United States of America
Headstone of Charles L. McGaha
Headstone of Charles L. McGaha
U.S. Army · United States United States

Charles L. McGaha

1914 – 1984
Medal of Honor - Army

Charles L. McGaha served the U.S. Army. Charles was 70 years old.

Keepsakes
Medal of Honor Recipient Charles L. McGaha
Medal of Honor Recipient Charles L. McGaha
Charles L. McGaha
Charles L. McGaha
Service Record
U.S. Army
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
7 February 1945 · Near Lupao, Luzon, Philippine Islands · Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His platoon and 1 other from Company G were pinned down in a roadside ditch by heavy fire from 5 Japanese tanks supported by 10 machineguns and a platoon of riflemen. When 1 of his men fell wounded 40 yards away, he unhesitatingly crossed the road under a hail of bullets and moved the man 75 yards to safety. Although he had suffered a deep arm wound, he returned to his post. Finding the platoon leader seriously wounded, he assumed command and rallied his men. Once more he braved the enemy fire to go to the aid of a litter party removing another wounded soldier. A shell exploded in their midst, wounding him in the shoulder and killing 2 of the party. He picked up the remaining man, carried him to cover, and then moved out in front deliberately to draw the enemy fire while the American forces, thus protected, withdrew to safety. When the last man had gained the new position, he rejoined his command and there collapsed from loss of blood and exhaustion. M/Sergeant. McGaha set an example of courage and leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.

30, 2 April 1946.
Awards & Decorations 1

For valor

Medal of Honor - Army February 7, 1945 · Near Lupao, Luzon, Philippine Islands · Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. 30, 2 April 1946.
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His platoon and 1 other from Company G were pinned down in a roadside ditch by heavy fire from 5 Japanese tanks supported by 10 machineguns and a platoon of riflemen. When 1 of his men fell wounded 40 yards away, he unhesitatingly crossed the road under a hail of bullets and moved the man 75 yards to safety. Although he had suffered a deep arm wound, he returned to his post. Finding the platoon leader seriously wounded, he assumed command and rallied his men. Once more he braved the enemy fire to go to the aid of a litter party removing another wounded soldier. A shell exploded in their midst, wounding him in the shoulder and killing 2 of the party. He picked up the remaining man, carried him to cover, and then moved out in front deliberately to draw the enemy fire while the American forces, thus protected, withdrew to safety. When the last man had gained the new position, he rejoined his command and there collapsed from loss of blood and exhaustion. M/Sergeant. McGaha set an example of courage and leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.
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Charles L. McGaha
U.S. Army
Medal of Honor - Army

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