Private Charles George - Cherokee, NC - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

Charles George a Native American, was born into the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation in Cherokee, North Carolina. He was raised in the Birdtown community of the Qualla Boundary. He attended Cherokee Schools before enlisting in the U.S. Army and being sent to fight in the Korean War. Entering service at Whittier, North Carolina. He held the rank of Private First Class in Company C of the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He lost his life in a heroic act on 30 November 1952 near Songnae-dong, Korea. He is buried at Yellow Hill Cemetery - Cherokee, NC.

The Citation:

The Medal of Honor was awarded on March 18, 1954. The citation read:

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 November 30, 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.

He also received the Purple Heart.

Legislation to rename the Asheville, VA. Medical Center to the “Charles George VA Medical Center” in honor of Private First Class Charles George was introduced into the House of Representatives in May 2007. The President of the United States signed the legislation into law just after Veteran’s Day 2007, officially changing the name and ensuring that Pfc. George’s selfless heroism will be remembered for generations to come.

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Armed Service: Army

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