Sexo

Male

Fecha de Nacimiento

1916-09-16

Lugar de Nacimiento

Punene, Maui HI, USA

Inducted

1942-01-02, Schofield Barracks, Oahu HI

Tipo de Alistamiento

Draftee

Afiliación Militar

Army

Tipo de servicio prestado

War

Tipo de unidad militar

Combat

Unidades a las que sirvió

442nd Regimental Combat Team, 3rd Battalion, Company I

Especialidad militar

Rifleman

Asignado

USA - HI; Camp Shelby, MS. Other countries - Italy, France

Responsabilidad en la unidad

Infantry

Responsabilidad individual

Rifleman

Batallas principales (si sirvió en una zona de guerra)

Rhineland Campaign

Reconocimientos, medallas, menciones (individuales o de la unidad)

One of 22 Asian Pacific Americans to be awarded the Medal of Honor at White House ceremonies on June 21, 2000. He previously was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's highest medal for extraordinary heroism. His citation for the Medal of Honor reads as follows: "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to PRIVATE BARNEY F. HAJIRO For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Private Barney F. Hajiro distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 19, 22, and 29 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres and Biffontaine, Eastern France. Private Hajiro, while acting as sentry on top of an embankment on 19 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, rendered assistance to allied troops attacking a house 200 yards away by exposing himself to enemy fire and directing fire at an enemy strong point. He assisted the unit on his right by firing his automatic rifle and killing or wounding two enemy snipers. On 22 October 1944, he and one comrade took up an outpost security position about 50 yards to the right front of their platoon, concealed themselves, and ambushed an 18-man, heavily armed enemy patrol, killing two, wounding one, and taking the remainder as prisoners. On 29 October 1944 in a wooded area in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France, he initiated an attack up the slope of a hill referred to as 'Suicide Hill', by running forward approximately 100 yards under fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades about 10 yards, drawing fire and spotting camouflaged machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with fire and single-handidly destroyed two machine gun nests and killed two enemy snipers. As a result of Private Hajiro's heroic actions, the attack was successful. Private Hajiro's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Información adicional

"It was 1 a.m. and we took a lot of heavy hits. Some of the guys were only 18 or so, and they were getting hit and were dying...I was lucky to survive.' (June 21, 2000, Los Angeles Times) -- Pvt. Barney F. Hajiro