Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. A Japanese-American, he received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from President Richard M. Nixon at the White House for his actions as a corporal with the 173rd Engineer Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army, on March 20, 1969, at Camp Radcliff, Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam. He was also awarded the Bronze Star (with 'V' device) and the Purple heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Kawamura distinguished himself by heroic action while serving as a member of the 173d Engineer Company. An enemy demolition team infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons. Disregarding the intense fire, Cpl. Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the occupants of the room. Cpl. Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he observed that another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the floor. He immediately realized that 2 stunned fellow soldiers were in great peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Cpl. Kawamura unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely disregarding his safety, Cpl. Kawamura prevented serious injury or death to several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Cpl. Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. A Japanese-American, he received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from President Richard M. Nixon at the White House for his actions as a corporal with the 173rd Engineer Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army, on March 20, 1969, at Camp Radcliff, Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam. He was also awarded the Bronze Star (with 'V' device) and the Purple heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Kawamura distinguished himself by heroic action while serving as a member of the 173d Engineer Company. An enemy demolition team infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons. Disregarding the intense fire, Cpl. Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the occupants of the room. Cpl. Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he observed that another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the floor. He immediately realized that 2 stunned fellow soldiers were in great peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Cpl. Kawamura unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely disregarding his safety, Cpl. Kawamura prevented serious injury or death to several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Cpl. Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
CPL 173 ENGR CO 173 ABN BDE
VIETNAM MEDAL OF HONOR BSM-PH
Family Members
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