Harlen W. Way
Private, U.S. Army

On 24-25 March 1945, Private Harlen W. Way was serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, Ninth U.S. Army.

In the early morning hours of 25 March, PVT Way’s unit was in action against German forces as it made an assault crossing of the rapid flowing Rhine River. PVT Way’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism on 25 March earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Harlen W. Way (ASN: 19060555), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 March 1945. Private Way'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 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 199 (1945)

Burial

Private Harlen W. Way is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Eijsden-Margraten Municipality, Limburg, Netherland, in Plot P, Row 8, Grave 15.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56305032/harlen-w-way