Memorial

More information

Harvey Durbin joined the Army on 2 July 1942.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his action on 12 January 1945. The citation cited: On the morning of 12 January 1945, at about 1030 hours, Company D, 83d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and an attached platoon of tanks were given the orders to attack and wipe out enemy positions about two miles south of Bihain, Belgium. Company D, acting as infantry, was proceeding through wooded, snow-covered territory toward its objective when the enemy opened with continuous small arms and mortar fire. The platoon of tanks was then sent forward in an effort to wipe out the enemy resistance. The tanks withdrew to more favorable positions and our infantrymen were sent in to engage the enemy. At this time, Pvt Durbin went forward in the face of intense small arms and bazooka fire, with complete disregard for his own safety, opened fire upon the enemy bazooka teams, inflicting casualties upon them and causing the remainder of the bazooka teams to retreat. During this action, Pvt Durbin was slightly wounded in the leg but continued to fire upon the enemy until he was seriously wounded my mortar fire. Pvt Durbin's action in causing the enemy to retreat from their entrenched positions was the decisive factor in enabling our tanks to move forward and wipe out the enemy positions in that area. His bravery and devotion to duty and his determined effort to close with the enemy regardless of the consequences, was an inspiration to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

He died of his wounds at the 298th General Hospital that was stationed in Alleur, Liège at that time.

He was initially buried in a temporary grave at Henri-Chapelle on 20 January 1945. After being disinterred and after the cemetery was given a permanent status, he was given his final resting place on 30 June 1948.

His brother Flynn J. Durbin was killed in action on 15 December 1943 in Italy. He is buried at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. His brother Andrew L. Durbin was killed during the Korean War in December 1950. He is listed as missing in action. His two other brothers, Bud and Rule also served during World War 2.