Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Harry
Griffith
Cramer
DNB (1957)
1926-05-24

–

1957-10-21

Born:

Johnstown

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Johnstown

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

Harry Cramer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1946. He was killed in a training accident in South Vietnam in 1957. When his name was added to the Vietnam Wall in 1983, he became the first U.S. Military Casualty of the Vietnam War.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    24th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 28, 1951
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 305 (May 29, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harry Griffith Cramer (ASN: 0-28409), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea. On 28 March 1951, friendly forces launched an attack on strong hostile positions near Haeryong, Korea. When his platoon was halted by devastating fire just short of the crest, Lieutenant Cramer charged the emplacements with fixed bayonet to inflict numerous casualties on the entrenched foe. His bold action so inspired his men that they charged through the position to drive the remaining enemy fight. Lieutenant Cramer’s valorous leadership reflects the highest credit on himself and the United States Armed Forces.