Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Takeichi Takejrio Miyashiro (ASN: 0-1703701), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. In a dawn attack, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro led his platoon to take the company objective. Establishing a defensive position, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro took a squad to the right flank to eliminate a machine gun nest situated in a house. With constant sniper fire harassing the squad, he led his men in taking the house, killing one German and taking one prisoner. The enemy immediately launched a counterattack to drive the squad from the house. When the Germans had approached to points within thirty feet of the house, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro ordered his men to open fire and the enemy fled in disorder. Second Lieutenant Miyashiro then established an observation post in the house and posted local security. An hour later the enemy again attacked the building. Firing effectively with an M-1 Rifle, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro cut the enemy platoon to a squad and repulsed the assault. The Germans launched a third counterattack, supported by an 88-mm. barrage directed point-blank at the house. Refusing to withdraw, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro and a handful of men held their post. When 70-mm. shells began falling in the area, Second Lieutenant Miyashiro ordered his men to withdraw, while he remained at this post to obtain information of enemy activity. When the barrage lifted, he opened fire on the charging enemy, and with the aid of a machine gun on the left flank, succeeded in taking a heavy toll of the enemy to break up the attack. The courage, tenacity, and fighting determination displayed by Second Lieutenant Miyashiro provided an inspiration for his men, and his performance exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflects great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    SIXTH U.S. Army

    Action Date:

    October 22, 1944

    Headquarters, SIXTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 9 (February 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Takeichi Takejrio Miyashiro (ASN: 0-1703701), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy near Biffontaine, France, on 22 October 1944. After providing flank protection for Company C, the danger of repeated enemy artillery barrages on their position and the hint of rising enemy resistance in the village caused Lieutenant Miyashiro to lead his platoon into the town of Biffontaine. During the fierce house-to-house fighting, he was instrumental in capturing six of the enemy and in driving away more than twenty others. As a result of this action the company was able to penetrate deeply into the village and establish a road block to repulse enemy counterattacks that night. During the engagement, Lieutenant Miyashiro was wounded on his left thigh but did not give up the command of his platoon until he was ready to be evacuated.