MEDAL OF HONOR: Brutal Hand-to-Hand Combat to Save His Men | Hiroshi 'Hershey' Miyamura

On the night of April 24, 1951, Hiroshi 'Hershey' Miyamura was occupying a defensive position south of the Imjin River, when enemy forces fanatically attacked his position. Aware of the imminent danger to his men he unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat killing 10 enemy soldiers.

Miyamura returned to his machine gun emplacement and delivered withering fire as their lines were hit by another savage attack. Sensing the position was about to be overrun he ordered his men to withdraw while he remained alone to cover their retreat. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded.

Miyamura would survive his wounds and be taken prisoner after his heroic stand. After a forced march of 300 miles Miyamura would spend the next 28 months as a POW.

For his actions on April 24 Hiroshi Miyamura would be awarded the Medal of Honor.

*Medal of Honor Citation:*
Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position when the enemy fanatically attacked threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machinegun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machinegun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable heroism and consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service.

On November 29th, 2022 Staff Sergeant Hiroshi 'Hershey' Miyamura passed away.

[herrgodfrey]

Mr. Miyamura passed on the 29th of November, this year. Rest easy, Mr. Miyamura, you've most certainly earned it.

[SIXTYPROD]

When he said my fellow Americans something got in my eye ….. god I wish the kids today would loosen to people like this man. We live in the best country in the world doesn’t matter what color your skin is you are an American and should take pride in that

[caldaque]

Not only did this man serve his country in two wars, but he served so valiantly as to earn the greatest Honor our country can bestow. During WWII Americans with Japanese ancestry were sadly treated with distrust and even thrown in camps. Despite that prejudice, this man believed so much in the country that put his life on the line for us. You can tell by the way he speaks that he loves this country and holds it in the highest regard. This man is what it is to be an American Patriot.

[jordanclark]

This American hero just passed away. Rest In Peace Sgt. Miyamura. Your service to our country is forever appreciated.

[gordonames]

I grew up with my Japanese friends whose fathers were in the 442 Regiment, the most decorated unit of the US ARMY. They were class people!

[tad]

This is what a true American looks like. We're loosing these heroes every day. Thanks for making these stories available for the World.

[dave]

A true American hero. Thank you sir for all you have done for this great land.

[craigt]

I had the honor of meeting this hero at a Veterans Day event in Albuquerque (I believe in 2018). He is a truly humble gentleman. A real national treasure.

[Jim-iniy]

One of my favorite Challenge Coins I have is one that was handed to me by Hershey. I had the Honor of meeting him when I was a SSgt in 11th Marines. Courtesy of the USO and other folks, I was able to visit with Hersey and other fellas from Korea and Vietnam. It was an honor talking to them and answering their questions about our Howitzers and different things. Moments like those I will never forget.

[jeffpaperart]

Ultimate respect for this hero, this soldier, this man.

[philbrennaman]

Our debt to these men can never be repaid, they should know how much we respect and revere them.

[thomasconrad]

I love how humble he is. “I was so excited because we all respected General and now President Eisenhower…it was such an honor” never thinking of just how much an honor it was for anyone to truly meet and serve beside him. This man saved his men’s lives and killed 50+ enemy to ensure they got a chance to get home that night. Letting them leave while he covered their departure. Not many people truly are ever tested that way nor do many people put others lives ahead of their own. Hiroshi is truly a real American hero.

[ltridge]

I came within 10' of this man on memorial day 2019 at El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico. My (now) wife and I had recently watched his episode on Medal of Honor, and she reminded me as we entered Gallup while on a trip. Lo and behold I saw him enter as I was meandering in the lobby waiting on her to use the restroom. I drew a blank on his name, turned for a moment to look it up, turned back and he was gone. I searched the immediate area and outside to no avail. Pictures the next day from events confirmed that it was Hershey, and i dropped the ball getting to speak to him!

[mitchmiller]

This man fought in TWO wars. Highest respect.

[ginsuwarrior]

When I hear our National Anthem's last verse, I think about our brave American heroes like Mr. Miyamura. I thank them all for their selfless service and sacrifice.

[elosogonzalez]

"Hershey" is buried in a cemetary just West of his hometown of Gallup, New Mexico. His story and bravery are not to be forgotten. RIP Hershey.

[minjunehwang]

Thank you for your service, from the bottom of my heart. As a Korean who was born way after the war and was fortunate enough to enjoy freedom and prosperity, I really appreciate your (and all young American soldiers’) service and sacrifice. Those who fought to protect freedom in this small peninsula are true heroes that allowed this country to be get out of poverty and enable rapid growth. May your soul rest in peace.

[timf]

On Nov 29, 2022 Hershey passed away. Thank you for your service, Honor and dedication to your fellow soldiers and country. You will never be forgotten.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society has announced the passing of one of New Mexico's Medal of Honor recipients, Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura. He passed away in Phoenix Arizona.



On April 24, 1951, then-Corporal Miyamura was serving with Company H in the U.S. Army as a machine-gun squad leader with enemies threatened to over run his position. Miyamura then engaged in hand-to-hand combat to help protect his men from the imminent danger of the enemy. After engaging in combat, Miyamura returned to the position and rendered aid to the wounded soldiers and directed their evacuation.

When another assault hit their position during the Korean War, Miyamura manned his machine gun until his ammuniation was gone and ordered his squad to withdraw while he moved to help a second position. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back and helped cover their movement. Miyamura was severely wounded and continued to fight until he was captured by enemy forces.

Because of his actions during the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented Miyamura with the Congressional Medal of Honor at the White House.

After the war and his release from capture, Miyamura returned to Gallup and worked for the U.S. Post Office.

Miyamura is survived by numerous members of his family. Funeral and burial arrangements are pending.

Miyamura was 97.

[aBRUSHforCONFUCIUS]

I love our country very deeply. It is because we have so many people like Mr. Miyamura MOH and his humility.

[andrewhorsfall]

True American patriot. Undoubtedly faced prejudice and racism as a Japanese American. Yet, he served his country humbly and heroically.