Medal of Honor: Frank H. Ono – World War II – July 4, 1944

Name: Frank H. Ono
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Date of Action: July 4, 1944
Location: Near Castellina, Italy

Summary of Action

On 4 July 1944, Private First Class Frank H. Ono was serving with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during combat operations near Castellina, Italy.

As his platoon attacked a strongly defended hill, the assault was met by intense fire from well-entrenched German positions.

Without hesitation, Ono brought his automatic rifle into action and silenced an enemy machine gun approximately 300 yards to the right front.

Continuing to advance through relentless enemy fire, he spotted and killed a concealed sniper.

While his squad leader reorganized the platoon behind him, Ono remained alone on the newly captured ground, defending the critical position against enemy counterattacks.

During the fighting, enemy machine-pistol fire struck his weapon and tore it from his hands as German soldiers attempted to overrun his position.

Undeterred, Ono seized hand grenades and drove the attackers back, holding the position until the remainder of the platoon reached him.

Taking the rifle of a wounded comrade, he immediately resumed the attack.

Advancing once more under intense automatic-weapons, rifle, and mortar fire, Ono killed two additional enemy soldiers.

Seeing his wounded platoon leader and another seriously wounded rifleman lying exposed, he dashed through the deadly fire to administer first aid.

As the battle continued, the platoon faced the danger of encirclement and received orders to withdraw.

Once again volunteering for the most dangerous task, Ono remained behind to cover the movement.

Occupying exposed positions near the crest of the hill, he exchanged fire with enemy machine-gun crews and snipers, deliberately drawing their attention while the rest of the platoon escaped to the safety of a nearby draw.

Only after every member of his platoon had safely withdrawn did Ono begin his own descent, moving down the hillside in stages while firing his rifle to hold the enemy at bay.

He successfully rejoined his platoon after completing his self-appointed rear-guard action.

Private First Class Frank H. Ono's extraordinary heroism, courage, and devotion to his fellow soldiers reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

ONO, FRANK H.

Private First Class Frank H. Ono distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy.

In attacking a heavily defended hill, Private First Class Ono's squad was caught in a hail of formidable fire from the well-entrenched enemy.

Private First Class Ono opened fire with his automatic rifle and silenced one machine gun 300 yards to the right front.

Advancing through incessant fire, he killed a sniper with another burst of fire, and while his squad leader reorganized the rest of the platoon in the rear, he alone defended the critical position.

His weapon was then wrenched from his grasp by a burst of enemy machine-pistol fire as enemy troops attempted to close in on him.

Hurling hand grenades, Private First Class Ono forced the enemy to abandon the attempt, resolutely defending the newly won ground until the rest of the platoon moved forward.

Taking a wounded comrade's rifle, Private First Class Ono again joined in the assault.

After killing two more enemy soldiers, he boldly ran through withering automatic, small-arms, and mortar fire to render first aid to his platoon leader and a seriously wounded rifleman.

In danger of being encircled, the platoon was ordered to withdraw.

Volunteering to cover the platoon, Private First Class Ono occupied virtually unprotected positions near the crest of the hill, engaging an enemy machine gun emplaced on an adjoining ridge and exchanging fire with snipers armed with machine pistols.

Completely disregarding his own safety, he made himself the constant target of concentrated enemy fire until the platoon reached the comparative safety of a draw.

He then descended the hill in stages, firing his rifle, until he rejoined the platoon.

Private First Class Ono'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.