The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Katsumi Kometani (ASN: 0-476008), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Medical Detachment, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, near Fort Bastione, Italy, on 18 April 1945. When a combat patrol was isolated approximately a mile from the front lines and in urgent need of litter crews, Captain Kometani volunteered to lead the crews over two miles of mountainous terrain to the patrol. Although under harassing fire and in danger of enemy patrols, he led his men forward; until, three hours later, the party reached the patrol. Largely because of his efforts, the wounded were saved from suffering and the patrol was able to extricate itself from a difficult situation. His courage and able service has on this and numerous other occasions, contributed materially to the welfare of the men of the battalion, and his devotion to duty, and able leadership, reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.