Herbert K. Pililaau-Honolulu, HI
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 21° 18.714 W 157° 50.886
4Q E 619471 N 2357103
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Pia-ri, Korea on September 17, 1951. He was killed in action. He is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI in Section P, Site 127.
Waymark Code: WMXGGE
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 01/09/2018
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member wayfrog
Views: 0

He was born on October 10, 1928 in Waianae, HI and died on September 17, 1951 in Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *PILILAAU, HERBERT K.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
• Place and date: Near Pia-ri, Korea, 17 September 1951.
• Entered service at: Oahu, T.H.
• G.O. No.: 58, 18 June 1952.
Citation: Pfc. Pililaau, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The enemy sent wave after wave of fanatical troops against his platoon which held a key terrain feature on "Heartbreak Ridge." Valiantly defending its position, the unit repulsed each attack until ammunition became practically exhausted and it was ordered to withdraw to a new position. Voluntarily remaining behind to cover the withdrawal, Pfc. Pililaau fired his automatic weapon into the ranks of the assailants, threw all his grenades and, with ammunition exhausted, closed with the foe in hand-to-hand combat, courageously fighting with his trench knife and bare fists until finally overcome and mortally wounded. When the position was subsequently retaken, more than 40 enemy dead were counted in the area he had so valiantly defended. His heroic devotion to duty, indomitable fighting spirit, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
Armed Service: Army

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Don.Morfe visited Herbert K. Pililaau-Honolulu, HI 12/17/2021 Don.Morfe visited it