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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Army

Shizuya Hayashi

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

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private Shizuya Hayashi distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. During a flank assault on high ground held by the enemy, Private Hayashi rose alone in the face of grenade, rifle, and machine gun fire. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he charged and overtook an enemy machine gun position, killing seven men in the nest and two more as they fled. After his platoon advanced 200 yards from this point, an enemy antiaircraft gun opened fire on the men. Private Hayashi returned fire at the hostile position, killing nine of the enemy, taking four prisoners, and forcing the remainder of the force to withdraw from the hill. Private Hayashi'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.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Waialua, Oahu, Honolulu County
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 21, 2000

    The White House - presented by President William J. Clinton

  • Born: November 28, 1917, Waialua, Oahu, Honolulu County
  • Died: March 12, 2008, Pearl City, HI, United States
  • Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI, United States
 
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