Elmer Jire Yoshihara was born on September 12, 1915, in Mason County, Washington. He was the son of George Yoshihara and Hisano Yoshihara. He served in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, as a Private First Class during the Korean War.

PFC Yoshihara was wounded by the enemy in South Korea on July 28, 1950, and returned to duty later that day. He was killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on August 25, 1950. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

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 Private First Class Elmer J. Yoshihara (ASN: RA-36908084), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 August 1950, elements of the regiment were starting an attack near Taegu, Korea, when an enemy minefield was encountered. Since delay meant endangering he mission, Private First Class Yosihara volunteered to assist in removing the mines. Moving forward under intense direct hostile small arms fire, he was killed when the enemy suddenly lay a mortar barrage on the area. Private First Class Yoshihara’s gallant devotion to duty to the service of his country was an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, weremember.abmc.gov, valor.militarytimes.com