The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Satoru Okayama (ASN: 30101971), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 26 June 1944, in the vicinity of Belvedere, Italy. While advancing over open terrain in an attempt to flank an enemy machine gun position from the left, Private First Class Okayama and his squad were pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire located in a house a hundred yards to their front. Using the very scant cover the ground afforded, Private First Class Okayama and 5 of his comrades crept stealthily to an olive orchard and thence approached a position 15 yards from the enemy. Instructing his men to cover his advance, Private First Class Okayama moved forward to a window where he spotted the enemy firing at his comrades. Throwing a hand grenade at the enemy, and with the aid of his comrades, he charged into the house and captured three of the enemy. The courage displayed by Private First Class Okayama was a source of inspiration to his fellow comrades and a credit to himself and his organization. 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.