Medal of Honor: William K. Nakamura – World War II, July 4, 1944

William Kenzo Nakamura
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Unit: Company G, 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Conflict: World War II
Date of Action: July 4, 1944
Location: Near Castellina, Italy

Summary of Action:

On America’s Independence Day in 1944, Private First Class William K. Nakamura, a Nisei soldier of Japanese descent, gave his life for the country that had questioned his loyalty. Serving in the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team—an all-Japanese American unit renowned for its valor—Nakamura displayed uncommon courage during a critical assault near Castellina, Italy.

When his platoon was pinned down by deadly machine gun fire from a well-concealed enemy position, Nakamura, acting without orders, crawled through open ground with bullets slicing past him. From just 15 yards out, he rose to his knees and hurled four grenades into the machine gun nest, neutralizing the threat and enabling his unit to continue its attack.

Later that day, as his company was ordered to withdraw from a ridge for an artillery barrage, Nakamura again acted on his own initiative, staying behind to cover his comrades. When the withdrawing platoon was pinned down by yet another enemy machine gun, Nakamura found a vantage point and opened fire, suppressing the enemy and allowing his fellow soldiers to escape. He was killed during this final act of selflessness.

Nakamura's extraordinary valor—performed by a man whose family was likely interned back home—epitomized the loyalty and sacrifice of the Nisei soldiers. His actions on that ridge cost him his life but saved many others, and helped earn the 442nd its enduring legacy as one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history.

Medal of Honor Citation:
Private First Class William K. Nakamura distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. During a fierce firefight, Private First Class Nakamura’s platoon became pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a concealed position. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura crawled 20 yards toward the hostile nest with fire from the enemy machine gun barely missing him. Reaching a point 15 yards from the position, he quickly raised himself to a kneeling position and threw four hand grenades, killing or wounding at least three of the enemy soldiers. The enemy weapon silenced, Private First Class Nakamura crawled back to his platoon, which was able to continue its advance as a result of his courageous action. Later, his company was ordered to withdraw from the crest of a hill so that a mortar barrage could be placed on the ridge. On his own initiative, Private First Class Nakamura remained in position to cover his comrades’ withdrawal. While moving toward the safety of a wooded draw, his platoon became pinned down by deadly machine gun fire. Crawling to a point from which he could fire on the enemy position, Private First Class Nakamura quickly and accurately fired his weapon to pin down the enemy machine gunners. His platoon was then able to withdraw to safety without further casualties. Private First Class Nakamura was killed during this heroic stand. Private First Class Nakamura’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.