

Rank and
organization: Private, U.S.
Army, Company I, 442nd RCT. Place and date: Near Eastern
France, 19, 22, 29
October 1944. Entered service at:
Honolulu, Hawaii. Born: 16 September 1916,
Punene, Hawaii. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. Private Barney
F. Hajiro distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action on 19, 22, and 29
October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres
and Biffontaine, Eastern France. Private Hajiro,
while acting as security guard on top of an embankment on 19 October 1944, in the vicinity of
Bruyeres, France,
rendered assistance to allied troops attacking a house 200 yards away by
exposing himself to enemy fire and directing fire at an enemy strong
point. He assisted the unit on his right
by firing his automatic rifle and killing or wounding two enemy snipers. On 22 October 1944, he and one comrade took
up an outpost security position about 50 yards to the right front of their
platoon, concealed themselves, and ambushed an 18-man, heavily armed enemy
patrol, killing two, wounding one, and taking the remainder as prisoners. On 29
October 1944 in a wooded area in the vicinity of
Biffontaine, France,
he initiated an attack up the slope of a hill referred to as "Suicide
Hill", by running forward approximately 100 yards under fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades about
10 yards, drawing fire and spotting camouflaged machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with fire and
single-handedly succeeded in destroying two machine gun nests and killing two
enemy snipers. As a result of Private Hajiro’s heroic actions, the attack was successful. Private Hajiro’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.