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Hisaoka, Gary Tsuruo

Date of birth:
March 12th, 1917 (Kohala/Hawaii, United States)
Date of death:
April 10th, 1944 (Italy)
Buried on:
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Nationality:
American

Biography

Technical Sergeant Gary T. Hisaoka is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Honolulu/Hawaii, United States. Plot:D, Row: 0, Grave: 210.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Unit:
Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
April 29th, 1944
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant [then Sergeant] Gary Tsuruo Hisaoka (ASN: 30102162), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 24 January 1944, in the vicinity of Cassino, Italy. Sergeant Hisaoka, under intense enemy machine gun fire, cleared and marked a path through a minefield for a distance of 50 yards, allowing his company to pass through. He then crawled forward under enemy observation and barbed wire fence which was also mined, and reconnoitered for the best route across the Rapido River. Sergeant Hisaoka's courageous action contributed greatly to the success of the battalion and reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (29 April 1944).
Posthumously awarded.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Unit:
Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
April 29th, 1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Gary Tsuruo Hisaoka (ASN: 30102162), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 5 February 1944, in the vicinity of San Bartolomeo, Italy. During a particularly heavy artillery barrage, Technical Sergeant Hisaoka left his trench and ran to the aid of a fellow soldier who has been completely buried by dirt and debris from a shell which had landed next to his slit trench. Technical Sergeant Hisaoka uncovered the soldier, revived him and helped carry him to the rear where he could be evacuated. Technical Sergeant Hisaoka's quick thinking and heroic action in the face of probable injury or death undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade and reflects the highest traditions of the military service.

Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (29 April 1944).
Posthumously awarded.

Sources

  • - Ankrum, H.R., Dogfaces Who Smiled Through Tears – The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division and attached 100th (Hawaiian) Battalion and 442nd “Go for Broke” Regimental Combat Team in World War II 1941-1945, Graphic Publishing Company, Lake Mills, Iowa, USA, 1987
    - Military Times.com
    - American Battle Monuments Commission

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