Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    92d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1945

    Headquarters, 92d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 97 (October 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Sadaichi Kohara (ASN: 30104510), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, on 20 April 1945, in Italy. Having advanced within 200 yards of the enemy, a patrol was suddenly pinned down by two hostile machine guns. Leaving his men under cover, Private First Class Kohara advanced 10 yards before locating the two machine gun emplacements. Unable to advance through the crossfire, the patrol was pinned down by this fire for a half an hour before he and a rifleman could advance 50 yards. Finally reaching a vantage point 20 yards from the first emplacement, Private first Class Kohara threw a hand grenade and killed three of the foe. The two men were withdrawing when the rifleman was hit by a sniper. Private First Class Kohara dragged him back to safety with his patrol. He returned to attempt to knock out the remaining machine gun but the resistance was too great. Calling for 81-mm. mortar fire, he immediately crawled 10 yards forward and adjusted the fire until the hostile weapon was neutralized. Later, while adjusting mortar fire on another hostile machine gun position, he was mortally wounded. His outstanding courage exemplified the finest traditions of the American Soldier.