Colonel Edwin May commanded the 383rd Infantry Regiment of the 96th "Deadeyes" Infantry Division. He was killed on Okinawa on June 5, 1945 while directing the attack on Laura Hill.
FROM MILITARY HALL OF VALOR:
Edwin T. May Colonel, U.S. Army In April 1945, Colonel Edwin T. May was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company as Commanding Officer, 383rd Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, Tenth U.S. Army. From 1 April to 15 May, COL May’s 383rd Infantry Regiment was making an assault landing against Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands and establishing a beachhead near Sunabe. Resistance stiffened considerably as the 96th Division advanced to Kakazu Ridge, where fighting was fierce, 7–16 April. The 96th assaulted and cracked the fanatically defended enemy defense line, Tanabaru Nishibaru, 17–23 April, and after advancing slightly against extreme resistance, was relieved by the 77th Infantry Division on 30 April. The 96th Division trained and rested, 1–9 May, while elements mopped up bypassed enemy pockets and then returned to the offensive attacking and capturing Conical-Sugar Hill Ridge. COL May’s outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism during that time earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. COL May was killed in action on 6 June 1945 while trying to take Laura Hill. Medals, Awards and Badges Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Medal Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 2 Bronze Stars World War II Victory Medal Combat Infantryman Badge Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis) Colonel (Infantry) Edwin T. May (ASN: 0-10912), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 383d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 1 April 1945 to 15 May 1945, at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. Colonel May's 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, the 96th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Headquarters, Tenth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 142 (1945) Burial Colonel Edwin T. May is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 2, Site 356.