SFC RODNEY JAMES TAKASHI YANO SFC RODNEY JAMES TAKASHI YANO SFC RODNEY JAMES TAKASHI YANO SFC RODNEY JAMES TAKASHI YANO

 

25 Mar 2004 I never knew Rodney J. T. Yano, but his grave is close to that of a friend of mine in Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii. I noticed the Medal of Honor designation on his headstone and became curious about him. I researched the casualty data bases and was able to find out how he died and what he did to be awarded the Medal. I believe that Sergeant Yano's actions were more than deserving of his remembrance on this site. I hope that those who knew him or served with thim will see this memorial and contribute more personal information about Sergeant Yano. From an admirer. E-mail address is not available. The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to RODNEY JAMES TAKASHI YANO Sergeant First Class United States Army for service as set forth in the following CITATION: SFC Yano distinguished himself while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop. SFC Yano was performing the duties of crew chief aboard the troop's command-and-control helicopter during action against enemy forces entrenched in dense jungle. From an exposed position in the face of intense small arms and antiaircraft fire he delivered suppressive fire upon the enemy forces and marked their positions with smoke and white phosphorous grenades, thus enabling his troop commander to direct accurate and effective artillery fire against the hostile emplacements. A grenade, exploding prematurely, covered him with burning phosphorous, and left him severely wounded. Flaming fragments within the helicopter caused supplies and ammunition to detonate. Dense white smoke filled the aircraft, obscuring the pilot's vision and causing him to lose control. Although having the use of only one arm and being partially blinded by the initial explosion, SFC Yano completely disregarded his welfare and began hurling blazing ammunition from the helicopter. In so doing he inflicted additional wounds upon himself, yet he persisted until the danger was past. SFC Yano's indomitable courage and profound concern for his comrades averted loss of life and additional injury to the rest of the crew. By his conspicuous gallantry at the cost of his life, in the highest traditions of the military service, SFC Yano has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U. S. Army.

 

4 May 2004 Pineapple: Just was at Gene's site and thought I would write to you. You were a great friend and inspiration to me.You taught me more about a UH1C than the whole army did. Because of this there were times that it was the only reason I'm here. When I heard about you at a Cav reunion I was saddened but not suprised at how it happened since you always put yourself last when helping anyone. I am proud to have called you my friend. ALLONS From a good friend and fellow Air Cav Troop member, John Griffith john.griffith10@verizon.net

 

26 Mar 2007 I knew the "Pineapple" in 1965 when we were in the 246th Transportation Co, Obersleissiem, Germany. Yano had already spent a year in Vietnam. Fun loving guy like us all, but had a serious side as well. His fatal injuries occurred afterward, probably on his 2nd (or more) tour in Vietnam. I happened to be passing through Fort Rucker, Alabama in about 1998 and saw Yano's picture in Base Ops. That's when I learned of his death and being awarded the MOH. From a friend, Wayne Nutsch wayne@nutsch.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall As noted in the Citation, then Staff Sergeant Yano was flying as the crew chief in UH-1C tail number 66-00528. SFC Yano was the only fatality, although one other soldier was injured.

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