Masao Komoda

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Masao Komoda (18080044), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 20 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France. Ambushed by the enemy, one platoon of Company C was pinned down by enemy fire. From the surrounding woods, the enemy Tiger tanks supported by fifty riflemen, suddenly appeared. When his squad leader seized a bazooka and commenced firing at the tanks, Private Komoda unhesitatingly exposed himself to direct tank and rifle fire in order to load the weapon. He thus enabled his squad leader to fire three rounds at the advancing enemy, disabling the leading tank and causing the enemy force to withdraw. Private Komoda’s utter disregard for personal safety in the face of intense tank and rifle fire contributed immeasurably in repulsing a strong enemy force.