Yeichi R. Furuno

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Yeichi R. Furuno (30104821), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company E, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 6 July 1944, in the vicinity of Castellina, Italy. When the platoon with which he was attached suffered heavy casualties from enemy machine gun, rifle, mortar and artillery fire, Private Furuno immediately had control of the situation. Seeing a man shot down 25 yards away, he rushed over to his aid. Discovering that the man had been killed instantly, he ran over to another wounded soldier 15 yards down the slope. The fact that the man was lying in the direct line of fire of the enemy did not cause him to hesitate. For a full half hour he worked, carrying his first aid kit from one wounded man to another, although in full exposure of the mortar and artillery shells bursting about him. He then immediately went into the adjoining area to assist the aid men of another company who were seriously in need of help. Private Furno’s undaunted courage, faithful devotion to duty, and his willingness to risk his life saved the lives of several of his fellow comrades and was a source of inspiration to all who observed him.