The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Thomas T. Okimoto (ASN: RA-29038202), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Battery B, 82d Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Self-Propelled). 2d Infantry Division, in action from 13 to 15 February 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. During that period his battery was attached to a regimental combat team. The entire force had bean surrounded by approximately four enemy divisions. Private Okimoto personally aided in replacing several .50 caliber machine guns which had been damaged by enemy fire and then carried wounded through the intense enemy fire to the Battalion aid station. At 0500 hours on 15 February, when overwhelming enemy forces had advanced to within 50 yards of the Battery perimeter, he maintained a position exposed to the heavy enemy fire in order to fire the quadruple .50 caliber machine guns mounted on an antiaircraft firing vehicle until all ammunition was exhausted. Private Okimoto aided materially in the successful defense of the perimeter, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. The heroism displayed by Private Okimoto reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.