The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Gordon Kenshi Yamashiro (ASN: 30105540), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 October 1944 near Biffontaine, France. Sergeant Yamashiro’s company was advancing against dominating enemy positions when it was suddenly pinned down by the crossfire of two machine guns supported by riflemen and grenadiers. Immediately sizing up the dangerous situation, he deployed his squad to cover his movements and advanced alone to espy the enemy positions. After determining the probable source of the enemy fire he advanced 100 yards, killed a sniper who fired at him and missed, then neutralized with BAR fire one of the gun positions by killing three of its crew members. Continuing his audacious movements under fire from the second gun position, he killed the two gunners, thus neutralizing the emplacement. While engaged in laying down a protective screen of fire for his company’s subsequent advance Sergeant Yamashiro was fatally shot by an enemy sniper. Staff Sergeant Yamashiro’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.