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 [then Private First Class] Atsushi Murakami (ASN: 30103881), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 6 April 1945 near Seravezza, Italy. His platoon halted in attacking a strongly fortified hill, Staff Sergeant Murakami with two comrades crawled up the hazardous slope through formidable fire and with heavy grenade fire assisted in driving the Germans into a dugout and forcing their surrender. Discovering another dugout, Staff Sergeant Murakami, by his aggressive tactics, single-handedly forced the enemy troops to seek cover, enabling the rest of his squad to rush forward without danger. Voluntarily assuming the brunt of the assault, he stubbornly engaged the enemy with submachine gun and grenade fire, materially aiding in the final capture of the position. Attacking similar defenses later in the day, he again led the assault which resulted in the capture of the German stronghold. The courage and aggressiveness of Staff Sergeant Murakami exemplify the highest traditions of the American Infantryman.