Masanao Otake

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Masanao Otake (0-1703069), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France. In the 100th’s attack on Hill 578, it became necessary to send some riflemen to an isolated farmhouse, situated on flat open ground, to secure the battalion’s left flank. Lieutenant Otake, who was assigned the task of leading a squad of eight men to capture the enemy occupied farmhouse, dashed out toward the building, running through a hundred yards of open field raked by machine gun and small arms fire. Inspired by his example, his men immediately followed, and after a brief fire-fight succeeded in capturing the farmhouse. Observing that Lieutenant Otake and his men wee in a vulnerable position, an enemy platoon launched a determined counter-attack against the farmhouse. Though greatly outnumbered, Lieutenant Otake urged his men to hold their hard-earned position, and while gallantly resisting the enemy assault he was mortally wounded by several machine pistol bullets and died a short while later. By complete disregard for his personal safety, gallant leadership and determination of purpose, Lieutenant Otake exemplified the finest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflected great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.