Medal of Honor: Allan M. Ohata – World War II – November 29–30, 1943

Name: Allan Masaharu Ohata
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Place and Date: Near Cerasuolo, Italy – 29–30 November 1943
Entered Service At: Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii
Born: September 13, 1918 – Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii
Departed: October 17, 1977
Accredited To: Hawaii

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Summary of Action

On 29 November 1943, while defending the left flank of his platoon near Cerasuolo, Italy, Staff Sergeant Allan M. Ohata and four men faced an approaching German force of roughly forty soldiers, supported by machine guns and automatic weapons. Ohata placed his automatic rifleman 15 yards to his left, then opened fire on the advancing troops with calm precision, slowing their assault.

When the soldier to his left shouted for help after enemy fire disabled his automatic rifle, Ohata acted instantly. Under a hail of machine-gun fire, he sprinted the 15 yards across open ground to reach his comrade’s position. Without hesitation, he delivered rapid, accurate fire that killed ten enemy soldiers, allowing the rifleman to withdraw, replace his weapon, and return to the fight.

Reuniting at the flank, Ohata and the automatic rifleman poured devastating fire into the enemy ranks, ultimately killing thirty-seven attackers and then charging the last three survivors, capturing them at close range. Shortly afterward, they confronted a second attacking element of fourteen enemy soldiers, killing four, wounding three, and driving the rest into retreat.

The following day, 30 November, Ohata and his automatic rifleman held their exposed flank for hours against repeated attempts to dislodge them. Their determined stand prevented a breakthrough that would have endangered the entire platoon.

Staff Sergeant Ohata’s decisive actions, fearless leadership under fire, and refusal to yield against superior numbers were instrumental in stopping multiple enemy assaults and stand among the most extraordinary acts of individual bravery in the Italian campaign.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), 442d Regimental Combat Team

Entered service at: Honolulu, T.H.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 29 November 1943, Sergeant Ohata and four men were assigned to protect their platoon’s left flank against an attacking force of forty enemy soldiers armed with machine guns and automatic weapons. When his automatic rifleman’s weapon was disabled, Sergeant Ohata crossed fifteen yards under heavy machine-gun fire to assist him, killing ten enemy soldiers and covering his comrade’s withdrawal. Returning to their positions, the two men held the flank, killing thirty-seven attackers and capturing three others. They later repelled an additional assault, killing four and wounding three while the remainder fled. On 30 November, Sergeant Ohata continued to hold the flank with steadfast determination, repelling every enemy attempt to break through. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.