Navy Federal Credit Union

Only one Medal of Honor was presented to a Japanese-American soldier during World War II, despite the fact that these soldiers, despite intense prejudice at home in the USA, were among the most decorated soldiers of the war. Following a review in the late 1990s of Distinguished Service Cross awards to Japanese Americans, the DSC previously awarded to Shizuya “Caesar” Hayashi was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. The award was presented to him by President Bill Clinton on June 21, 2000.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion (Separate)

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 29, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Shizuya Hayashi (ASN: 30100871), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. During a flank assault on high ground held by the enemy, Private Hayashi rose alone in the face of grenade, rifle, and machine gun fire. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he charged and overtook an enemy machine gun position, killing seven men in the nest and two more as they fled. After his platoon advanced 200 yards from this point, an enemy anti-aircraft gun opened fire on the men. Private Hayashi returned fire at the hostile position, killing nine of the enemy, taking four prisoners, and forcing the remainder of the force to withdraw from the hill. Private Hayashi’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.