Private First Class Joe M. Nishimoto, a soldier in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry on November 7, 1944 near La Houssiere, France during World War II. At the time he was serving with Company G, 442d Regimental Combat Team. Nishimoto was about 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.
Nishimoto was born in 1920 in Fresno, Fresno County, California. His Medal of Honor is credited to Marion, Marion County, Ohio. Nishimoto died on November 13, 1944 in France, at the age of about 24. He is buried at Washington Colony Cemetery in Fresno, California. His medal is held by National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.
Nishimoto is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Joe M. Nishinoto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 7 November 1944, near La Houssiere, France. After three days of unsuccessful atempts by his company to dislodge the enmy from a strongly defended ridge, Private First Class Nishimoto, as acting squad leader, boldly crawled forward through a heavily mined and booby-traped area. Spotting a machine gun nest, he hurled a grenade and destroyed the emplacement. Then, circling to the rear of another machine gun position, he fired his submachine gun at point-blank range, killing one gunner and wounding another. Pursuing two enemy riflemen, Private First Class Nishimoto killed one, while the other hastily retreated. Continuing his determined assault, he drove another machine gun crew fron its position. The enemy, with their key strong points taken, were forced to withdraw from this sector. Private First Class Nishimoto'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.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Places
Timeline
- 1920Born in Fresno, Fresno County, California
- November 7, 1944Act of valor — near La Houssiere, FranceAge about 24. Company G, 442d Regimental Combat Team
- November 13, 1944Died in FranceAge about 24.
- June 21, 2000Medal of Honor presented posthumously
- Resting placeWashington Colony CemeteryFresno, California
Biography
Private First Class Joe Maori Nishimoto (Japanese: 西本 真織, February 21, 1919 – November 15, 1944) was a United States Army soldier. He is best known for receiving the Medal of Honor because of his actions in World War II.
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