Tazoi, Jim Yoshio

Date of birth:: August 28th, 1919 (Garland/Utah, United States)
Date of death:: March 2nd, 2007 (Utah, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private First Class
Unit:: Company K, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division "Arrowhead", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: May 12th, 1945

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jim Yoshio Tazoi (20924666), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 and 29 October 1944, near Biffontaine, France. While serving as radioman for a command group, Private First Class Tazoi observed a concealed machine gun position which had been by-passed by forward elements. As the machine gunner attempted to fire at the command group, Private First Class Tazoi shouted warning to his comrades and opened fire on the nest to kill the gunner. The following day, Private First Class Tazoi, transporting his radio, joined the attacking elements in an advance under heavy automatic fire to take an enemy strongpoint. Later, he accompanied a group of riflemen in a bayonet charge against a strongly defended enemy hill position. Sighting an enemy machine gun nest, he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire and fired at the position to neutralize the effectiveness of the German weapon while his comrades assaulted the strongpoint. Although handicapped by his radio which made him an easier target for the hostile fire directed at him, he rushed to the assistance of two comrades who were trapped by two Germans throwing grenades. Struck by a sniper's bullet, he determinedly continued to advance and reached a clear field of fire. As he killed the two German grenade throwers he was wounded a second time by grenade fragments. The prodigious courage and fighting spirit of Private First Class Tazoi exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 52 (12 May 1945).