The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*GEORGE, CHARLES
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, 30 November 1952. Entered service at:
Whittier, N.C. Born: 23 August 1932, Cherokee, N.C. G.O. NO.: 19, 18
March 1954.
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 machinegun 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.
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