Francis J. Babish
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

In January 1945, Staff Sergeant Francis J. Babish was serving with Company K, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

From 11-13 January, SSG Babbish was in action against German forces during the Battle of the Bulge. SSG Babish's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism during those days earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. SSG Babish was Killed in Action.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Staff Sergeant Francis J. Babish (ASN: 42035446), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 11 to 13 January 1945. Staff Sergeant Babish's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 79th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 600 (1945)

Burial

Staff Sergeant Francis J. Babish is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold. Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France in Plot G, Row 2, Grave 26.