William H. Traband, 86, honored World War II vet

William H. Traband, 86, of Prospect Park, a self-employed painter and paperhanger with a distinguished military history, died of leukemia Monday at Taylor Hospice in Ridley Park.

During World War II, Mr. Traband was one of eight brothers on active duty, his family said. He served with the 82d Airborne Division.

His honorable-discharge document shows he won a Silver Star. His son John said a brittle yellowed document from the 82d describes how he won the award.

On Jan. 29, 1945, it reads, Mr. Traband "was a member of a platoon which was held up in their attack by an enemy strongpoint at Holzheim, Belgium. This strongpoint consisted of two houses which the enemy was defending with a large number of automatic weapons with a 75mm gun and support.

"Sgt. Traband with two other men volunteered to assault the position from the flank. The group had only 30 rounds of machine gun ammunition, five clips of automatic rifle ammunition, and a few grenades.

"They attacked the gun and killed the tank commander. This demoralized the other crew members, who ceased firing and fled.

"While Sgt. Traband's two comrades laid down a base of fire, Sgt. Traband assaulted the house with grenades. The assault was successful, and a total of 80 prisoners were captured.

"As a result, Company C was able to take the remainder of the village."

Born in Upper Darby, Mr. Traband graduated from Clifton Heights High School in 1940, when he enlisted in the Army. He was self-employed for more than 60 years.

Besides his son John, Mr. Traband is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patience; sons William Jr. and Patrick; three brothers; a sister; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

A visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. today at the Cavanagh Family Funeral Home, 301 Chester Pike, Norwood, followed at 10 a.m. by a Funeral Mass at the Church of St. Gabriel, Mohawk and Seminole Avenues, Norwood. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery, Havertown.