Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

World War II - U.S. Army

Mikio Hasemoto

Details
  • Rank: Private
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B,
    100th Infantry Battalion (Separate)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 29, 1943
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.Private Mikio Hasemoto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy. A force of approximately 40 enemy soldiers, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, rifles, and grenades, attacked the left flank of his platoon. Two enemy soldiers with machine guns advanced forward firing their weapons. Private Hasemoto, an automatic rifleman, challenged these two machine gunners. After firing four magizines at the approaching enemy, his weapon was shot and damaged. Unhesitatingly, he ran 10 yards to the rear, secured another automatic rifle and continued to fire until his weapon jammed. At this point, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader had killed approximately 20 enemy soldiers. Again, Private Hasemoto ran through a barrage of enemy machine gun fire to pick up an M-1 rifle. Continuing their fire, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader killed 10 more enemy soldiers. With only three enemy soldiers left, he and his squad leader charged courageously forward, killing one, wounding one, and capturing another. The following day, Private Hasemoto continued to repel enemy attacks until he was killed by enemy fire. Private Hasemoto'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 Mikio Hasemoto
Medal of Honor Recipient Mikio Hasemoto
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Waipahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 21, 2000

    The White House - presented by President William J. Clinton to his sister Mitsuko Tanaka

  • Born: July 16, 1916, Waipahu, Honolulu County, HI
  • Died: December 1, 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy
  • Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) (D-O-338), Honolulu, HI, United States
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!