Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    100th Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    92d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1945

    Headquarters, 92d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 83 (September 24, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Toshiyuki Tagami (ASN: 37592598), 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 20 April 1945, in Italy. During the night, one of the platoons dug in about 20 yards below the forward slope of a hill overlooking a town which was later to be its objective. Early the next morning, the foe assaulted the positions with small arms, automatic weapons, hand grenades, mortars and rifle grenades. The terrain was such that the foe could advance to within 20 yards of our troops without detection. Private Tagami, centrally located in the platoon’s position, stood up through the firefight to observe the avenues of approach. He constantly called out the direction and strength of each enemy thrust for more than 3 hours. Each time the foe was repulsed because of his efforts even though he was subjected to intense enemy fire from all arms. Once a grenade fell directly into his foxhole. After the explosion, the foe launched another attack but he directed the defense, personally killing one enemy and wounding 4 others. Later, another grenade landed in his foxhole and he jumped out again but was wounded this time. Despite his wounds, he remained until the final attack was repulsed with such heavy losses that the foe could not resist the platoon’s later assault on its immediate objective. His courageous fighting spirit reflects credit on the Armed Forces.