The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ralph H. Yamaguchi (ASN: 37346316), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 July 1944, in the vicinity of Molino del Trebbio and Luciano, Italy. When his squad leader was seriously wounded during the attack on Hill 140, Corporal Yamaguchi gook command of his squad, although himself wounded in the back by shrapnel. Due to his able leadership, the squad destroyed a machine gun next and drove the enemy back beyond the crest of a hill. In spite of his painful wound, Corporal Yamaguchi remained with his squad throughout the night and directed the repulsing of an enemy counterattack. When relieved in the morning, Corporal Yamaguchi was so weakened from the effects of his wound, he had to be assisted to the aid station. On another occasion, while evacuating one of his wounded men, Corporal Yamaguchi’s leg was blown off below the calf, and his right arm badly mangled by an exploding mortar shell. He maintained sufficient control of himself to order his squad to take cover in a safer place. When four of his men attempted to evacuate him, he sent the rest back with the statement, “He was risking more than one man’s life.” The extreme courage and outstanding leadership displayed by Corporal Yamaguchi gained for him the respect of his entire organization. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Yamaguchi, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.