The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Kay Ihara (ASN: 39677867), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 522d Field Artillery Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy near Castallino, Italy, on 7 July 1944. As Radio Operator of an artillery forward observation party, working with an infantry front-line company, whose objective was to attack and capture a strategically defended enemy position, Technician Fourth Grade Ihara, despite a painful back wounded, refused to be evacuated and remained with the attacking elements. When the attack commenced, the enemy directed a withering crossfire of machine guns from their strategically intrenched positions on the hill. During the ensuing fire fight, Technician Fourth Grade Ihara noticed three Germans armed with machine pistols entering a cave to the left flank of the attacking forces. He immediately left his place of safety, leaving the radio in the care of another member of his party, and proceeded to engage the enemy, armed with only his carbine. His audacious action took the enemy by surprise and after a short skirmish he captured all three. Technician Fourth Grade Ihara’s initiative and courageous action with complete disregard for his personal safety, saved the company from being pinned down and suffering severe casualties, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army.