Charles George facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles George
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Statue of Charles George
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| Born | August 23, 1932 Cherokee, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | November 30, 1952 (aged 20) near Songnae-dong, Korea |
| Place of burial |
Yellow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Cherokee, North Carolina
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | –1952 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Korean War (DOW) |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Charles George (born August 23, 1932 – died November 30, 1952) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, during the Korean War. On November 30, 1952, he saved his fellow soldiers by jumping on a grenade. This heroic act cost him his life, and he received the Medal of Honor after his death.
Contents
A Hero's Life: Charles George
Early Life and Military Service
Charles George was born in Cherokee, North Carolina. He was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He joined the U.S. Army from Whittier, North Carolina.
When he died in battle, Charles George was a Private First Class. He served in Company C of the 179th Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the 45th Infantry Division. His heroic action happened near Songnae-dong, Korea.
Honoring a Hero: Memorials and Tributes
Charles George is remembered in many ways. A bridge in the Yellowhill Community is named after him. This bridge crosses the Oconaluftee River. It connects US 441N and Acquoni Road. The bridge was officially dedicated on January 23, 2014. Students from New Kituwah Language Academy helped name the bridge.
A bronze statue of Charles George was placed at the Charles George VA Medical Center. This happened in Asheville on September 24, 2016. Cynthia Breyfogle, the center's director, said it was an honor. She called Charles George an "American hero." The statue was made by James Spratt, a U.S. Navy veteran. Sadly, he passed away on the same day the statue was unveiled.
Just two months later, another statue was unveiled. This identical bronze statue is at the Cherokee Veterans Park. It was revealed on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2016. Principal Chief Patrick Lambert spoke at the event. He said Charles George made the "ultimate sacrifice." He saved his comrades by diving on a grenade. Lew Harding, a local Legion commander, also spoke. He said freedom exists because of brave Americans like Charles George.
Museum Exhibits and Veterans Hall
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian honors PFC George. A permanent exhibit opened there on May 28, 2018. Lew Harding said it was important to honor him. He noted that few receive such a high honor. The exhibit features a bronze bust of George. This bust was made from a mold by James Spratt. The exhibit also shows the U.S. flag from George's funeral. His medals, including the Medal of Honor, are also on display. The full text of his Medal of Honor citation is there too.
The Charles George Beloved Veterans Hall opened on November 11, 2019. It is located at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. This Hall honors PFC George and other Cherokee veterans. It includes displays for four "Beloved Men and Women." These veterans include Lula Owl Gloyne, Jerry Wolfe, Robert S. Youngdeer, and Lt. Col. Kina Swayney. Warren Dupree, a Staff Sergeant (Ret.), spoke at the opening. He said these veterans were "true role models" for young people.
The Charles George Memorial Arena is also named after him. It is located at Cherokee High School in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Awards and Decorations
Charles George received several important awards for his service:
Medal of Honor (U.S.)
Purple Heart (U.S.)
National Defense Service Medal
Charles George VA Medical Center
The VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina is named after Charles George. It is officially known as the Charles George VA Medical Center.
An interesting story involves some of his medals. A few boys found Charles George's Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Good Conduct Medal in an antique shop. The shop owner gave the medals to the boys. He asked them to find George's family and return the medals. The boys successfully found the family and returned the medals.
See also
Images for kids
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The new sign is unveiled for the bridge in Yellowhill.
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A bronze statue of PFC Charles George, is unveiled during a ceremony at the Cherokee Veterans Park.
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A display of PFC George's medals.
