Ralph F. Greeley
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 19 September 1944, Sergeant Ralph F. Greeley was serving with Company D, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, SGT Greeley’s unit was in action against German forces near Nancy, France, during the Rhineland Campaign, after capturing the city 4 days earlier. SGT Greeley’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
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Ralph F. Greeley (20722184), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 September 1944. Sergeant Greeley'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 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 206 (1945)

Burial

Sergeant Ralph F. Greeley is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France, in Plot C, Row 20, Grave 25.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56655640