page_title: George Sakato
section_title: Medal of Honor citation
hierarchical_section_title: George Sakato / Medal of Honor citation
caption_attribution_description: English: Medal of Honor recipient George Sakato at the 65th anniversary of the Rescue of the Lost Battalion tribute dinner in Houston.
context_page_description: George Taro Sakato was a United States Army soldier. He received the Medal of Honor because of his actions in World War II.
context_section_description: Sakato's Medal of Honor recognized his conduct in frontline fighting in northern France in 1944. He charged an enemy stronghold.  Then he took command of his platoon and led it in defense of the position.
  The words of Sakato's citation explain:
  Private George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 October 1944, on hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. After his platoon had virtually destroyed two enemy defense lines, during which he personally killed five enemy soldiers and captured four, his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Disregarding the enemy fire, Private Sakato made a one-man rush that encouraged his platoon to charge and destroy the enemy strongpoint. While his platoon was reorganizing, he proved to be the inspiration of his squad in halting a counter-attack on the left flank during which his squad leader was killed. Taking charge of the squad, he continued his relentless tactics, using an enemy rifle and P-38 pistol to stop an organized enemy attack. During this entire action, he killed 12 and wounded two, personally captured four and assisted his platoon in taking 34 prisoners. By continuously ignoring enemy fire, and by his gallant courage and fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat into victory and helped his platoon complete its mission. Private Sakato'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.
caption: Sakato in 2009
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