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MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
PRIVATE GEORGE T. SAKATO
Unit: Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team,
U.S. Army
Place of heroic deed: Biffontaine, France
Date of heroic deed: October 29, 1944
*Living recipient
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.
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