The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Shizuto Okusako (ASN: 0-1695640), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 442d Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy near Bruyeres, France on 20 October 1944. When a food and ammunition carrying party was ambushed by a superior enemy force, Lieutenant Okusako led an 8-man patrol to the aid of the entrapped soldiers. While encircling the enemy’s position for an attack on the rear the patrol encountered another enemy force of 45 men, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, grenades, and light arms. Constantly exposing himself to the enemy fire Lieutenant Okusako fearlessly directed the fire and movement of his men, killing fifteen of the enemy with his own machine gun and neutralizing two enemy machine gun nests with rifle grenades. Although severely wounded in the chest and shoulder, he continued to encourage his men until forced by the severity of his injuries to retire to the aid station. By his gallantry, courage and superior tactical leadership Lieutenant Okusako inspired his men to hold off a numerically superior enemy and played an important part in freeing the supply route of the enemy’s forces. 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.