Medal of Honor: Kiyoshi K. Muranaga – World War II – June 26, 1944

Name: Kiyoshi K. Muranaga
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Company A, 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 with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during operations near Suvereto, Italy.

As his company advanced, it encountered a well-positioned German force occupying commanding terrain and supported by superior firepower. The most dangerous threat was an enemy 88-millimeter self-propelled gun that opened direct fire against the American soldiers.

The devastating fire forced the company to disperse and seek cover.

Muranaga's mortar squad was ordered into action, but the difficult terrain made it nearly impossible to properly emplace the weapon. Recognizing that the exposed position could quickly become deadly, the squad leader ordered the men to withdraw to safer ground.

Seeing the heavy casualties being inflicted upon his company, Muranaga chose to remain behind.

Serving as the gunner, he manned the mortar alone and began firing against the German gun at a range of approximately four hundred yards.

His first rounds steadily closed the distance.

With his third shot, he corrected his fire perfectly, placing the mortar round directly in front of the enemy 88-millimeter gun.

The German crew immediately recognized the source of the incoming fire and turned their weapon toward his exposed position.

Before he could fire a fourth round, the enemy gun fired directly at him.

The 88-millimeter shell struck his mortar position, killing him instantly.

However, the accuracy of his fire convinced the German crew that they could no longer safely remain in place. Fearing additional mortar rounds, the enemy abandoned the gun position and withdrew.

His courageous action removed a deadly threat to his company and allowed the advance to continue.

Private First Class Kiyoshi K. Muranaga's extraordinary courage, determination, and devotion to duty 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.