Medal of Honor: Hiroshi H. Miyamura - Korean War - April 24-25, 1951

Name: Hiroshi H. Miyamura
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Date of Action: April 24-25, 1951
Location: Near Taejon-ni, Korea

Summary of Action

On the night of 24-25 April 1951, Corporal Hiroshi H. Miyamura distinguished himself during desperate fighting near Taejon-ni, Korea.

Company H occupied a defensive position when enemy forces launched a fanatical assault that threatened to overrun the line.

Miyamura, a machine gun squad leader, immediately recognized the danger to his men.

Without hesitation, he leaped from cover armed with his bayonet and charged into close hand-to-hand combat.

In the violent struggle, he killed approximately ten enemy soldiers.

Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation.

As another fierce assault struck the line, Miyamura manned his machine gun and poured devastating fire into the attackers until all ammunition was exhausted.

He then ordered his squad to withdraw while he remained behind long enough to disable the weapon so it could not be captured.

Next, he fought his way through infiltrating enemy troops with his bayonet to reach a second machine-gun emplacement, where he helped operate the gun.

When the pressure of the attack forced the company to withdraw, Miyamura again ordered his men back while he stayed to cover their movement.

From his position, he killed more than fifty enemy soldiers before his ammunition ran out.

Though severely wounded, he continued resisting the attackers.

He held his ground until enemy troops finally overran the position.

When last seen, he was still fighting ferociously against overwhelming numbers.

His extraordinary courage, leadership, and willingness to sacrifice himself for others reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MIYAMURA, HIROSHI H.

Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position when the enemy fanatically attacked threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machine gun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machine gun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura’s indomitable heroism and consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service.