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 Sergeant Matsutada Makishi (ASN: 30100465), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company F, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on ** November 1943, in Italy. Sergeant Makishi was ordered to take his squad across the **** River and to establish an outpost line there. Upon reaching the opposite bank, several of his men stepped on anti-personnel mines, and it was discovered that the entire area was heavily mined and booby-trapped. In the darkness, his squad dispersed and became disorganized. Sergeant Makishi, realizing the importance of his mission and with full knowledge of attendant dangers, combed the area, personally located each member, and reorganized his squad. Then, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, he took the lead and led his squad single-file through the minefield, located the outpost line and posted his men. Sergeant Makishi’s devotion to duty and leadership in the face of grave danger was an inspiration to his comrades and a credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.