Medal of Honor: George T. Sakato – World War II – October 29, 1944

Name: George Taro Sakato
Rank: Private
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company E, 2nd Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Place and Date: Hill 617, near Biffontaine, France – 29 October 1944
Entered Service At: Glendale, Arizona
Born: February 19, 1921 – Colton, California
Departed: December 2, 2015
Accredited To: Arizona

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Summary of Action

On 29 October 1944, during the struggle for Hill 617 in the rugged forests near Biffontaine, Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by acts of individual bravery and fierce determination that proved pivotal to the success of his platoon.

After his unit shattered two German defensive lines—during which Sakato personally killed five enemy soldiers and captured four—the platoon became pinned down by intense fire from a reinforced enemy position. With the attack stalled and casualties mounting, Sakato charged forward alone, sprinting through enemy fire in a bold assault that electrified his comrades. His action sparked a renewed platoon advance that overran the strongpoint and restored momentum to the attack.

While the platoon reorganized, German forces launched a counterattack against the exposed left flank. When his squad leader fell, Sakato assumed command without hesitation. Fighting at close range and using captured German weapons—including an enemy rifle and a P-38 pistol—he led his squad in halting the counterassault and driving the attackers back in disarray.

Over the course of the day’s brutal fighting, Sakato killed twelve, wounded two, captured four, and helped his platoon take thirty-four prisoners. His relentless courage, refusal to retreat, and aggressive leadership transformed what could have been a costly setback into a clear triumph.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company E, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team

Entered service at: Glendale, Ariz.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 29 October 1944, after his platoon had virtually destroyed two enemy defensive lines, Private Sakato personally killed five enemy soldiers and captured four others before the unit was pinned down by heavy fire. Disregarding the danger, he made a one-man rush that inspired his platoon to renew its assault and destroy the enemy position. When a counterattack struck the left flank and his squad leader was killed, he took command, employing captured enemy weapons to repel the attack. Throughout the action he killed twelve enemy soldiers, wounded two, captured four, and assisted his platoon in taking thirty-four prisoners. By his fearless aggression, fighting spirit, and complete disregard for his own safety, Private Sakato turned impending defeat into victory and brought great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.