Medal of Honor: George D. Keathley, World War II, September 14, 1944

George D. Keathley
World War II
September 14, 1944 – Mount Altuzzo, Italy

The steep ridges of Mount Altuzzo ran red with blood as German forces counterattacked again and again, determined to crush the American advance in northern Italy. In the chaos, every officer and sergeant of two rifle platoons had been cut down. It was then that one man—Staff Sergeant George D. Keathley—rose from the ranks and took command. Crawling from foxhole to foxhole under relentless fire, he gathered ammunition from the dead and wounded, tended to the fallen, and placed cartridges into the hands of men nearly out of hope.

The enemy launched three furious counterattacks, and still Keathley stood. When a fourth, larger force came on—grenades bursting, rifles snapping, mortars raining down—his men looked only to him. Bleeding, outnumbered, he shouted orders, steadied his rifle against his own wound, and fired back. His courage ignited those around him; though surrounded, the remnants of three platoons fought with savage determination, repulsing wave after wave. Mortally wounded by a grenade, Keathley refused to fall back, choosing instead to fight until the last of his strength was gone.

Because of his sacrifice, the line held. What might have been the annihilation of three rifle platoons became instead a victory bought with blood and valor. His final stand on that mountainside secured not just ground, but the lives of his men, who carried forward inspired by his example.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, in action on the western ridge of Mount Altuzzo, Italy. After bitter fighting his company had advanced to within 50 yards of the objective, where it was held up due to intense enemy sniper, automatic, small arms, and mortar fire. The enemy launched 3 desperate counterattacks in an effort to regain their former positions, but all 3 were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides. All officers and noncommissioned officers of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B had become casualties, and S/Sgt. Keathley, guide of the 1st platoon, moved up and assumed command of both the 2d and 3d platoons, reduced to 20 men. The remnants of the 2 platoons were dangerously low on ammunition, so S/Sgt. Keathley, under deadly small arms and mortar fire, crawled from 1 casualty to another, collecting their ammunition and administering first aid. He then visited each man of his 2 platoons, issuing the precious ammunition he had collected from the dead and wounded, and giving them words of encouragement. The enemy now delivered their fourth counterattack, which was approximately 2 companies in strength. In a furious charge they attacked from the front and both flanks, throwing hand grenades, firing automatic weapons, and assisted by a terrific mortar barrage. So strong was the enemy counterattack that the company was given up for lost. The remnants of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B were now looking to S/Sgt. Keathley for leadership. He shouted his orders precisely and with determination and the men responded with all that was in them. Time after time the enemy tried to drive a wedge into S/Sgt. Keathley’s position and each time they were driven back, suffering huge casualties. Suddenly an enemy hand grenade hit and exploded near S/Sgt. Keathley, inflicting a mortal wound in his left side. However, hurling defiance at the enemy, he rose to his feet. Taking his left hand away from his wound and using it to steady his rifle, he fired and killed an attacking enemy soldier, and continued shouting orders to his men. His heroic and intrepid action so inspired his men that they fought with incomparable determination and viciousness. For 15 minutes S/Sgt. Keathley continued leading his men and effectively firing his rifle. He could have sought a sheltered spot and perhaps saved his life, but instead he elected to set an example for his men and make every possible effort to hold his position. Finally, friendly artillery fire helped to force the enemy to withdraw, leaving behind many of their number either dead or seriously wounded. S/Sgt. Keathley died a few moments later. Had it not been for his indomitable courage and incomparable heroism, the remnants of 3 rifle platoons of Company B might well have been annihilated by the overwhelming enemy attacking force. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.