Yukio Okutsu-Hilo, HI
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 19° 43.044 W 155° 05.598
5Q E 280603 N 2181561
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Mount Belvedere, Italy on April 7, 1945. He is buried in Veterans Cemetery No. 2, Hilo, HI in Section 2, Row 9, Plot 1.
Waymark Code: WMX62B
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 12/02/2017
Views: 1
He was born on November 3, 1921 in Koloa, HI and died on August 24, 2003 in Hilo, HI. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: OKUTSU, YUKIO
• Rank and organization: Tech Sergeant, 442d Regimental Combat Team
• Place and date: April 7, 1945, Mount Belvedere, Italy
Citation: Technical Sergeant Yukio Okutsu distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945, on Mount Belvedere, Italy. While his platoon was halted by the crossfire of three machine guns, Technical Sergeant Okutsu boldly crawled to within 30 yards of the nearest enemy emplacement through heavy fire. He destroyed the position with two accurately placed hand grenades, killing three machine gunners. Crawling and dashing from cover to cover, he threw another grenade, silencing a second machine gun, wounding two enemy soldiers, and forcing two others to surrender. Seeing a third machine gun, which obstructed his platoon's advance, he moved forward through heavy small arms fire and was stunned momentarily by rifle fire, which glanced off his helmet. Recovering, he bravely charged several enemy riflemen with his submachine gun, forcing them to withdraw from their positions. Then, rushing the machine gun nest, he captured the weapon and its entire crew of four. By these single-handed actions he enabled his platoon to resume its assault on a vital objective. The courageous performance of Technical Sergeant Okutsu against formidable odds was an inspiration to all. Technical Sergeant Okutsu'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.
Armed Service: Army
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