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Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Pfc. Charles George
A Cherokee from North Carolina, and Private First Class in Korea when he was killed on 30 November 1952. During battle, George threw himself upon a grenade and smothered it with his body. In doing so, he sacrificed his own life but saved the lives of his comrades. For this brave and selfless act, George was posthumously award the Medal of Honor in 1954.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob George Holding a Congressional Medal of Honor, October 1, 1954 - Mr. and Mrs. Jacob George of the Cherokee Indian reservation in North Carolina, proudly hold the Congressional Medal of Honor which was awarded posthumously to their son Charles George, the only member of the 45th infantry "Thunderbird" Division to received the honor during the Korean War. The Georges are guests of honor of the Division which begins its annual three day reunion at the Hotel New York. The late Charles George, their son, died as a result of throwing himself on a hand grenade and smothering its with his body. His act saved the lives of two comrades. The occasion of the award presentation marks the first time the deceased G.I.'s parents have left the reservation.
CITATION:
Rank: Private First Class
Organization: U.S. Army, Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, Nov. 30, 1952.
Entered service at: Whittier, N.C.
Birth: 1932, Cherokee, N.C.
Killed in action: Nov. 30, 1952
G.O. NO.: 19, March 18, 1954.
Citation: Private First Class Charles George, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company C 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy on the night of 30 November 1952, near Songnae-dong, Korea. He was a member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to intense mortar and machinegun fire and suffered several casualties. Throughout the advance, he fought valiantly and, upon reaching the crest of the hill, leaped into the trenches and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When friendly troops were ordered to move back upon completion of the assignment, he and two comrades remained to cover the withdrawal. While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into their midst. Pfc. George shouted a warning to one comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with full knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously wounded in this display of valor, he refrained from any outcry which would divulge the position of his companions. The two soldiers evacuated him to the forward aid station and shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wound. Private George's indomitable courage, consummate devotion to duty, and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.
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