the enemy machine gunner. Immediately,
the enemy assistant gunner opened fire in the direction of Private
First Class Moto. Crawling to the rear of the position, Private
First Class Moto surprised the enemy soldier, who quickly surrendered.
Taking his prisoner with him, Private First Class Moto took a
position a few yards from a house to prevent the enemy from using
the building as an observation post. While guarding the house
and his prisoner, he observed an enemy machine gun team moving
into position. He engaged them, and with deadly fire forced the
enemy to withdraw. An enemy sniper located in another house fired
at Private First Class Moto, severely wounding him. Applying first
aid to his wound, he changed position to elude the sniper fire
and to advance. Finally relieved of his position, he made his
way to the rear for treatment. Crossing a road, he spotted an
enemy machine gun nest. Opening fire, he wounded two of the three
soldiers occupying the position. Not satisfied with this accomplishment,
he then crawled forward to a better position and ordered the enemy
soldier to surrender. Receiving no answer, Private First Class
Moto fired at the position, and the soldiers surrendered. Private
First Class Moto’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service
and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States
Army.
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