Mike S. Rabago
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 29 August 1944, then-Private First Class Mike S. Rabago was serving with an Infantry Company of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, First U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Rabago’s unit was in action against German forces at Elbeuf in Northern France when PFC Rabago saw an enemy concussion grenade thrown toward a comrade. Without hesitation, PFC Rabago tried to intercept the grenade, which struck him in the chest and fell to the ground. PFC Rabago instantly dropped to the ground and smothered the grenade with his helmet to prevent injury to others nearby. Despite being wounded and shocked by the explosion, PFC Rabago opened fire with his rifle toward the emplacement from which the grenade was thrown. PFC Rabago’s selfless, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

In addition to the DSC, Rabago also received a promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Mike S. Rabago (ASN: 38555193), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 August 1944, in France. Sergeant Rabago observed an enemy concussion grenade thrown toward a comrade. Without hesitation, and with utter disregard for his own life, he attempted to intercept the grenade, which fell to the ground after striking him in the chest. Courageously, he dropped to the ground and smothered the grenade with his helmet to prevent injury to others nearby. Although wounded and shocked by the subsequent explosion, he heroically opened fire with his rifle toward the emplacement from which the grenade was thrown. Sergeant Rabago'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, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 100 (December 23, 1944)

Death and Burial

Staff Sergeant Mike S. Rabago died on 8 May 2003, his 79th birthday. He is buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Bexar County, TX, in Section 31, Site 140.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72731756/mike-s-rabago