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 Akira Okamoto (ASN: 30105674), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy from 27 to 30 October 1944 in France. As a radio operator with the 3d Battalion during its attempt to relieve the “Lost Battalion”, Private First Class Okamoto courageously faced and overcame every hazard of the front line troops. Though a radio operator, he captured one prisoner during an advance. In his desire to give close support to the advancing troops he was often within 50 yards of the enemy lines and frequently pinned down by small arms fire. On one occasion he crept and crawled with his 40-pound radio on his back to the ridge of an enemy-held hill and relayed fire missions that discouraged enemy counter-attack and paved the way for a subsequent assault by his comrades. Later, under similar hazardous conditions, he voluntarily worked his way along high ground so that he could relay fire missions on an enemy roadblock that was holding up the advance. By his devotion to duty and gallant courage under fire, Private First Class Okamoto reflects honor upon himself and the United States Army.