Erwin Joseph Nummer
Captain, U.S. Army

Erwin Joseph Nummer was a Sergeant in the Michigan National Guard at Grand Rapids, MI, when the 32nd Infantry Division was mobilized.

On 30 November 1942, then-First Lieutenant Erwin Joseph Nummer was serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army in the South West Pacific Area.

On that day, 1LT Nummer’s unit was in action against Japanese forces during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. 1LT Nummer’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 16 December 1944, now-Captain Nummer, Commanding Officer of Company H, 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment was Killed in Action during the Battle of Leyte near Limon, Leyte.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross

Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

First Lieutenant (Infantry) Erwin J. Nummer (ASN: 0-402981), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 November 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. First Lieutenant Nummer's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty 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.

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 3 (1943)

Burial

Captain Erwin Joseph Nummer is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot B, Row 14, Grave 13.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56773644/erwin-joseph-nummer