The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Keijiro Umebayashi (ASN: 30101999), 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 34th Infantry Division, on 26 June 1944, in Italy. As his company was advancing, Sergeant Umebayashi noticed a battery of enemy 150-mm. field guns firing. After reporting this to his company commander, who ordered an attack on the position, Sergeant Umebayashi continued to lead his squad. Enemy automatic weapons fire stopped his company, but Sergeant Umebayashi urged his squad to follow him and advanced through the area, exposed except for the scanty concealment offered by a few bushes. After reaching a point close enough for close-in fighting, an exchange of hand grenades followed. One grenade that Sergeant Umebayashi threw wounded one of the enemy and caused the three remaining enemy soldiers to attempt to flee. Firing his M-1 rifle rapidly, Sergeant Umebayashi killed all three of the enemy, one of whom was an officer. With this delaying force eliminated, Sergeant Umebayashi’s company continued its advance, captured the battery of 150-mm. field guns, and cut off a road which was being used by the enemy as an escape route. Sergeant Umebayashi’s courage and skillful leadership reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.