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 First Class John Yukio Tanaka (ASN: 37708538), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, on 20 January 1945, in the vicinity of the Maritime Alps, France. During a raid on an enemy-occupied house, Private Tanaka charged forward, firing his automatic rifle to draw enemy fire away from his comrades. In doing so he was mortally wounded. Summoning his last bit of strength, he fired a burst from his BAR, fatally wounding an enemy machine pistol gunner who was endangering the lives of his comrades, Private Tanaka’s gallant action was largely responsible for the killing of two Germans and the capturing of 12 others. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.