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- Dr. John C. Grabau, Once Army Surgeon
Buffalo (UP) — Military and medical circles mourned today the death of Dr. John C. Grabau, 52, retired Major in the Army Medical Corps and former regimental surgeon of the 106th Field Artillery. The physician who retired from active military duty in 1940, received the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and other honors for his service in World War I.
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Dr. John C. Grabau, Physician And War Hero, Dies Suddenly
Wounded in Action in France, He Held D. S. C. and Other Honors; Was Regimental Silrgeon of 106th
A well-known physician. Dr. John C. Grabau, 52, of 61 Laurel St. died suddenly Sunday morning In his home after a heart attack. Born in Walmore, Niagara County, the Grabau family came to Buffalo in 1894. The doctor's father, Dr. John N. Grabau, who died last year, was for 46 years pastor of Trinity Old Lutheran Church and the family lived at 180 Goodell St., now quarters of the Association for the Blind. The young Mr. Grabau was graduated from old Masten Park High School In 1908 and worked for two years in the old Marine National Bank before entering the University of Buffalo School of Medicine, from which he was graduated in 1914. He interned a year in Buffalo General Hospital and began the general practice of medicine in 1915 in the family home, 180 Goodell St., later moving his offices to 61 Laurel St.
Entered Army In 1916
In 1916 he entered military service and went to the Mexican border as a member of the Medical Corps, Third New York Field Artillery. In June 1918, as a captain in the 106th Field Artillery, he went overseas and was wounded In action in France. In 1925 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extreme heroism by the U. S. Government and was promoted to major. He was also regiment surgeon until September 1940, when he retired from the Army. In awarding him the cross, Mayor Frank X. Schwab, read a War Department citation, stating: "Maj. Grabau went to the assistance of a wounded soldier at great personal risk to himself and although twice knocked down by exploding shells and wounded in the arm, he continued until he ascertained that the soldier was dead.
Received Other Medals
"Later he refused first aid to himself until he attended the wounds of three other men in his detachment." Dr. Grabau also received the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Conspicuous Service Cross of New York State. He returned to the United States March 13, 1919, with a major's commission. Dr. Grabau was a popular member of the 106th staff. His love of athletics began at Masten Park and while at the University of Buffalo he was center on the varsity basketball team. He played several musical instruments and was fond of travel. After resigning from the 106th he toured California and the West. Dr. Grabau was a member of the Erie County Medical Society, the American Medical Association, Buffalo Academy of Medicine, University Club, University of Buffalo Alumni Association, Constantia Men's Society of Trinity Old Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars. American Legion and Legion of Valor. He had a Summer home in Ridgeway, Ont.
Funeral Tomorrow
Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock in Trinity Old Lutheran Church, where the body will lie in state from 1 to 3 o'clock. The Rev. Herman C. Damm, pastor, will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Edward Nemeschey of Town Line, a college friend of Dr. Grabau. Burial will be in Holy Rest Cemetery, Pine Hill. Dr. Grabau is survived by his wife, Mrs. Laura Knoche Grabau, and two brothers, Andrew W. and Dr. Martin C. Grabau. Active bearers will be Edward G. Kinkel, Albert G. Stroman, Dr. Albert A. Gartner, Dr. Barton F. Hauenstein, Dr. Robert H. Bauckus, Dr. Byron D. Bowen, Dr. Herbert A. Smith and Dr. J. Sutton Regan. Members of the Trinity Old Church Council, local physicians and military officers will be honorary bearers.
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1889 - 1942 (52 years)