The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Joph Ito (ASN: 39003716), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, in Italy. When his platoon had sustained heavy casualties from enemy machine gun and sniper fire, Private First Class Ito ran seventy-five yards through enemy fire to aid a wounded man. After he had rendered aid to the casualty, he heard another call from the opposite end of the platoon. He chose the most direct route and ran a gauntlet of hostile fire. Later, he exposed himself two more times to give aid to wounded men. At all times his own life was imperiled by grenades and machine gun fire from an enemy sniper who ignored his Red Cross brassard. Private First Class Ito’s gallantry under fire reflects great credit on the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joph Ito (ASN: 39003716), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 17 October 1944, near Bruyeres, France. During a fierce enemy attack, the first platoon of Company G was subjected to intense sniper, machine gun and artillery fire which seriously wounded five soldiers. Private First Class Ito, as an Aid Man attached to the first platoon, exposing himself to the terrific hostile fire, left his covered position in a draw and ran one hundred and fifty yards across open terrain to the aid of the injured men. While administering first aid to one of the soldiers, Private First Class Ito was severely wounded in the back. Despite his painful wounds, he remained with the injured men for over five hours, constantly exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire. The complete disregard for personal safety displayed by Private First Class Ito reflects great credit upon himself and contributed materially toward saving his comrades’ lives.