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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Kei Tanahashi (ASN: 0-385482), 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 34th Infantry Division, on 4 July 1944, near Castelina, Italy. Lieutenant Tanahashi’s platoon was given the mission of protecting the company’s right flank during an attack on the enemy’s positions. Lieutenant Tanahashi ably led his platoon without sustaining a single casualty until they reached completely exposed terrain and were subjected to mortar, artillery, rifle and machine pistol fire from the strongly entrenched enemy. Realizing that the positions could not be taken by a frontal assault, Lieutenant Tanahashi proceeded to maneuver his platoon to the right in an effort to outflank the enemy, exposing himself many times in order to personally inform his squad leaders of the change in tactics. It was during this maneuver that machine pistol fire mortally wounded Lieutenant Tanahashi. Despite his wounds, he moved to a slight knoll and silenced the machine pistol. Lieutenant Tanahashi consistently refused evacuation and directed his platoon until the enemy had been driven from their positions and the flank secured. Lieutenant Tanahashi consistently refused evacuation and directed his platoon until the enemy had been driven from their positions and the flank secured. Lieutenant Tanahashi’s courage and skillful leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States.