The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Sadao W. Sakamoto (ASN: RA-17271082), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. Company F was subjected to a heavy enemy attack and in the firefight the Company Commander was seriously wounded. Upon hearing of this, Private Sakamoto, his runner, immediately left his position where he had been returning the hostile fire and, dashing through the heavy enemy fire, ran to the side of his fallen leader. Placing himself between his Captain and the enemy fire, he proceeded to dress the Captain’s wound. He then moved the wounded officer into the cover of a small trench which was not big enough for both of them. Private Sakamoto sat on the edge of the trench holding a compress to the Captain’s bleeding shoulder. Upon being ordered to get into the trench at the Captain’s feet, he refused to do so, because he could not then stop the bleeding wound. Without thought for his safety, he held his exposed position at his leader’s side until the enemy had been repulsed and the wounded man could be evacuated. As a result of Private Sakamoto’s calm, courageous action the Company Commander remained conscious during the enemy assault and was able to direct the successful defense of his company’s position. The gallantry displayed by Private Sakamoto reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.