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Personal info

Full name
PETER, Jacob M "Jakie"
Date of birth
13 January 1923
Age
22
Place of birth
Fairbury, Livingston County, Illinois
Hometown
Livingston County, Illinois

Military service

Service number
36445496
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
Platoon Commander
Unit
B Company,
1st Battalion,
385th Infantry Regiment,
76th Infantry Division
Awards
Distinguished Service Cross,
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
8 March 1945
Place of death
In the vicinity of Landscheid, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Luxembourg
Plot Row Grave
H 2 62

Immediate family

Members
Jacob G. Peter (father)
Elsie M. (Ruhlander) Peter (mother)
Irma M. Peter (sister)
Darrell A. Peter (sister)
Everett J. Peter (brother)
Marylin A. Peter (sister)
Earl F. Peter (brother)

More information

S/Sgt Jacob M. Peter graduated from Fairbury Township High School in 1940 and was a routeman.

He enlisted in Peoria, Illinois on 29 January 1943.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation stated:
"On 8 March 1945, during an attack against the town of Landscheid, Germany, Sergeant Peter's Platoon was cut off and encircled by the enemy. Defending the left flank of the position with eleven men he successfully repelled repeated enemy counterattacks for seven hours, inspiring and encouraging his man by his bold, fearless leadership. Disregarding his own safety he continually exposed himself to enemy fire, and on one occasion he braved withering fire to drag a wounded comrade to safety. Sergeant Peter was killed while driving off an enemy tank with rifle and grenade fire."

He is also remembered at the Graceland Cemetery in Fairbury, Livingston County, Illinois.

Source of information: André Koch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / 1920/1930/1940 Census, http://www.militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=120142
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Luxembourg American Cemetery / Michael D, The Fairbury Blade - 23 March 1945, Fairbury Township High School - 1940