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.
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