Harold E. Graber
Corporal, U.S. Army

On 5 December 1942, Private Harold E. Graber was serving with Company E, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division in the South West Pacific Area.

On that day, PVT Graber’s Company E was in action against Japanese forces during the Papuan Campaign in the Battle of Buna–Gona, New Guinea. PVT Graber’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private Harold E. Graber, 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 E, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign in New Guinea. Private Graber'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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1 (1943)

Burial

Corporal Harold E. Graber is buried at North Brinton Cemetery in Brinton, Isabella County, MI.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=17073682