Bill M. Otomo

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Bill M. Otomo (0-1340575), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Otomo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Ipack, Korea, on 27 November 1950. Leading his platoon into an area which was then under heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Otomo personally placed each man in a defensive position, assigning fields of fire and insuring the best possible cover for each individual. Almost immediately after occupying the position, the platoon was subjected to several fanatical attacks by an overwhelming enemy force. Although Lieutenant Otomo was hit in the back by grenade fragments, he refused medical attention for his wounds. Moving from position to position in the platoon area, he continued to inspire and encourage his men to hold. Led by Lieutenant Otomo, the platoon engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting, throwing the enemy back and eliminating the threat to the company flank. Lieutenant Otomo’s courage, outstanding leadership, and cool judgment were an example to all concerned and prevented an enemy breakthrough at a critical point.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 59 (February 8, 1951, as amended by HQ Eighth US Army Korea General Orders No. 94 (1951)