Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Harry
Combs
KIA (WWII)

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

William H. Combs was a member of the New York Stock Exchange after 1929 as the senior member of the brokerage firm of W. A. Combs & Company. A veteran of WWI combat, he returned to duty in World War II. His son Richard Maddox Combs was killed in action on 28 February 1944, earning a Silver Star. In the next four months the elder Combs earned two DSCs and was also killed in action. His son’s Richard, Jack and William all served in World War II and were the first THREE brothers ever to attend West Point at the same time. Father and son are buried side-by-side at Arlington.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)

    Action Date:

    June 14, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces-China/Burma/India, General Orders No. 115 (September 1, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Harry Combs (ASN: 0-110977), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) (Merrill’s Marauders), in action near Myitkyina, Northern Burma, on 14 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Combs’ outstanding leadership, 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 and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)

    Action Date:

    May 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces-China/Burma/India, General Orders No. 137 (October 20, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Harry Combs (ASN: 0-110977), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) (Merrill’s Marauders), in action against enemy forces in the Burma, in May 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Combs’ outstanding leadership, 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 and the United States Army.