Medal of Honor: George Dilboy – World War I, July 18, 1918

Name: George Dilboy

Rank: Private
Conflict: World War I
Unit: Company H, 103rd Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, U.S. Army
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Location: Near Belleau, France

Summary of Action:
On the morning of July 18, 1918, near the village of Belleau, France, Private George Dilboy advanced with his unit under devastating enemy fire during an attack against entrenched German positions. As the assault intensified, Dilboy's company was halted by intense machine gun fire coming from a nearby nest that dominated the terrain and threatened to break the advance entirely.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Dilboy charged forward alone, braving a hail of bullets. Though he was hit and gravely wounded, he reached the enemy emplacement and, using his rifle and bayonet, killed two of the German gunners and drove the others into retreat. His brave assault silenced the deadly position and allowed his company to move forward and secure the objective.

Dilboy succumbed to his wounds soon after—but his act of gallantry became a symbol of the courage and sacrifice made by countless immigrants who fought for the United States. Born in the Ottoman Empire in modern-day Greece, George Dilboy was one of the first Greek Americans to receive the Medal of Honor. His story resonated so strongly that President Calvin Coolidge personally honored him, and Dilboy’s remains were later buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor Citation:
After his platoon had gained its objective along a railroad embankment, Pvt. Dilboy was ordered to rush a machine gun nest which was holding up the right flank. Advancing with his automatic rifle, he was struck down by a burst of machine gun fire which shattered his right leg below the knee. With indomitable courage he crawled forward on his hands and knees, continuing to fire his weapon until he was within 20 yards of the enemy machine gun emplacement, where he opened fire, killing 2 of the enemy and dispersing the rest of the crew. He died from the effects of his wounds shortly after.