The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Kazuo Ihara (ASN: 30101726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 November 1943 in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy. Acting as the point for his platoon in an attack on an enemy occupied hill, Private Ihara, with patience and skill, neutralized enemy mines which paved a comparatively safe route for his platoon to pass through. Nearing the top of the hill, he was observed by the enemy and was immediately subjected to intense machine pistol and rifle fire and hand grenades. Private Ihara courageously advanced forward with another scout and a BAR team. Working themselves into firing position, they opened fire upon the enemy. Using his sniper rifle to good advantage, he killed two of the enemy. As the rest of the platoon was coming up and building a firing line on the scouts, fierce fighting took place. Casualties were heavy from enemy mortar fire, and noticing that no aid man was available, Private Ihara, with utter disregard for his personal safety, immediately went to the aid of his wounded comrades. Exposing himself to enemy small arms and mortar fire, he administered first-aid to his comrades and helped in evacuating at least six men from the front lines to a place of safety. In his attempt to bandage another comrade, he was mortally wounded by a mortar shell. Due to Private Ihara’s initiative, courage, loyalty and devotion to duty, many lives were saved. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.