The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas Isamu Yamanaga (ASN: 30102445), United States 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 21 October 1943, in the vicinity of Alife, Italy. While attacking enemy positions, the company in which Private First Class Yamanaga was a gunner was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire from the front. On his own initiative, Private First Class Yamanaga worked his way forward in full view of the enemy, to a position where he could engage the enemy gun with his automatic rifle. He immediately delivered such effective fire that the enemy gun was silenced, whereupon his company, no longer pinned down, successfully continued the attack. Private First Class Yamanaga was mortally wounded in rendering this outstanding service to his fellow soldiers. His initiative and courage in the face of danger were an inspiration to all who witnessed his bold deed and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.