Medal of Honor: Barney F. Hajiro, World War II, October 19, 22, and 29, 1944

Name: Barney F. Hajiro
Rank: Private
War: World War II
Date of Action: October 19, 22, and 29, 1944
Unit: Company I, 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Born: September 16, 1916 – Puunene, Maui, Territory of Hawaii
Entered Service At: Honolulu, Hawaii

Summary of Action
Barney Hajiro, a Nisei volunteer of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, displayed unmatched courage over three separate days of battle in eastern France. On October 19, near Bruyères, he stood exposed atop an embankment, directing fire and suppressing enemy positions that threatened his fellow soldiers. Three days later, he and one comrade set a trap for an eighteen-man German patrol—killing two, wounding one, and forcing the rest to surrender.

But it was on October 29, 1944, that Hajiro’s valor became legend. In the dense, rain-soaked woods near Biffontaine, the 442nd attacked what men called “Suicide Hill.” As machine guns tore through the trees, Hajiro sprinted 100 yards uphill into the storm of fire, deliberately drawing the enemy’s aim to reveal their positions. Alone, he silenced two machine-gun nests and killed two snipers. His actions broke the German line, allowing his unit to seize the hill and continue the assault that freed the trapped “Lost Battalion” of Texas soldiers.

Hajiro’s gallantry under fire exemplified the spirit of the Nisei warriors—Americans who fought for a country that had questioned their loyalty, yet whose bravery would echo through history.

Medal of Honor Citation
HAJIRO, BARNEY F.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Private Barney F. Hajiro distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 19, 22, and 29 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres and Biffontaine, eastern France. Private Hajiro, while acting as a sentry on top of an embankment on 19 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, rendered assistance to allied troops attacking a house 200 yards away by exposing himself to enemy fire and directing fire at an enemy strong point. He assisted the unit on his right by firing his automatic rifle and killing or wounding two enemy snipers. On 22 October 1944, he and one comrade took up an outpost security position about 50 yards to the right front of their platoon, concealed themselves, and ambushed an 18-man, heavily armed, enemy patrol, killing two, wounding one, and taking the remainder as prisoners. On 29 October 1944, in a wooded area in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France, Private Hajiro initiated an attack up the slope of a hill referred to as “Suicide Hill” by running forward approximately 100 yards under fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades about 10 yards, drawing fire and spotting camouflaged machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with fire and single-handedly destroyed two machine gun nests and killed two enemy snipers. As a result of Private Hajiro’s heroic actions, the attack was successful. Private Hajiro’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.