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PFC Barry Cranfill Jr.

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PFC Barry Cranfill Jr.

Birth
Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA
Death
29 May 1944 (aged 20)
Anzio, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy
Burial
Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
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 First Class Barry Cranfill, Jr. (ASN: 35097195), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with a rifle platoon of the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 26 to 29 May 1944, in Italy. Private First Class Cranfill, with utter disregard for his own safety, went about a field which was under attack looking for casualties, treating everyone he found, including enemy soldiers. For four successive days he sought out the wounded who lay in fire-swept areas. It was on 29 May, while advancing with his platoon up a hill at Private First Class Cranfill again exhibited the highest courage when he left his place of cover and proceeded through an extremely heavy artillery concentration to give aid to several casualties. He was killed by shell fragments. Private First Class Cranfill'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 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
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 First Class Barry Cranfill, Jr. (ASN: 35097195), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with a rifle platoon of the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 26 to 29 May 1944, in Italy. Private First Class Cranfill, with utter disregard for his own safety, went about a field which was under attack looking for casualties, treating everyone he found, including enemy soldiers. For four successive days he sought out the wounded who lay in fire-swept areas. It was on 29 May, while advancing with his platoon up a hill at Private First Class Cranfill again exhibited the highest courage when he left his place of cover and proceeded through an extremely heavy artillery concentration to give aid to several casualties. He was killed by shell fragments. Private First Class Cranfill'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 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Inscription

PFC, 180 INF, 45 INF DIV WORLD WAR II



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  • Created by: ShaneO
  • Added: Jan 23, 2011
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64598296/barry-cranfill: accessed ), memorial page for PFC Barry Cranfill Jr. (4 Apr 1924–29 May 1944), Find a Grave Memorial ID 64598296, citing Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA; Maintained by ShaneO (contributor 47009366).