James Grafhorst

James Grafhorst 86 years old passed away May 17 2005. A veteran of World War II and holder of 3 Bronze Stars and 9 other medals. He was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was in the Infantry. Here's the story of how the second platoon of the 310th Infantry of the Lightning division took the German town of Heister. And the boy we're mainly interested in is Private James Grafhorst of Akron. It seems the second platoon took the Germans by surprise and by the time the Germans got their second story guns working the Americans were already on top of them. To begin with the platoon had to cross 200 yards of open ground before getting into the town. Admittedly the boys broke all speed records in doing that 200 yards. One sergeant said they probably wouldn't have made it at all if it hadn't been for Private Grafhorst of Akron who silenced a Jerry Machine gun with a grenade and then finished off the gunners with his bar. The boys searched every house in the town for Germans. The next morning the boys had taken the town of HEISTER and a total of 120 prisoners. Jim was retired from the Post Office downtown branch. He loved all sports especially baseball and football also politics and crossword puzzles. He was a member of National Association of Letter Carriers. Jim is survived by his beloved sisters and their families Lois (Bob) Silvanik and their children Connie (Peter) Le Faivre Kim (Allen) Railey and Bob (Amy) Silvanik all from Kentucky Constance Pisciotta and daughter Grace Ann (John) Morris of Maryland Jessie Ruggles (deceased) her daughter Amy Ruggles Grace Moore and her children Patricia Bates of Florida and Patrick Moore Hilda Hornbech and her children Sue Conery and George (Mary) Hornbech of Kent. Jim is also survived by other great nieces and nephews. With gratitude to Manor Care and especially Aide Gwen and RN Joan Nell for comfort and care extended to Jim. Friends may call at Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St. on Saturday May 21 2005 from 1-2 pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 pm. Internment in Rose Hill Cemetery.