Austin D. Bryant
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

In February 1945, Staff Sergeant Austin D. Bryant was serving with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On 20-21 February, SSG Bryant's unit was in action against Japanese forces on Luzon, Philippines. SSG Bryant's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day 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
World War II Victory Medal
Philippine Liberation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Staff Sergeant Austin D. Bryant (ASN: 20932435), 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 the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 and 21 February 1945. Staff Sergeant Bryant'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 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 42 (1945)

Burial

Staff Sergeant Austin D. Bryant is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot F, Row 10, Grave 60.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56787131