Harry S. Asato

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harry S. Asato (30102839), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 232d Combat Engineer Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action on 22 October 1944, in the vicinity of Belmont, France. When the third platoon of Company A was assigned the mission of establishing contact with friendly troops which were believed to be encircled by the enemy in the town of Biffontaine, France, Private First Class Asato mounted one of the five tanks assigned to the platoon for the hazardous mission. Encountering a hail of smalla rms and anti-tank grenade fire, Private First Class Asato, on his own initiative, climbed on top of the tank’s turret to firee the machine gun. Although he received a bullet wound in his right arm, he courageously remained at his machine gun, and in full view of the enemy, sprayed the hostile positions and prevented the enemy from effectively firing on his comrades. Private First Class Asato’s complete disregard for personal safety, and undaunted bravery exemplify the finest traditions of the Army of the United States.