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 (“Go for Broke”)
Born: September 16, 1916 – Puʻunene, Maui, Territory of Hawaii
Entered Service From: Hawaii

Summary of Action
As the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought through the dense forests and hills of eastern France, Private Barney Hajiro’s bravery stood out even among heroes. On October 19, 1944, near Bruyères, he climbed an exposed embankment under heavy German fire to direct supporting fire for trapped Allied troops, picking off enemy snipers with deadly precision. Three days later, he and one comrade ambushed an 18-man German patrol, killing two and capturing the rest — a daring act that helped secure the flank of his platoon.

But it was on October 29, near the town of Biffontaine, that Hajiro’s courage reached legend. Charging alone up a slope known to his men as “Suicide Hill,” he ran a hundred yards through open fire, identifying and destroying two hidden machine-gun nests and killing two snipers. His single-handed assault broke the German defense and led to the capture of the position — at immense cost, but with decisive victory.

Private Hajiro’s fearless actions not only saved lives but embodied the spirit of the 442nd: loyalty, sacrifice, and honor — “Go for Broke.”

Medal of Honor Citation
HAJIRO, BARNEY F.
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.