Medal of Honor: Daniel K. Inouye - World War II - April 21, 1945

Name: Daniel K. Inouye
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 442d Regimental Combat Team
Date of Action: April 21, 1945
Location: Vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy

Summary of Action

On 21 April 1945, Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself during combat near San Terenzo, Italy.

His platoon was attacking a defended ridge that guarded an important road junction.

Through heavy automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, Inouye skillfully directed his men in a swift enveloping maneuver.

The movement captured an enemy artillery and mortar post and brought the platoon to within forty yards of the main hostile force.

Then the advance was halted by deadly crossfire from three enemy machine guns emplaced in bunkers and among rocks.

With complete disregard for his personal safety, Inouye crawled alone up the dangerous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine-gun nest.

He threw two grenades and destroyed the position.

Before the enemy could react, he rose to his feet and neutralized a second machine gun.

During the attack, a sniper’s bullet wounded him.

He ignored the wound and continued engaging hostile positions at close range.

Moments later, an exploding grenade shattered his right arm.

Despite severe pain and grievous injury, Inouye refused evacuation.

He continued directing his platoon until enemy resistance collapsed and his men were reorganized in defensive positions.

The action left twenty-five enemy soldiers dead and eight captured.

Through fearless leadership, relentless aggression, and indomitable courage, Daniel K. Inouye was instrumental in the capture of the ridge and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

INOUYE, DANIEL K.

Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye’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.