Medal of Honor: Kaoru Moto – World War II – July 7, 1944

Name: Kaoru Moto
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Date of Action: July 7, 1944
Location: Near Castellina, Italy

Summary of Action

On 7 July 1944, Private First Class Kaoru Moto was serving as the lead scout for his platoon during combat operations near Castellina, Italy.

As the platoon advanced, an enemy machine-gun position brought the attack to a halt.

Without waiting for orders, Moto maneuvered alone through enemy fire until he reached a point only ten paces from the machine-gun nest.

From this dangerously close position, he killed the enemy machine gunner.

The assistant gunner immediately turned his weapon on Moto, but he quickly crawled around behind the emplacement, surprised the remaining soldier, and captured him.

Taking the prisoner with him, Moto moved into a new position near a house to prevent the enemy from using it as an observation post.

While guarding both the building and his prisoner, he observed another enemy machine-gun crew attempting to establish a firing position.

Opening accurate rifle fire, he forced the enemy team to abandon the position.

Moments later, an enemy sniper concealed inside another building opened fire, severely wounding Moto.

Despite his injury, he calmly treated his own wound, shifted positions to avoid further sniper fire, and continued advancing.

Only after another soldier relieved him did he begin moving toward the rear for medical treatment.

Even then, his battle was not over.

While crossing a road, Moto spotted another enemy machine-gun position.

Immediately opening fire, he wounded two of the three enemy soldiers occupying the emplacement.

Unsatisfied with merely suppressing the position, he crawled closer and demanded the remaining enemy surrender.

When no response came, he renewed his fire until the surviving enemy soldiers surrendered.

Only after eliminating this final threat did Moto allow himself to receive medical treatment.

Private First Class Kaoru Moto's extraordinary courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering determination reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MOTO, KAORU

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Place and date: Near Castellina, Italy, 7 July 1944.

Citation:

Private First Class Kaoru Moto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 7 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy.

While serving as first scout, Private First Class Moto observed a machine-gun nest that was hindering his platoon's progress.

On his own initiative, he made his way to a point ten paces from the hostile position and killed the enemy machine gunner.

Immediately, the enemy assistant gunner opened fire in the direction of Private First Class Moto.

Crawling to the rear of the position, Private First Class Moto surprised the enemy soldier, who quickly surrendered.

Taking his prisoner with him, Private First Class Moto took a position a few yards from a house to prevent the enemy from using the building as an observation post.

While guarding the house and his prisoner, he observed an enemy machine-gun team moving into position.

He engaged them and, with deadly fire, forced the enemy to withdraw.

An enemy sniper located in another house fired at Private First Class Moto, severely wounding him.

Applying first aid to his wound, he changed position to elude the sniper fire and continued to advance.

Finally relieved of his position, he made his way to the rear for treatment.

Crossing a road, he spotted an enemy machine-gun nest.

Opening fire, he wounded two of the three soldiers occupying the position.

Not satisfied with this accomplishment, he crawled forward to a better position and ordered the enemy soldiers to surrender.

Receiving no answer, Private First Class Moto fired again at the position, and the remaining enemy soldiers surrendered.

Private First Class Kaoru Moto's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.