Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Charles George

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment,
    45th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 30, 1952
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Songnae-dong, Korea
Citation
Pfc. George, a member of Company C, 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. 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 machine-gun 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. Pfc. 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient Charles George
Medal of Honor Recipient Charles George
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Whittier, Jackson County, North Carolina
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 10, 1954
    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Navy Robert T. Stevens to his Father, Jacob George
  • Born: August 23, 1932, Cherokee, Swain County, NC, United States
  • Died: November 30, 1952, Korea
  • Buried: Yellow Hill Cemetery (MH), Cherokee, NC, United States
  • Location of Medal: Museum of the Cherokee, Cherokee, NC
 

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