Charles George – Korea war– November 30, 1952

Name: Charles George
Rank: Private First Class
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea – 30 November 1952
Entered Service At: Whittier, North Carolina
Born: August 23, 1932 – Cherokee, North Carolina
Departed: Killed in action, 30 November 1952
Accredited To: North Carolina

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Summary of Action

On 30 November 1952, Private First Class Charles George participated in a raiding party tasked with capturing a prisoner for interrogation near Songnae-dong, Korea. Advancing up a rugged, enemy-held slope under intense mortar and machine gun fire, his unit suffered multiple casualties.

Upon reaching the crest, George leaped into the enemy trenches and engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat. When the mission was complete, his unit began to withdraw, but George and two comrades remained behind to cover their retreat.

During the withdrawal, an enemy grenade landed among them. With full awareness of the danger, George warned one comrade, pushed another out of harm’s way, and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full force of the explosion. Seriously wounded, he remained silent, ensuring the enemy could not detect the position of his companions. He was evacuated to a forward aid station but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.

Private First Class George’s extraordinary courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Army and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division

Entered service at: Whittier, N.C.

G.O. No.: 19, 18 March 1954

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 2 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 1 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 2 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.