COLONEL EDWIN J. RAFTER, received the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism while serving with the 105th Infantry, 27th Division, near Ronsoy, France, on 27 September 1918. On that date, Colonel Rafter, then a corporal, was in command of a flank detachment of which all the members except himself were killed or wounded. He remained at his post during the entire night and by his constant rifle fire defeated several attempts of enemy groups to develop an attack on the left of his organization. He, thus, enabled his company to reorganize and consolidate it’s position. His indomitable courage and devotion to duty set an inspiring example to the men of his company and battalion.

COL Rafter resided in New Jersey. He joined the Legion of Valor in 1971.