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] Earl Yohey Yonehiro (Yoneshiro) (ASN: 35884397), 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. Unable to fire effectively because of the strategic location of enemy dugouts, Staff Sergeant Yonehiro’s platoon was halted in its attack on an enemy hill. Evading grenades and machine gun fire, Staff Sergeant Yonehiro and two fellow soldiers crawled up the mine-strewn slope to hurl numerous grenades at the well-entrenched foe. Observing enemy troops at a dugout entrance, Staff Sergeant Yonehiro suddenly stood up, and firing a burst with his submachine gun, killed one German, wounded another and caused the remainder to flee into the dugout. Charging the dugout, the three men eliminated the strongpoint. In later attacks on similar fortifications, Staff Sergeant Yonehiro, with rapid and accurate fire, effectively aided in forcing the enemy to seek cover and by his aggressive actions insured the final surrender of the defending forces. Staff Sergeant Yonehiro’s display of fearlessness and battle wisdom throughout these actions exemplify the highest traditions of the United States Army.