Edward Morales
Private, U.S. Army

On 16 June 1944, Private Edward Morales was serving with the 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, U.S. Army.

On that day, PVT Morales’ 41st Infantry Division was in its bloodiest engagement against Japanese forces on the island of Biak, off New Guinea's coast. PVT Morales’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

The 41st Division went on to defeat over 10,000 well-entrenched and well-led Japanese forces.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private Edward Morales (ASN: 39131880), 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 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 June 1944. Private Morales' 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 41st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 87 (1944)

Burial

Private Edward Morales is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot D, Row 5, Grave 207.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56756883/edward-morales