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Peabody, Herbert G.

Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:
Headquarters Company, HQ, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
December 28th, 1942
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forcespm 16 November 1942, near Cape Sudest, New Guinea. When enemy airplanes attacked and set fire to four small ships carrying United States Army personnel and supplies, First Lieutenant Peabody called for volunteers to attempt a rescue. With four enlisted men, he boarded a small coastal vessel and ordered it to proceed to the blazing vessels. In spite of repeated enemy bombing and strafing and without regard to his personal safety, he continued the search for survivors until long after dark. First Lieutenant Peabody'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. 64 (28 December 1942).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant (1st. Lieutenant)
Unit:
Headquarters Company, HQ, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
December 28th, 1944
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1942, near Buna, New Guinea. When a rifle company patrol broke through the enemy lines and established itself on the beach between Buna Village and Buna Station, the only supply route to it lay through the hostile position. First Lieutenant Peabody led a carrying party forward in an effort to replenish the ammunition of the patrol. When its advance was discovered, the party was checked by enemy mortar fire and by fire from snipers. Gathering his men together, First Lieutenant Peabody crawled forward with them through the enemy position to the patrol. The ammunition thus delivered made possible the holding, in spite of repeated enemy counterattacks, of this key point cutting hostile communication lines. First Lieutenant Peabody'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."

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached to the ribbon of the first award.
Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 64 (28 December 1942).

Sources

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