Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1944

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Masaru Suehiro (30100039), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. After taking its objective, Corporal Suehiro's company was subjected to an enemy counterattack supported by machine gun and mortar fire. Corporal Suehiro, leader of a 60-mm. mortar squad, moved forward in the face of intense enemy fire to an exposed position in order to direct his mortar fire. His position, although almost untenable because of heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire, afforded excellent observation. From this hazardous observation post he directed accurate fire on an enemy machine gun, destroying the weapon and depriving the enemy of essential supporting fire. Observing an enemy group forming for an assault, he started to adjust his fire but was seriously wounded by shell fragments. Although suffering intense pain, he remained in his hazardous position and continued to direct such effective fire that the enemy counterattack was successfully repulsed. Corporal Suehiro's determined courage and steadfast devotion to duty contributed materially to the defense by his company. 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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 77 (10 May 1944).