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Sakato, George T. "Joe"

Date of birth:
February 19th, 1921 (Colton/California, United States)
Date of death:
December 2nd, 2015
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private
Unit:
Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division "Arrowhead", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
June 21st, 2000
"Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October 1944, on Hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. After his platoon had virtually destroyed two enemy defense lines, during which he personally killed five enemy soldiers and captured four, his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Disregarding the enemy fire, Private Sakato made a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to charge and destroy the enemy strongpoint. While his platoon was reorganizing, he proved to be the inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack on the left flank during which his squad leader was killed. Taking charge of the squad, he continued his relentless tactics, using an enemy rifle and P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack. During this entire action, he killed 12 and wounded two, personally captured four and assisted his platoon in taking 34 prisoners. By continuously ignoring enemy fire, and by his gallant courage and fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat into victory and helped his platoon complete its mission. Private Sakato’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army."
Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Later replaced with the MOH.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Sources

  • Photo 1: US Government
  • Photo: U.S. Federal Government photo
  • - Jordan, Kenneth N., Yesterday’s Heroes – 433 men of World War II awarded the Medal of Honor 1941-1945, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., USA, 1996
    - Asahina, R., Just Americans – How Japanese Won a War at Home and Abroad – The Story of the 100th Battalion/442d Regimental Combat Team in World War II, Gotham Books, New York, USA, 2006
    - Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Photo