Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Charles George. In 1952, Charles joined the Army to fight for his country in the Korean War.
Charles was born in Cherokee, North Carolina, and was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian with the name “Tsali”, which translates in English to “Charles.” Before enlisting in the Army, he grew up in Birdtown, Swain County. Following the warrior tradition of his heritage, Charles decided to serve his country during the Korean War. He became a private first class in Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.
In November 1952, Charles and the rest of Company C were given orders to battle and retain a prisoner for interrogation. After the battle, near Songnae-dong, Korea, seemed to be completed and most Americans retreated to camp, the enemy launched a grenade towards Charles and two of his fellow soldiers. In a split second, Charles threw himself onto the grenade to sacrifice his life to save the others. Following the explosion, Charles suffered in silence to prevent enemies from locating him and the other soldiers. Although his death was not instant and medics tried to save him, Charles passed away Nov. 30, 1952.
Two years after his death, Charles was posthumously awarded our nation’s highest honor: the Medal of Honor.
Today the VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina, is known as the Charles George VA Medical Center in honor of him.
We honor your service, Charles.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.
Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.
Topics in this story
More Stories
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran Alvin C. Tso, who served during the Korean War as a forward observer.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Coast Guard Veteran Alan Spielman, who served in Alaska.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Air Force Veteran Jan Klebukowski, who served in the United States, United Kingdom and South Korea.
Considered myself a wounded veteran during the Vietnam War and during war games in Germany. Haven’t received but10% benefits for hearing loss. Had chemical and steam burns to arms while aboard naval ships USS Boston Cag1 and USS Shenandoah. Turned down for service connected injuries the)three times since applying from2000 UNTIL now. 2017. I believe I should be the veteran of the day for suffering for my country and not getting anything for it but grief .
Charles, one of us, one who represent each of us and our heroism, our unborn heroism that make us men of honor and valor fighting for freedom, human rights respect and democracy. A life, ours, offered and sacrificed , doned to people and country on an offering that is for ever, a serving by means of we offer ourself for the valors we feel on us, unborn like heroism and our determination to ever serve on an excalation growing ever more. That we read on Charles and on any of us, that constitute us all and make us men for whom offering life is for ever, is for make America ever more big, for make democracy a reality, for make of heroism our normality and the solid rock on whom we are founded and live