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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Richard H. Koga (ASN: 30105087), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 June 1944, in the vicinity of Castellina, Italy. When a platoon of an assault company was subjected to intense enemy artillery fire during an attack, two enlisted men were seriously wounded. Without waiting for the barrage to life, Private Koga, a medical aid man attached to this unit, left this position of safety and rushed to the aid of his wounded comrades. As the platoon reorganized and advanced forward to a defiladed position, Private Koga remained with the two wounded men and later moved them to a dugout nearby. The enemy artillery once again pounded the area setting fire to the brush surrounding the dugout. The fire quickly spread to the beam and the doorway of the dugout where Private Koga and the wounded men were sheltered. In spite of the danger of exposing himself to enemy fire, Private Koga left his shelter and succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The courage and initiative displayed by Private Koga undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades and his actions are a distinct credit to himself and his organization.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    92d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 14, 1945
    Headquarters, 92d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 97 (October 9, 1945)

    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 Technician Fifth Grade Richard H. Koga (ASN: 30105087), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, on 14 April 1945, in Italy. A company of enemy troops launched a counterattack on a platoon in an effort to retake a town. A morning mist made it possible for the foe to infiltrate to within 100 yards of the platoon’s positions before being detected. In the firefight that followed, a number of men were wounded. Technician Fifth Grade Koga, an attached Aid Man, was responsible for caring for his wounded comrades. He left his slit trench during the heavy fighting and went to their aid. Though the enemy threw hand grenades and fired at him, he remained to administer aid. Thinking that the enemy could not see his brassard, he removed it and waved it at them. The enemy continued to fire upon him, with three of the bullets piercing his clothes, but doing no damage to him. One bullet perforated his right ear, but he kept at his work. Not until the attack was repelled and the wounded evacuated did he receive treatment for his wound. Technician Fifth Grade Koga’s courageous devotion to duty reflects the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.