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 Richard M. Nakahashi (ASN: 30105829), 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 14 April 1945 near Castelpoggio, Italy. When his platoon was attacked by a company of Germans, Private First Class Nakahashi, a bazooka operator, crawled through a hail of small arms fire to the side of a seriously wounded comrade, quickly administered first aid and, taking his comrade’s carbine, returned to his foxhole. Observing five Germans working their way toward his position, he directed his fire upon them. Undaunted by the concentrated fire of machine pistols and rifles, he remained exposed and fired rapidly and effectively, killing one, wounding two and causing the others to flee. Seeing movements in a draw one hundred yards away, he crawled forward and observed seven Germans attempting to flank his position. He engaged them in a rapid exchange of rifle fire, killing three and wounding two. Launching another attack the enemy approached his position. Seeing an enemy soldier directing the movements of the hostile force, Private First Class Nakahashi exposed himself to enemy fire and killed the leader, causing the hostile troops to withdraw in confusion. The courage and gallantry of Private First Class Nakahashi in repulsing the superior enemy force exemplify the finest traditions of the American Infantryman.