Kerstetter Family History & Genealogy

World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from President Harry S. Truman at the White House on October 12, 1945, for his actions as a private first class with Company C, 130th Infantry, 33rd Infantry Division, US Army, on April 13, 1945, near Galiano, Luzon, Philippine Islands. He joined the US Army in March 1942, following the US entry into World War II. Following his recruit and combat training, he was assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations. On that day, during the liberation of the Philippine Islandsa fight to take a ridge near Galiano, Luzon, the Philippines, he advanced ahead of his squad in a fight to take a ridge, and engaged the Japanese soldiers alone until running out of ammunition. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "He was with his unit in a dawn attack against hill positions appoachable only along a narrow ridge paralleled on each side by steep cliffs which were heavily defended by enemy mortars, machine guns, and rifles in well-camouflaged spider holes and tunnels leading to caves. When the leading element was halted by intense fire that inflicted five casualties, Pfc. Kerstetter passed through the American line with his squad. Placing himself well in advance of his men, he grimly worked his way up the narrow steep hogback, meeting the brunt of enemy action. With well-aimed shots and rifle-grenade fire, he forced the Japs to take cover. He left the trail and, moving down a cliff that offered only precarious footholds, dropped among four Japs at the entrance to a cave, fired his rifle from his hip, and killed them all. Climbing back to the trail, he advanced against heavy enemy machine-gun, rifle, and mortar fire to silence a heavy machine gun by killing its crew of four with rifle fire and grenades. He expended his remaining ammunition and grenades on a group of approximately 20 Japs, scattering them, and returned to his squad for more ammunition and first aid for his left hand, which had been blistered by the heat from his rifle. Resupplied, he guided a fresh platoon into a position from which a concerted attack could be launched, killing three hostile soldiers on the way. In all, he dispatched 16 Japs that day. The hill was taken and held against the enemy's counterattacks, which continued for three days. Pfc. Kerstetter's dauntless and gallant heroism was largely responsible for the capture of this key enemy position, and his fearless attack in the face of great odds was an inspiration to his comrades in their dangerous task."

Stanley D Kerstetter Jr. of Ridley Park, Delaware County, PA was born on September 2, 1924, and died at age 83 years old on September 27, 2007.

William E Kerstetter of Bexar County, TX was born circa 1966. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember William E. Kerstetter.

Jill A Kerstetter of TX was born circa 1975. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Jill A. (Heidbreder) Kerstetter.

Alexander Kerstetter was born on July 31, 1998. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Alexander Kerstetter.

Kaitlyn P (Kerstetter) Napieralski was born on June 8, 1993. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Kaitlyn P (Kerstetter) Napieralski.

Chelsea N (Kerstetter) Ripley was born on February 4, 1992. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Chelsea N (Kerstetter) Ripley.

Danielle Renee (Kerstetter) Bobalik was born on January 27, 1988. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Danielle (Kerstetter).

Verdun A Kerstetter of Williamsport, Lycoming County, PA was born on August 26, 1921, and died at age 81 years old on September 17, 2002.

Chester I Kerstetter of Catasauqua, Lehigh County, PA was born on March 16, 1919, and died at age 75 years old on November 20, 1994.

Harvey E Kerstetter of Liverpool, Perry County, PA was born on February 5, 1920, and died at age 58 years old in June 1978.

Harold G Kerstetter of State College, Centre County, PA was born on July 8, 1906, and died at age 77 years old in October 1983.

Harold W Kerstetter of Venice, Los Angeles County, CA was born on November 28, 1908, and died at age 64 years old on December 8, 1972. Harold Kerstetter was buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery Section 295 Row X Site 18 950 South Sepulveda Boulevard, in Los Angeles.

Perry S Kerstetter of Shamokin, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania was born on June 21, 1923, and died at age 44 years old in August 1967.

Jacob E Kerstetter of Port Trevorton, Snyder County, PA was born on September 27, 1919, and died at age 83 years old on August 3, 2003.

Mark R Kerstetter of Oregon, Lucas County, Ohio was born on May 28, 1916, and died at age 64 years old in April 1981.

Irvin L Kerstetter of Shamokin, Northumberland County, PA was born on August 7, 1923, and died at age 68 years old on July 13, 1992.

Alfred H Kerstetter of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA was born on April 10, 1924, and died at age 78 years old on April 26, 2002.

Stanley A Kerstetter of Lewisberry, York County, PA was born on August 23, 1926, and died at age 69 years old on October 14, 1995.

Donald F Kerstetter of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, MN was born on April 6, 1918, and died at age 70 years old on April 28, 1988. Donald Kerstetter was buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Section X Site 4431 7601 34th Avenue, South, in Minneapolis.