The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Technical Sergeant] Bert M. Tanaka (ASN: 0-2039479/30101428), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 April 1945 in the vicinity of Casala, Italy. On a mission to rescue a patrol trapped by the enemy, Second Lieutenant Tanaka halted his platoon near enemy positions and advanced alone to scout the area. Almost cut off from his platoon by enemy fire, he evaded hostile forces and returned to his men after carefully evaluating the German strength. After securing the flanks, he personally led one squad in a frontal attack on the town, dashing across fifty yards of open ground to a nearby house under direct fire from the enemy machine guns and snipers. Having once reached comparative safety he again risked his safety to help a wounded man to the shelter. Another squad of his platoon having contacted the besieged patrol in a nearby building, Second Lieutenant Tanaka rushed over the exposed ground to gather information from the patrol members. Discovering that the enemy was superior in numbers, he called for mortar and artillery support, giving such accurate fire orders that effective action was greatly reduced. Ordered to withdraw, he returned to the company, having successfully rescued the patrol with a minimum of casualties. The daring leadership exercised by Second Lieutenant Tanaka is exemplary and reflects the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.