Medal of Honor: Kiyoshi K. Muranaga – World War II – June 26, 1944
In the hills of Italy, an enemy 88mm gun scattered American infantry with direct fire. One young mortar gunner stayed alone at his weapon, dueling the gun until a direct hit took his life.
July 3, 2026
Name: Kiyoshi K. Muranaga
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Date of Action: June 26, 1944
Location: Near Suvereto, Italy
Summary of Action
On 26 June 1944, Private First Class Kiyoshi K. Muranaga was serving as a mortar gunner with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during combat operations near Suvereto, Italy.
As his company advanced against German positions, it encountered a strongly defended enemy force occupying commanding terrain and possessing superior firepower.
An enemy 88mm self-propelled gun opened direct fire against the American soldiers, causing heavy casualties and forcing the infantry to seek cover.
Muranaga's mortar squad was ordered into action, but the rugged terrain made it nearly impossible to properly emplace the weapon.
Recognizing that the exposed mortar position was highly vulnerable, the squad leader ordered the crew to move to safer positions.
Muranaga chose to remain.
Seeing the heavy losses being inflicted upon his company, he voluntarily stayed behind and attempted to silence the German gun by himself.
Operating the mortar alone at a range of approximately 400 yards, he fired several rounds at the enemy position.
His first rounds fell short, but he steadily corrected his aim.
On his third shot, the mortar round landed directly in front of the German gun position.
The enemy crew immediately recognized the source of the incoming fire and turned their powerful 88mm gun directly toward Muranaga's exposed mortar position.
Before he could fire another round, the German gun fired.
The 88mm shell scored a direct hit on his position, killing him instantly.
However, the accuracy of his mortar fire convinced the enemy crew that they were under effective attack.
Rather than remain exposed to further fire, the German soldiers abandoned their position.
His actions removed a deadly threat to his company and allowed the advance to continue.
Private First Class Kiyoshi K. Muranaga's courage, devotion to duty, and willingness to sacrifice his life for his comrades reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Citation
MURANAGA, KIYOSHI K.
Private First Class Kiyoshi K. Muranaga distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 26 June 1944, near Suvereto, Italy.
Private First Class Muranaga's company encountered a strong enemy force in commanding positions and with superior firepower.
An enemy 88mm self-propelled gun opened direct fire on the company, causing the men to disperse and seek cover.
Private First Class Muranaga's mortar squad was ordered to action, but the terrain made it impossible to set up their weapons.
The squad leader, realizing the vulnerability of the mortar position, moved his men away from the gun to positions of relative safety.
Because of the heavy casualties being inflicted on his company, Private First Class Muranaga, who served as a gunner, attempted to neutralize the 88mm weapon alone.
Voluntarily remaining at his gun position, Private First Class Muranaga manned the mortar himself and opened fire on the enemy gun at a range of approximately 400 yards.
With his third round, he was able to correct his fire so that the shell landed directly in front of the enemy gun.
Meanwhile, the enemy crew, immediately aware of the source of mortar fire, turned their 88mm weapon directly on Private First Class Muranaga's position.
Before Private First Class Muranaga could fire a fourth round, an 88mm shell scored a direct hit on his position, killing him instantly.
Because of the accuracy of Private First Class Muranaga's previous fire, the enemy soldiers decided not to risk further exposure and immediately abandoned their position.
Private First Class Muranaga'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.
