INOUYE, DANIEL K.

21 April 1945

Near San Terenzo, Italy

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, United States Army, Company E, 442^nd RCT. Place and date: Near San Terenzo, Italy, 21 April 1945. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii. Born: 7 February 1924, Honolulu, Hawaii. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First 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, First Lieutenant Inouye (then Second Lieutenant) skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapons 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 personal safety, First Lieutenant Inouye boldly 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 with a burst from his submachine gun. 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, he enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. First 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.