Fifty-eight years ago Private 1st Class Anthony Kahoohanohano died while providing cover fire for retreating U.S. troops, killing 11 enemy fighters with his rifle and two more with his shovel before being fatally wounded.

On Wednesday, he received long-overdue recognition for his battlefield heroism; Language inserted into the fiscal 2010 Defense Authorization Bill signed into law by the president upgraded his posthumous Distinguished Service Cross to a Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor under fire.

The move came after years of lobbying from his family members and lawmakers from Hawaii. Earlier this year, Army Secretary Peter Geren backed the decision, agreeing that Kahoohanohan's actions warranted the higher honor.

According to his Distinguished Service Cross citation, Kahoohanohanowas was serving with the 17th Regiment, Seventh Infantry Division on Sept. 1, 1951, when his company's position was overrun by enemy troops.

Because of the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, it was necessary for the friendly troops to execute a limited withdrawal. As the men fell back, he ordered his squad to take up more tenable positions and provide covering fire for the friendly force. Then, although painfully wounded in the shoulder during the initial enemy assault, he gathered a supply of grenades and ammunition and returned to his original position to face the enemy alone. ... His heroic stand so inspired his comrades that they launched a counterattack that completely repulse the enemy.

White House officials said they'll hold a ceremony to formally present the award in coming weeks, but no details have yet been finalized.

[PHOTO: Army]