Col. William E Lobit US Army, 1st Cavalry Division, 82nd FAB, Feb. 13, 1911-Apr. 30, 2007

Col. William E Lobit



One of the staff officers in Maj. Gen Mudge's command and most likely, one of the purported forward observing staff officer witnesses to the death of PFC Jeston C. Whittington's at Antipolo 3/10/45. There were several, from various ranks and components. PFC Jeston C. Whittington(ASN: 34596505), United States Army, 1st Cavalry Division, 82nd FAB Batt.A


Valor awards for William E. Lobit

Citation for Col. Lobit's Distinguished Service Cross is as follows:

LOBIT, WILLIAM E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William E. Lobit, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces on 4 March 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Lobit's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 49 (1944)
Information from 1st Cavalry Division World War II:
"The leader of these gallant soldiers of the “Fighting Fifth” which had successfully seized and held their objective against overwhelming odds since the beginning of the campaign was Lieutenant Colonel William E. Lobit of Galveston, Texas. He commanded the assault force in the initial landing on enemy-held territory of the Admiralty Island group on 29 February. During the ensuing four days of raging battle, when the chance of success teetered precariously in a fragile balance, his forcefulness, aggressiveness, cool courage and determination enabled him to lead his troops to victory and won him a Distinguished Service Cross.”

Note: The “Fighting Fifth” reference is regarding the 1st Cavalry Division - 5th Cavalry Regiment under his command purview within the XIV Corps' "Flying Column".

William E Lobit (1911 - 2007) - Find A Grave Memorial

In Remembrance of Colonel William Edward Lobit

DSC WWII 1st Cavalry Division Association