The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Katsumi Murai (ASN: 30102285), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 April 1945, in Italy. Technical Sergeant Murai’s platoon was given a mission of rescuing a squad in a house surrounded by the enemy. The platoon was pinned down in its approach by heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire. Technical Sergeant Murai crawled forward alone to within 50 yards of the house, regardless of enemy machine gun fire directed solely at him, and within 25 yards of two snipers. After tossing 3 hand grenades, he charged the snipers and killed them. Then entering the house, he reorganized the trapped squad to coordinate its fire with the approaching platoon. Under the pressure of coordinating fires, the enemy withdrew leaving his dead and seriously wounded behind. Such gallant aggressiveness exemplifies the highest traditions of the United States Army.