Bill Masayuki Otomo was born on December 14, 1922, in El Centro, Imperial County, California. He was the son of Rokusuke Otomo and Ritsu Amano Otomo. He served in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, as a First Lieutenant and Platoon Leader during the Korean War.

1Lt Otomo was Killed in Action on February 7, 1951, at Anyang-Ni, Bayonet Hill, South Korea. He is now buried in the Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Bill Masayuki Otomo (ASN: 0-1340575), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 November 1950, Lieutenant Otomo led a patrol on a reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Sangjang-dong, Korea. As the patrol neared its objective, strong hostile forces opened fire from commanding positions to the front. Expertly deploying his men he led them in a series of assaults which culminated in the seizure of the enemy strongpoint. Establishing a firm defensive line, he directed mortar fire on another hostile group which was harassing the main elements of the company. Lieutenant Otomo’s intrepid leadership, notable military skill and devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.koreanwar.org, valor.militarytimes.com