Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Master Sergeant Charles L. McGaha received the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 7, 1945 near Lupao, Luzon, Philippine Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with Company G, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. McGaha was 30 years old.
The medal was presented on March 27, 1946. He later rose to the rank of Major.
McGaha was born on February 26, 1914 in Cosby, Cocke County, Tennessee. McGaha died on August 8, 1984 in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 70. He is buried at Union Cemetery in New Port, Tennessee.
McGaha is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 33 credited to Tennessee.
Official Medal of Honor citation
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His platoon and one other from Company G were pinned down in a roadside ditch by heavy fire from five Japanese tanks supported by 10 machine guns and a platoon of riflemen. When one 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 two 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. MSgt. McGaha set an example of courage and leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
Although he had suffered a deep arm wound, he returned to his post.
- Age at death: 70
- Resting place: Union Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Charles L. McGaha received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Tennessee →
Timeline
- February 26, 1914Born in Cosby, Cocke County, Tennessee
- February 7, 1945Act of valor — near Lupao, Luzon, Philippine IslandsAge 30. Company G, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
- March 27, 1946Medal of Honor presented
- August 8, 1984Died in Columbus, GeorgiaAge 70.
- Resting placeUnion CemeteryNew Port, Tennessee
Biography
Charles L. McGaha (February 26, 1914 – August 8, 1984) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
From the Wikipedia article “Charles L. McGaha”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
