Memorial

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Donald Berry graduated from Hornell High School and Pratt institute of Technology.

He was employed as an illustrator by an advertising agency in New York.

He enlisted at Fort Jay, New York, on 11 June 1941 and was sent overseas in November 1944.

Originally commissioned as an officer in a tank destroyer battalion, he requested a transfer to an infantry unit so he could go overseas earlier.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action posthumously. The medal was handed over to his parents in September 1945.
The citation reads: "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of -, Lt Berry led his platoon in a co-ordinate attack against a strong pocket of German resistance. During the early stages of the advance his men were pinned down by enemy machine gun cross fire. Aware that the majority of his men were experiencing their initial engagement, Lt Berry shouted encouragement to them and personally led them forward. Halfway to his objective, he was caught by a burst of machinegun fire and killed. His gallant courage and outstanding leadership gave confidence to his men and proved a great sourse of inspiration to them."