Minoru M. Yoshida

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Minoru M. Yoshida (39087324), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 31 October 1944, in France. When his patrol was subjected to a surprise enemy attack, Private First Class Yoshida crawled under fire to a position from which he could engage the enemy with a BAR. Disregarding enemy fire directed upon him, Private First Class Yoshida neutralized part of the enemy fire but simultaneously drew fire from other enemy positions. Although fatally wounded in his heroic action, he enabled his patrol to secure cover relieving it from an untenable position. Private First Class Yoshida’s gallantry at the sacrifice of his life exemplified the traditional valor of the American Soldier.