Medal of Honor: Charles L. Gilliland - Korean War - April 25, 1951
Alone at a critical gap in the line, he stopped the assault with his rifle fire. When the enemy broke through, he climbed from his foxhole and hunted them down himself.
May 1, 2026
Name: Charles L. Gilliland
Rank: Corporal (then Private First Class)
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division
Date of Action: April 25, 1951
Location: Near Tongmang-ni, Korea
Summary of Action
On 25 April 1951, Corporal Charles L. Gilliland distinguished himself during intense combat near Tongmang-ni, Korea.
A numerically superior enemy force launched a coordinated assault against his company perimeter.
The main attack drove up a defile covered by Gilliland’s automatic rifle position.
As hostile troops surged forward, his assistant gunner was killed by enemy fire.
Now alone and facing the full weight of the assault, Gilliland maintained a steady stream of fire into the attackers.
His determined defense stemmed the enemy onslaught and bought vital time for the company.
During the battle, two enemy soldiers slipped through the deadly fire and infiltrated his sector.
Without hesitation, Gilliland leaped from his foxhole, pursued the infiltrators, and killed both men with his pistol.
During this bold action he sustained a serious head wound.
He refused medical attention.
Instead of withdrawing, Gilliland returned to his fighting position and resumed defense of the vital approach.
As the battle continued, his unit was ordered to fall back to new defensive positions.
Gilliland voluntarily chose to remain behind to cover the withdrawal and hold the enemy at bay.
His fearless stand and complete devotion to duty prevented the enemy from completely overrunning the company’s positions.
Through extraordinary valor and supreme sacrifice, Charles L. Gilliland reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Citation
GILLILAND, CHARLES L.
