Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Kenso Suga (ASN: 0-2262478/30101172), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division during the Korean War. 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 and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 340 (April 25, 1951)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenso Suga (ASN: 30101172), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Inchon, Korea, on 30 January 1951. His platoon was participating in the company attack on enemy-held high ground positions. As his men were advancing along a razor sharp ridge that led to the main objective they came under murderous enemy mortar, rifle, and automatic weapons fire that temporarily halted their advance. An air strike, an artillery barrage, mortar rounds, and tank projectiles were hurled at the very well-entrenched enemy positions but despite this pounding the enemy continued to pour devastating fire on the ridge line along which Second Lieutenant Suga led his platoon. With utter disregard for the numerical odds against him and the excellently entrenched enemy he placed himself on the barren ridge line and moved his men forward. With casualties mounting among his men, ne maneuvered his assault echelon up the exposed ridge line to the proximity of the supporting fires. When the support fire was lifted he quickly utilized an immediate lull and led his men forward in a grenade assault upon the enemy. The enemy stubbornly clung to his positions and Second Lieutenant Suga and his men engaged the numerically superior hostile forces in a grenade battle within a twenty yard range. During this encounter, under his directions, his men knocked out four enemy machine guns. Throughout the battle he moved about among his men and gathered the grenades from the wounded, ammunition bearers, and others to issue to his men engaged in the bitter fight. His aggressive display of leadership and courage contributed greatly toward ultimately securing this most vital objective. Silhouetted on the skyline he formed an orderly reorganization of his men and led them in further firing on the enemy troops as they fled down the reverse slope of the hill. Second Lieutenant Suga’s exceptional qualities of leadership and conspicuous courage reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion (Separate)

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1943

    Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 28 (April 29, 1944)

    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 Kenso Suga (ASN: 30101172), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 5 November 1943, in the vicinity of Santa Maria Oliveto, Italy. While acting as Scout for the leading elements of a battalion attack, Private First Class Suga discovered an extensive enemy minefield in the route of approach. Heedless of the dangers to which he was exposing himself, Private First Class Suga proceeded through the minefield, cutting trip wires and neutralizing as best he could the unfamiliar mines. Those he found but was unable to neutralize, he marked with bits of paper. His Company and the Battalion followed his trail approximately one mile through the minefield and were thus able to reach their objective. The courage and initiative of Private First Class Suga contributed materially to the success of his organization and is a distinct credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.