TFH 11/30: PFC Charles George, USA

The US 179th Infantry Regiment (In Omina Paratus - "In All Things Prepared") has been part of the Oklahoma Army National Guard since 1921. Fifty-one years ago, the regiment as part of the 45th Infantry Division (Semper Anticus - "Always Forward") was fighting in Korea. On this day in 1950, one brave American soldier engaged the enemy hand-to-hand and then protected two of his comrades with his own body.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*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: Private First Class 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 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. Private First Class 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. Private First Class 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.

1st Battalion/179th Infantry (PFC George's battalion) serves today as a member of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which holds the lineage of the 45th Division. This unit, still part of the OK ARNG, has deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the War on Terror.