Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Unit:

Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division "Arrowhead", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

January 26th, 1945

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Tsuneo Takemoto (ASN: 30103873), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 October 19454 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. In completing the capture of Hill 617, Sergeant Takemoto's platoon spearheaded the attack of his company. When his platoon was pinned down by a well dug-in enemy armed with automatic weapons, he ran a distance of 30 yards directly into the face of enemy fire, raking the enemy positions with his Thompson sub-machine gun. As he ran he shouted to draw hostile fire, making the enemy troops reveal their exact locations to his men. Inspired by his fearless action, his comrades charged after him and destroyed the strong-point. When his platoon was counter-attacked by twelve enemy troops supported by four automatic weapons, he organized his men into a skirmish line that checked the initial rush. Then, sending out a flanking party whose fire temporarily confused the enemy, he led his men in a charge against the attackers. Once again he ran a distance of thirty yards into the face of hostile fire shouting to attract enemy fire to himself and giving his charging men the opportunity to advance with a minimum of risk. Inspired by his fearlessness, his men completely routed the enemy, and during the action captured 34 prisoners. By his fearlessness and skillful leadership, Sergeant Takemoto won the respect and confidence of his men. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty 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, Sixth Army Group, General Orders No. 5 (26 January 1945).