Bernadino Y. Estrada
Private, U.S. Army

On 16 December 1942, Private Bernadino Y. Estrada was serving with Company E, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division in the South West Pacific Area.

On that day, PVT Estrada’s 32nd Infantry Division was in action against Japanese forces during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea, when it, along with the Australian 18th Brigade, began an assault on the main Japanese beachheads in eastern New Guinea. PVT Estrada’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 Bernadino Y. Estrada (ASN: 38070627), 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, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Private Estrada'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. 9 (1943)

Burial

Private Bernadino Y. Estrada is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines, in Plot D, Row 14, Grave 48.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56775548