Yeiki Kobashigawa

Leading attacks against machine-gun nests near Lanuvio

Yeiki Kobashigawa served as an Army technical sergeant in Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion. On 2 June 1944, near Lanuvio, Italy, his platoon met machine-gun positions supporting one another. He advanced with another soldier, used a grenade, and charged the first emplacement. He then led an attack on a second, providing close fire as his comrade captured its defenders. After locating four additional nests, he guided a squad in neutralizing two more. His Medal of Honor recognized leadership and initiative that helped his soldiers overcome strong resistance.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Technical Sergeant Yeiki Kobashigawa distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 2 June 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. During an attack, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's platoon encounted strong enemy resistance from a series of machine guns providing supporting fire. Observing a machine gun nest 50 yards from his position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa crawled forward with one of his men, threw a grenade and then charged the enemy with his submachine gun while a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed one enemy soldier and captured two prisoners. Meanwhile, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa and his comrade were fired upon by another machine gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a squad to advance to his first position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa again moved forward with a fellow soldier to subdue the second machine gun nest. After throwing grenades into the position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa provided close supporting fire while a fellow soldier charged, capturing four prisoners. On the alert for other machine gun nests, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa discovered four more, and skillfully led a squad in neutralizing two of them. Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the United States Army.