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 Kiyoshi Morimoto (ASN: 39680761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 April 1945, in Italy. The leading elements of a company, ordered to establish a roadblock on a hill, contacted the foe as they approached the foot of their objective. Staff Sergeant Morimoto’s platoon began to clear the left flank of the hill when it was fired upon by an enemy machine gun and pinned down. Staff Sergeant Morimoto immediately dashed thru the field of fire, drawing all enemy fire and thus enabling his men to seek cover. For 30 minutes, he lay quietly until the foe was attracted by other troop movements. Then he slowly crawled to within 25 yards of the hostile emplacement and suddenly hurled a hand grenade. He charged the nest closely behind the grenade and, catching the foe by surprise, killed 4 and wounded 2. He then jumped into the nest and swung the machine gun toward another hostile emplacement and wounded 2 more of the enemy. His bold actions enabled his platoon to complete its mission and exemplify the highest traditions of the American Soldier.