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

Name: William K. Nakamura
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 442nd Regimental Combat Team
Date of Action: July 4, 1944
Location: Near Castellina, Italy

Summary of Action

On 4 July 1944, Private First Class William K. Nakamura was serving with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during combat operations near Castellina, Italy.

During a fierce engagement, his platoon became pinned down by intense machine-gun fire from a concealed German position.

Without waiting for orders, Nakamura crawled approximately twenty yards across exposed ground while enemy bullets narrowly missed him.

Reaching a point only fifteen yards from the machine-gun nest, he rose to one knee and hurled four hand grenades into the position.

The explosions killed or wounded at least three enemy soldiers and silenced the machine gun.

After completing the assault, Nakamura crawled back to his platoon.

With the enemy position destroyed, the American advance resumed.

Later that day, Nakamura's company was ordered to withdraw from the crest of a hill so that friendly mortars could bombard the enemy-held ridge.

Again acting on his own initiative, he volunteered to remain behind and provide covering fire for the withdrawing soldiers.

As the platoon moved toward the safety of a wooded draw, another concealed enemy machine gun opened fire and pinned the men down.

Nakamura crawled into a firing position from which he could engage the enemy.

Delivering rapid and accurate fire, he suppressed the German machine-gun crew long enough for every member of his platoon to escape without further casualties.

He continued firing until he was killed at his position.

Through his courage and selfless sacrifice, he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and ensured the successful withdrawal of his platoon.

Private First Class William K. Nakamura's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

NAKAMURA, WILLIAM K.

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 twenty yards toward the hostile nest with fire from the enemy machine gun barely missing him.

Reaching a point fifteen 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.