World War II Honoree

Charles F. Gaking

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Pennsylvania

Honored By

Ashley Cordi

Relationship

80th Division Family Member

COMMANDING OFFICER, 318TH 1ST BATTALION: AWARDED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS BY GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. JUNE 1945: DURING THE ATTACK ON GERMAN INDUSTRIAL CENTER OF KESSEL, 'BLUE RIDGE' FORCES WERE MET BY A STRONG FORCE OF ENEMY INFANTRY AND TANKS. SIX INFANTRY-SUPPORTED TIGER RAYS, FRESH FROM THE BESIEGED CITY'S ASSEMBLY LINES FELL ON THE FORWARD COMMAND POST OF THE 318TH'S 1ST BATTALION IN A SUDDEN AND VICIOUS ONSLAUGHT. EXHIBITING COOL COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP, HE ORGANIZED HIS MEN IN IMPREGNABLE DEFENSE, PERSONALLY MANNING A ROCKET LAUNCHER AND MORTAR. THE ATTACK BROKEN, THE GALLANT OFFICER TURNED TO A CRIPPLED PANZER AND ARMED ONLY WITH A CARBINE, PURSUED IT ON FOOT, FORCING THE CONFUSED AND DEMORALIZED CREW AND SUPPORTING INFANTRYMEN TO ABANDON THE TANK; HE CLIMBED ABOARD THE ARMORED GIANT, SET IT AFIRE AND DESTROYED IT.