The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Akira Nakata, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 45th Infantry Division. Corporal Nakata distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tumyong-dong, Korea, on 13 June 1952. On that afternoon Corporal Nakata was moving forward with his company in an assault against an enemy-held hill when an enemy artillery round landed near him, covering him with debris and rendering his automatic weapon inoperable. Undaunted, Corporal Nakata obtained a carbine from a messenger and continued to spearhead the attack. Suddenly the friendly advance was halted by intense automatic-weapons fire from a group of hostile troops entrenched in a strategically located cave. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Nakata dashed forward alone through a murderous fusillade and single-handedly neutralized the enemy position, enabling the friendly troops to continue their advance. Even after running out of ammunition for his carbine, Corporal Nakata continued to lead the attack, hurling grenades with deadly accuracy and inflicting casualties on the foe. When his supply of grenades was expended, he still charged forward and, with savage fury, killed several hostile troops with his bayonet. Then shouting encouragement to the men behind him, he pressed the attack, on one occasion saving his platoon leader’s life by killing an enemy soldier about to throw a grenade at the officer. Inspired by Corporal Nakata’s aggressive charge, the friendly troops swept forward and routed the demoralized foe. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Nakata on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.