Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Hamasaki

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1944
    Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 142 (September 29, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard Hamasaki (ASN: 0-1683429), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 10 July 1944, in Italy. Lieutenant Hamasaki was ordered to lead a six-man patrol to clear a group of buildings of any enemy troops that might be there. After moving out a short distance, the patrol received sniper fire. Lieutenant Hamasaki dashed to a nearby vineyard and crawled forward to escape observation, and his men followed his example. Lieutenant Hamasaki found no enemy soldiers in the first building, so he and another man set out for the next one, fifty yards away. Taking advantage of every means of cover and concealment, Lieutenant Hamasaki crawled to this building. When he arrived near the doorway, he suddenly lunged into the building, his sub-machine gun at his hip ready to fire. Three enemy troops, caught by surprise, raised their hands in surrender. Leaving the enemy prisoners under guard of his companion, Lieutenant Hamasaki searched the remainder of the building and came across another enemy soldier totally unaware of what was taking place. His mission accomplished, Lieutenant Hamasaki led the patrol back to the company area with the four prisoners. Lieutenant Hamasaki’s courage and skillful leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 5, 1950
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 46 (January 22, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Richard Hamasaki (ASN: 0-1683429), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 September 1950, heavy enemy pressure near Chingjong-ni, Korea, threatened the flank of the regiment. Despite the intense fire, Captain Hamasaki led a platoon of infantry supported by machine guns out into an advantageous but exposed position from which to supplement the flank troops. By his bold and skillful action under overwhelming odds, he repulsed repeated hostile attacks and secured the flank. Captain Hamasaki’s valorous leadership and notable tactical skill are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.