Navy Federal Credit Union

Raymond Gantner was Killed in Action nearly two years after the action that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, on May 1, 1945, while fighting on Okinawa.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    17th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    7th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 19, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Troops, APO 726 (Attu Landing Force), General Orders No. 31 (1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Raymond Charles Gantner (ASN: 36075298), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 May 1943, at Attu, Territory of Alaska. During the advance of our troops on Attu Island, Private First Class Gantner displayed outstanding courage in the face of almost certain self-destruction when his platoon was pinned to the ground by heavy machine gun fire. Private First Class Gantner dashed across open terrain, silenced the machine gun with grenades, and then charged forward, killing the remaining enemy with his rifle. His extraordinary heroism, 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 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.