Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on November 4, 1944 in Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, France during World War II. At the time he was serving with 442d Regimental Combat Team. Okubo was 24 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on June 21, 2000, 55 years after the action — the White House - presented by President William J. Clinton.
Okubo was born on May 30, 1920 in Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington. His Medal of Honor is credited to Alturas, Modoc County, California. Okubo died on January 29, 1967 in Near Flint, Michigan, at the age of 46. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.
Okubo is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 142 credited to California.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and 29 October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. Technician Fifth Grade Okubo'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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
How he died
- Awarded posthumously — died January 29, 1967.
- Manner of death: accidental death
- Age at death: 46
- Resting place: Woodlawn Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, James K. Okubo received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Occupations: combat medic
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in California →
Timeline
- May 30, 1920Born in Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington
- November 4, 1944Act of valor — Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, FranceAge 24. 442d Regimental Combat Team
- January 29, 1967Died in Near Flint, MichiganAge 46.
- June 21, 2000Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyThe White House - presented by President William J. Clinton
- Resting placeWoodlawn CemeteryDetroit, Michigan
Biography
James Kazuo Okubo (Japanese: 大久保 和男, May 30, 1920 – January 29, 1967) was a United States Army soldier. He was a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II.
From the Wikipedia article “James K. Okubo”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
