Herbert C. Garnett was born on December 25, 1922, to Herbert and Mary Gordon Garnet of Philadelphia. His father was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Herbert was raised from infancy by his Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Green who resided in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was one of five children.

Herbert attended West Chester Public Schools and later Central High School in Philadelphia. He served in the New Jersey National Guard after graduation.

Herbert entered service in the US Army in 1941. He received Officers Training School at Fort Benning Georgia, and was shipped overseas to the European Theater in July, 1944.

Second Lieutenant Herbert C. Garnett was Killed In Action on January 2, 1945 in Italy. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Honorable Service Lapel Button - WWII. Florence American Cemetery.

Garnett's Purple Heart citation:
 

In Grateful Memory of
Second Lieutenant Herbert Ganett, AS No. O-1302290,
Who Died in the service of His Country in the Mediterranean Area, January 2, 1945.
He Stands in the Unbroken Line of Patriots who have Dared to Die That Freedom Might Live, and Grow and Increase its Blessings.
Freedom Lives, and through it.  He Lives-
 in a way that Humbles the Undertakings of most Men