Takeichi Takeirio Miyashiro

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Takeichi Takeirio Miyashiro (0-10703701), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. In a dawn attack, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro led his platoon to take the company objective. Establishing a defensive position, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro took a squad to the right flank to eliminate a machine gun nest situated in a house. With constant sniper fire harassing the squad, he led his men in taking the house, killing one German and taking one prisoner. The enemy immediately launched a counterattack to drive the squad from the house. When the Germans had approached to points within thirty feet of the house, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro ordered his men to open fire and the enemy fled in disorder. Second Lieutenant Miyashiro then established an observation post in the house and posted local security. An hour later the enemy again attacked the building. Firing effectively with an M-1 Rifle, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro cut the enemy platoon to a squad and repulsed the assault. The Germans launched a third counterattack, supported by an 88-mm. barrage directed point-blank at the house. Refusing to withdraw, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro and a handful of men held their post. When 70-mm. shells began falling in the area, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro ordered his men to withdraw, while he remained at this post to obtain information of enemy activity. When the barrage lifted, he opened fire on the charging enemy, and with the aid of a machine gun on the left flank, succeeded in taking a heavy toll of the enemy to break up the attack. The courage, tenacity, and fighting determination displayed by Second Lieutenant Miyashiro provided an inspiration for his men, and his performance exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflects great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.