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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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Tamotsu Takao (ASN: 39913686), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, near Biffontaine, France, on 28 October 1944. While a member of a four man reconnaissance patrol charged with the mission of obtaining information on the disposition of the enemy, Sergeant Takao moved under the cover of darkness around the enemy’s left flank and to within ten yards of his position. Opening fire at point blank range, the patrol caught the defenders completely by surprise, killing three of the enemy and forcing ten others to surrender. Sergeant Takao’s display of courage, determination of purpose, and disregard for personal safety in helping to neutralize an enemy strong-point and in obtaining vital information regarding the enemy, is exemplary and a credit to the armed forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 12, 1944
    Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 123 (November 4, 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 Thomas Tamotsu Takao (ASN: 39913686), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 12 July 1944, in the vicinity of Pastina, Italy. As a member of a reconnaissance patrol, Private First Class Takao advanced to within ten feet of the enemy outposts in order to gain information. Disregarding the platoon leader’s instructions to withdraw when almost surrounded by the enemy, Private First Class Takao continued observing the enemy movements. Finally, in withdrawing, he was forced to fight his way back against a numerically superior force. The courage and initiative displayed by Private First Class Takao and the valuable information he had gained were of inestimable value to his battalion’s successful attack on the town of Pastina.