World War II Honoree

Garner E. Harbit

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Elwood, Indiana

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private First Class. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps from Indiana, completing basic training with the Eleventh Recruit Battalion Recruit Depot; Marine Corps Base San Diego, California. Upon his graduation from Boot Camp, he was transferred to Camp Pendleton Oceanside, California for combat training. After his infantry training, he was selected to attend the Tank Fleet Marine Force Training Center at Camp Elliott, California. Served as a Tank Crewman with Able Company, Sixth Amphibian Tractor Battalion, attached to the First Marine ‘The Old Breed’ Division. His division participated in the amphibious assault against the Imperial Japanese forces on Peleliu Island (Battle Dates: September 15-November 27, 1944) Code Name: Operation Stalemate II. Location: Western Pacific Theater of Operations. Monday, September 18, 1944 he died of wounds encountered on the battlefield, and buried at sea by Administrative Decision. In remembrance of the brave, his name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippine Islands. In his Memory and Honor, a cenotaph memorial has been placed at the New Lancaster Cemetery New Lancaster, Indiana. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his Heroism and ultimate sacrifice.