After Harry Lesher Zerbe Jr. enlisted on June 20, 1941, he joined the U.S. Army, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, serving as a Private, First Class throughout his entire military career. Much of this division was sent to Fort Meade in Maryland for training after enlistment to prepare for combat. Fort Meade is pictured to the right.
- The average soldier would carry their weapon (a rifle), a cartridge belt, a haversack, an entrenching tool, a first aid pouch, and the bayonet in a scabbard
- They also carried a carrier for a light weight service gas mask, and two six-pocket bandoleers to hold ammunition
Zerbe's unit contributed to "D-Day," the large invasion of Normandy, France starting June 6, 1944. There were over 800 casualties from the 116th Infantry during their assault on Omaha Beach, but this was an integral part of the offensive. The unit recieved the Presidential Unit Citation and a second French Croix de Guerre with Palm for the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Zerbe Jr. died during the Normandy Invasion from wounds during battle. He was wounded on June 16, 1944 and died the next day: June 17, 1944. To the right is a picture of his grave. He rests in Plot J, Row 12, Grave 21, Normandy American Cemetery.
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