Hiroshi Miyamura

Holding a defensive line while comrades withdrew

Hiroshi Miyamura earned the Medal of Honor for defending his company’s position during the Korean War. Born in Gallup, New Mexico, on October 6, 1925, he served as a corporal in Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

On April 24, 1951, near Taejon-ni, enemy troops threatened to overrun the line. Miyamura fought at close quarters, treated wounded soldiers and directed their evacuation. He then held successive machine-gun positions, ordering his men to withdraw while he covered them. Severely wounded and out of ammunition, he continued resisting until his position was overrun.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented Miyamura’s Medal of Honor at the White House on October 27, 1953. He attained staff sergeant. Miyamura died in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 29, 2022, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup. His award commemorates steadfast leadership and concern for his soldiers under overwhelming attack.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position when the enemy fanatically attacked, threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machine-gun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men, unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat, killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machine gun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable heroism and consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service.