The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Akira Kondo (ASN: 30106277), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 20 October 1944, near Bruyeres, France. During a heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire, Sergeant Kondo and his mortar squad were pinned down in an open field. During the course of the barrage, one man was seriously injured. Sergeant Kondo, realizing that his men were dangerously exposed, ordered them to take cover. While going to the rescue of his wounded comrade, Sergeant Kondo was wounded. Despite his injury he calmly administered first aid to the stricken soldier, then amid the terrific artillery barrage, he carried him to safety. Sergeant Kondo’s daring rescue of a wounded comrade in the face of intense enemy artillery fire exemplifies the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.