The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Masami S. Yoshinari (ASN: 0-1695685), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Biffontaine, France, from 27 to 30 October 1944. Lieutenant Yoshinari, forward observer for a Cannon Company, accompanied the front line troops of the 442d Regimental Combat Team in their drive to relieve the “Lost Battalion” of the 141st Infantry Regiment. Although fully aware of the dangers to which he was exposed, he fearlessly proceeded through every conceivable enemy created hazard and obstruction, and was frequently within fifty yards of hostile lines in his desire to give close support to the attacking troops. In a third attempt to gain an enemy-held hill he fearlessly crept and crawled to an exposed position well in advance of his own men and adjusted a creeping barrage up the hill. By his accurate and concentrated directions of fire throughout the drive, Lieutenant Yoshinari contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of the mission and reflects much credit upon himself and the United States Army.

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Masami S. Yoshinari (ASN: 0-1695685), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 6 to 16 April 1945, in Italy. Over a period of ten successive days, First Lieutenant Yoshinari, as a forward observer, demonstrated exceptional bravery, fortitude, and devotion to duty. He repeatedly exposed himself to all kinds of fire from hostile weapons by going in advance of the leading elements, accompanying attack platoons, and climbing the most difficult mountains to find the most advantageous positions for his OP’s. First Lieutenant Yoshinari laid down a barrage on a crossroad entering Carrara, Italy, determined the coordinates of enemy guns on Punta Bianco, Italy, from flashes, and climbed La Pizza Peak to lay fire on Fort Bastogne, Italy where at least fourteen of the enemy were killed and an unknown number wounded. Such an example of aggressive determination to take the fight to the foe exemplifies the high traditions of the Armed Forces.