Letters from deceased WW2 MOH Winner Keathley

[Vincennes]

Recently I bought a collection of material by a woman who worked at California Shipbuilding Corporation during WW2 as a clerk. Calship built over 200 Liberty Ships during WW2. There was a lot of genealogy material in the collection and as I was going through all the other names I came across these letter and postcard from Medal of Honor Winner George D Keathley. The letter is 4 pages, but I only show page 1 & 4 to show the header and signature.

 

"For conspicuous gallantry in the attack on Altuzzo on September 14th, Staff Sergeant George D. Keathley, B Company, 338th Infantry was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor".

 

I'll keep going through the material to see what else I may have.

 

Paul

[Vincennes]

Here is page 1 of the letter

 

Paul

[Vincennes]

Here is page 4 of the letter

 

Paul

[The Rooster]

Medal of Honor citation

George D. Keathley and a specimen Medal of Honor on display at Texas A&M University^[5][6]

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, in action on the western ridge of Mount Altuzzo, Italy. After bitter fighting his company had advanced to within 50 yards of the objective, where it was held up due to intense enemy sniper, automatic, small arms, and mortar fire. The enemy launched 3 desperate counterattacks in an effort to regain their former positions, but all 3 were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides. All officers and noncommissioned officers of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B had become casualties, and S/Sgt. Keathley, guide of the 1st platoon, moved up and assumed command of both the 2d and 3d platoons, reduced to 20 men. The remnants of the 2 platoons were dangerously low on ammunition, so S/Sgt. Keathley, under deadly small arms and mortar fire, crawled from 1 casualty to another, collecting their ammunition and administering first aid. He then visited each man of his 2 platoons, issuing the precious ammunition he had collected from the dead and wounded, and giving them words of encouragement. The enemy now delivered their fourth counterattack, which was approximately 2 companies in strength. In a furious charge they attacked from the front and both flanks, throwing hand grenades, firing automatic weapons, and assisted by a terrific mortar barrage. So strong was the enemy counterattack that the company was given up for lost. The remnants of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B were now looking to S/Sgt. Keathley for leadership. He shouted his orders precisely and with determination and the men responded with all that was in them. Time after time the enemy tried to drive a wedge into S/Sgt. Keathley's position and each time they were driven back, suffering huge casualties. Suddenly an enemy hand grenade hit and exploded near S/Sgt. Keathley, inflicting a mortal wound in his left side. However, hurling defiance at the enemy, he rose to his feet. Taking his left hand away from his wound and using it to steady his rifle, he fired and killed an attacking enemy soldier, and continued shouting orders to his men. His heroic and intrepid action so inspired his men that they fought with incomparable determination and viciousness. For 15 minutes S/Sgt. Keathley continued leading his men and effectively firing his rifle. He could have sought a sheltered spot and perhaps saved his life, but instead he elected to set an example for his men and make every possible effort to hold his position. Finally, friendly artillery fire helped to force the enemy to withdraw, leaving behind many of their number either dead or seriously wounded. S/Sgt. Keathley died a few moments later. Had it not been for his indomitable courage and incomparable heroism, the remnants of 3 rifle platoons of Company B might well have been annihilated by the overwhelming enemy attacking force. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions

of the military service.

 

[Pip]

Very nice!

[Vincennes]

A little more research reveals that the woman who worked at the ship yard (and whose stuff I acquired) was George Keathley's younger married sister. Her married name was Clara K Orr.

 

Paul

[Thor996]

nice find and save.

 

dave

[CHASEUSA11B]

Amazing find. I collect MOH autographs and that is definitly not something you come across every day.

[338thRCT]

I have found a few letters etc of men who were killed later and I think ,"you will be making the supreme sacrifice." It's chilling some times. That is a great find !