Croisette Pass Analysis

Croisette Pass

October 29, 1944 09:00 the 100th and 3rd Battalion 442 attack together. They progress a bit before being stopped dead in their track at the “Croisette pass” by an extremely powerful defense position with outskirts are heavily mined. On the narrow ridge, there is only room for two companies at the most. The 100th to the right and slightly back of the 3rd bn decides to skirt the mine field and climb the slopes to the left of enemy position. In any case this possibility is offered to the 3rd Bn. Pursall decides to try and take the defenders at the left flank. The way is steep and extremely well defended. Company K suffered heavy casualties.

When the forward elements of Company K were pinned down by fire from an enemy machine gun and supporting snipers, Sergeant Fujio Miyamoto fearlessly worked his way forward toward the enemy emplacement. While so engaged, he was wounded in the forearm by a sniper, but disdaining medical treatment, he continued to advance until he reached a point 25 yards from the emplacement. Exposing himself in order to get better observation, he opened fire with his sub-machine gun, killed the two gunners and thus neutralized the position. In the 2-hour fire fight which followed, Staff Sergeant Fujio Miyamoto accounted for

Then, sending out a flanking party whose fire temporarily confused the enemy, he led his men in a charge against the attackers. Once again he ran a distance of thirty yards into the face of hostile fire shouting to attract enemy fire to him and giving his charging men the opportunity to advance with a minimum of risk. Inspired by his fearlessness, his men completely routed the enemy, and during the action captured 34 prisoners. By his fearlessness and skillful leadership, Sergeant Tsuneo Takemoto won the respect and confidence of his