When the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was formed, Tazoi, already a member of the Utah National Guard, received orders to join them. During the rescue of a battalion lost in the Vosges Mountains, Tazoi alerted his fellow Soldiers to a machine gunner, and then charged the position. Even after being shot in the shoulder by a sniper, he continued to attack German positions, and was stopped only when he was hit by a concussion grenade. For these brave actions, Tazoi was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in May 1945.