Army Colonel. Peabody ASN: , United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 November , near Cape Sudest, New Guinea. When enemy airplanes attacked and set fire to four small ships carrying United States Army personnel and supplies, First Lieutenant Peabody called for volunteers to attempt a rescue. With four enlisted men, he boarded a small coastal vessel and ordered it to proceed to the blazing vessels.
In spite of repeated enemy bombing and strafing and without regard to his personal safety, he continued the search for survivors until long after dark. When a rifle company patrol broke through the enemy lines and established itself on the beach between Buna Village and Buna Station, the only supply route to it lay through the hostile position.
First Lieutenant Peabody led a carrying party forward in an effort to replenish the ammunition of the patrol. When its advance was discovered, the party was checked by enemy mortar fire and by fire from snipers. Gathering his men together, First Lieutenant Peabody crawled forward with them through the enemy position to the patrol. The ammunition thus delivered made possible the holding, in spite of repeated enemy counterattacks, of this key point cutting hostile communication lines.
March 31, Cemetery: Fort Benning Post Cemetery. World War II. Service: United States Army. Rank: First Lieutenant Infantry. Division: 32d Infantry Division. Action Date: November 16, Action Date: December 5,
