Navy Federal Credit Union

Raito Nakashima is buried at Arlington National Cemetery along side his brother, Staff Sergeant Wataru Nakashima, who was also killed while serving with the 442d Regimental Combat Team in World War II.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    92d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 14, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 15 (January 16, 1946)

    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 Raito R. Nakashima (ASN: 39936423), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Castelpoggio, Italy, on 14 April 1945. While fighting off counterattacks by superior enemy forces, Private Nakashima saw four enemy troops attempting to infiltrate into his company’s position through a draw. Exposing himself, he threw a hand grenade at them, killing two and wounding one. Attempting to throw a second grenade, he was wounded twice. In spite of the intense pain, he continued firing at the enemy until he collapsed. His intrepid deed exemplifies the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.