Sgt Morace L. Reeves
US Army 128th Infantry
Nov 12, 1910 - Nov 21, 1944
Morace L. Reeves grew up in Cimarron Kansas and was killed in action during WWII. A member of the US Army, 128th Infantry, he was killed during the Battle of Leyte, (in the Philippines) on November 21, 1944, the 32nd day of the battle. He was 34 years old when killed. After the war, Morace and his brother, Clifford Cay Reeves, (who was killed in the battle for Okinawa) were brought home to Cimarron and laid to rest in the local cemetery on April 24, 1949.
A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 128th Infantry In WWII
The 128th was called to federal service on 15 October 1940. After training in Louisiana, the unit was moved by convoy to Port Adelaide, Australia. In 1942 the 128th, as part of the 32nd, broke through the Japanese lines at the Battle of Buna (“Bloody Buna”), New Guinea; in 1944 defeated Japanese General Adachi’s divisions at Saidor and Aitape, New Guinea; defeated the Japanese Imperial First Marines in Leyte (Imperial First Marines only loss in 200 years); and pierced the Yamashita Line in Luzon. The 128th Regiment and 32d Division were still in combat action when the cease fire order came on 15 August 1945. The 32d Infantry Division had been in combat 654 days – more than any United States division in any war.