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 Rikio Tsuda (ASN: 30105367), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, in Italy. A rifle company was given the mission of defending the left flank of an infantry battalion protecting a town against an enemy counterattack. While his platoon was defending the town, Sergeant Tsuda was charged by a group of enemy troops, firing bursts of automatic weapons fire at his position as they advanced. He stood his ground and fired, killing 3 and wounding 1 of the foe. Seeing the formation and strength of the enemy, which was hidden to others in his squad by the slope of the hiss, Sergeant Tsuda went from position to position directing the fire of his men. By his actions, he was instrumental in silencing an enemy machine gun and in repelling the enemy. Sergeant Tsuda’s leadership reflects great credit on the traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.