Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army

James K Okubo

Details
  • Rank: Technician Fifth Grade
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    442d Regimental Combat Team
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 4, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, France
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and 29 October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. Technician Fifth Grade Okubo'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.

Medal of Honor Recipient James K. Okubo
Medal of Honor Recipient James K. Okubo
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Alturas, Modoc County, California
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 21, 2000

    The White House - presented by President William J. Clinton

  • Born: May 30, 1920
  • Died: January 29, 1967, Near Flint, MI, United States
  • Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery (29-163-1), Detroit, MI, United States
 

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