Private Shizuya Hayashi, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on November 29, 1943 near Cerasuolo, Italy during World War II. At the time he was serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Hayashi was 26 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, 56 years after the action — the White House - presented by President William J. Clinton.
Hayashi was born on November 28, 1917 in Waialua, Oahu, Honolulu County. Hayashi died on March 12, 2008 in Pearl City, Hawaii, at the age of 90. He is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Hayashi is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 20 credited to Hawaii.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private Shizuya Hayashi distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. During a flank assault on high ground held by the enemy, Private Hayashi rose alone in the face of grenade, rifle, and machine gun fire. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he charged and overtook an enemy machine gun position, killing seven men in the nest and two more as they fled. After his platoon advanced 200 yards from this point, an enemy antiaircraft gun opened fire on the men. Private Hayashi returned fire at the hostile position, killing nine of the enemy, taking four prisoners, and forcing the remainder of the force to withdraw from the hill. Private Hayashi'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.
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Timeline
- November 28, 1917Born in Waialua, Oahu, Honolulu County
- November 29, 1943Act of valor — near Cerasuolo, ItalyAge 26. Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate)
- June 21, 2000Medal of Honor presentedThe White House - presented by President William J. Clinton
- March 12, 2008Died in Pearl City, HawaiiAge 90.
- Resting placeNational Memorial Cemetery of the PacificHonolulu, Hawaii
Biography
Shizuya Hayashi (Japanese: 林 静也, November 28, 1917 – March 12, 2008) was a soldier in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor for actions in Cerasuolo, Italy during World War II.
From the Wikipedia article “Shizuya Hayashi”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
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