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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 Private First Class Takematsu Joe Maeda (ASN: 30104524), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 17 July 1944, in the vicinity of Luciana, Italy. Private First Class Maeda crept forward 90 yards through a barrage of mortar, artillery and sniper fire with a rocket grenade launcher to fire one round at a tank that was holding up his company’s advance in the northern section of the town. Although he failed to disable the tank, he caused it to withdraw, opening a hole in the enemy defense. Earlier, in the same attack, he and two of his comrades knocked out two machine gun nests, killing four German soldiers with hand grenades and rifles despite continuous harassing sniper fire. The courage and aggressiveness displayed by Private First Class Maeda was of inestimable value in the company’s successful attack.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental combat Team

    Division:

    SIXTH U.S. Army

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1944
    Headquarters, SIXTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 20 (March 30, 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 Private First Class Takematsu Joe Maeda (ASN: 30104524), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 27 October 1944 in the vicinity of La Houssiere, France. During a counter-attack on his company’s positions by a superior enemy force led by tanks, Private Maeda, a bazooka man, worked his way through the intense enemy fire to a point within 50 yards of the leading tank. Although subjected to 75 millimeter and small arms fire, he carefully aimed and fired five rounds at the tank, scoring three direct hits and forcing the enemy to abandon the tank and withdraw. By his courage and coolness under fire, Private Maeda aided immeasurably in repulsing the counterattack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.