World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. After graduation from Redlands High School, his family moved to Arizona to avoid being placed in a Japanese Internment Camp. Sakato enlisted with the United States Army and was assigned to the 100th infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. His citation reads "Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October 1944, on hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. After his platoon had virtually destroyed two enemy defense lines, during which he personally killed five enemy soldiers and captured four, his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Disregarding this fire, Private Sakato made a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to charge and destroy the enemy strongpoint. He proved to be the inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack on the left flank during the reorganization of his platoon. It was at this time that his squad leader was killed. Taking charge of the squad, he continued his relentless tactics. Private Sakato used an enemy rifle and a P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack. During this entire action, he killed 12 and wounded two, personally captured four and assisted his platoon in taking 34 prisoners. By continuously ignoring the enemy fire and by his gallant courage and fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat into victory and helped his platoon complete its mission. Private Sakato's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army." Sakato was initially awarded a Distinguished Service Cross. In June of 2000, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. After graduation from Redlands High School, his family moved to Arizona to avoid being placed in a Japanese Internment Camp. Sakato enlisted with the United States Army and was assigned to the 100th infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. His citation reads "Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October 1944, on hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. After his platoon had virtually destroyed two enemy defense lines, during which he personally killed five enemy soldiers and captured four, his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Disregarding this fire, Private Sakato made a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to charge and destroy the enemy strongpoint. He proved to be the inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack on the left flank during the reorganization of his platoon. It was at this time that his squad leader was killed. Taking charge of the squad, he continued his relentless tactics. Private Sakato used an enemy rifle and a P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack. During this entire action, he killed 12 and wounded two, personally captured four and assisted his platoon in taking 34 prisoners. By continuously ignoring the enemy fire and by his gallant courage and fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat into victory and helped his platoon complete its mission. Private Sakato's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army." Sakato was initially awarded a Distinguished Service Cross. In June of 2000, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton.
Bio by: C.S.
Inscription
442 “E” CO.
MEDAL OF HONOR
Family Members
Spouse
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