Robert K. Nakasaki

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert K. Nakasaki (39017321), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 April 1945 near Seravezza, Italy. Under cover of a brief artillery barrage, Sergeant Nakasaki’s platoon advanced up the northern slope of Hill Georgia. As he and his men neared the summit, concentrated and intense fire from six machine guns, machine pistols and rifle fire forced the platoon to take cover. With complete disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Nakasaki grabbed his rifle, equipped with a grenade launcher, and crawled through a minefield to within fifteen yards of a well dug-in machine gun emplacement. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he launched a grenade at the nest and completely destroyed it. Quickly reloading his rifle, he fired and destroyed another machine gun on his right flank, killing two of the enemy. Before he could take cover, Sergeant Nakasaki was killed by the fire of an enemy sniper. Taking advantage of the gap thus created in the enemy defenses, the platoon quickly advanced and seized its objective. Sergeant Nakasaki’s heroic action and fearlessness in the face of great danger were an inspiration to all and an everlasting tribute to the American Infantryman. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 92d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.