The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Tommy Tomii Matsushita (ASN: 39913763), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 31 October and 1 November 1944 near La Houssiere, Eastern France. When his pinned-down company was counterattacked from the flank, Private Matsushita ran forward under grenade and machine gun fire and meeting the initial enemy rush with M1 rifle fire, killed four riflemen and one machine pistol operator, taking a leading part in repulsing the counterattack. On 1 November, crawling 30 yards under sniper and automatic fire, he killed one machine gunner. Besides destroying this nest, he assisted in the destruction of a second enemy machine gun position. 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.