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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Army

William Kenzo Nakamura

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company G,
    442d Regimental Combat Team
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: July 4, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Castellina (Hill 140), Italy
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class William K. Nakamura distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. During a fierce firefight, Private First Class Nakamura's platoon became pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a concealed position. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura crawled 20 yards toward the hostile nest with fire from the enemy machine gun barely missing him. Reaching a point 15 yards from the position, he quickly raised himself to a kneeling position and threw four hand grenades, killing or wounding a least three of the enemy soldiers. The enemy weapon silenced, Private First Class Nakamura crawled back to his platoon, which was able to continue its advance as a result of his couraageous action. Later, his company was ordered to withdraw from the crest of the hill so that a mortar barrage could be placed on the ridge. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura remained in position to cover his comrades' withdrawl. While moving toward the safety of a wooded draw, his platoon became pinned down by deadly machine gun fire. Crawling to a point from which he could fire on the enemy position, Private First Class Nakamura quickly and accurately fired his weapon to pin down the enemy machine gunners. His platoon was then able to withdraw to safety without further casualties. Private First Class Nakamura was killed during this heroic stand. Private First Class Nakamura'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 William K. Nakamura
Medal of Honor Recipient William K. Nakamura
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Hunt, Jerome County, Idaho
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 21, 2000
    The White House - presented by President William J. Clinton to his sister Mrs. June Oshima
  • Born: January 21, 1922, Seattle, King County, WA, United States
  • Died: July 4, 1944, near Castellina, Italy
  • Buried: Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park Cemetery - (PMH) Veterans Memorial Section (28), Seattle, WA, United States
 

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