World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. His citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the 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 a platoon advance of 200 yards from this point, an enemy antiaircraft gun-position opened fire on the platoon. 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." His actions in combat earned Hayashi a Distinguished Service Cross, which was upgraded to a Medal of Honor 57 years later. On June 22, 2000, President Clinton awarded the nation's highest military award for valor to Hayashi and 21 other Asian-American veterans of World War II.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. His citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the 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 a platoon advance of 200 yards from this point, an enemy antiaircraft gun-position opened fire on the platoon. 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." His actions in combat earned Hayashi a Distinguished Service Cross, which was upgraded to a Medal of Honor 57 years later. On June 22, 2000, President Clinton awarded the nation's highest military award for valor to Hayashi and 21 other Asian-American veterans of World War II.
Bio by: Eamonn
Inscription
SHIZUYA HAYASHI
MEDAL OF HONOR
PVT 100 BN 442 INF
WORLD WAR II
NOV 28 1917 MAR 12 2008
Family Members
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