James E. Schwalbach
Private First Class

On 28 October 1944, Private First Class James E. Schwalbach was serving with Company K, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Schwalbach’s unit was in action against German forces while advancing up the Rhone Valley, through the Vosges Mountains, in France. PFC Schwalbach’s 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.

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)

Private First Class James E. Schwalbach (ASN: 42015202), 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 K, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 August 1944. Private First Class Schwalbach'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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 153 (1945)

Death and Burial

Private First Class James E. Schwalbach is buried at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Epinal, Departement des Vosges, Lorraine, France, in Plot B, Row 43, Grave 6.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56375406/james-e-schwalbach