The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George Weldon Childs (ASN: 0-20294), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 2d Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 July 1944, near Vidouville, France. Ensconced in heavy woods, a large enemy force concentrated an intense barrage of mortar and automatic weapons fire on the advancing forces of Lieutenant Colonel Childs, causing numerous casualties and disrupting communications. Observing the effect of the devastating fire, Lieutenant Colonel Childs abandoned thoughts of personal safety and ran among his units shouting words of encouragement to the men and reorganized them so that they were able to continue the attack. His indomitable courage, intrepid leadership, and calmness under fire reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the highest traditions of the armed forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
65th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 1, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 303 (July 23, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George Weldon Childs (ASN: 0-20294), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 February 1951, near Suwon, Korea, Colonel Childs, constantly exposing himself to the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, moved along the steep, narrow ridges of Hill 582 encouraging and reorganizing the troops of the 3d Battalion, who had for three days fought on the icy slopes in the face of heavy enemy fire from commanding terrain. His calm and aggressive determination instilled confidence in his men, inspiring them to greater efforts. The exemplary heroism and leadership displayed by Colonel Childs reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
65th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 5 – 11, 1950
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 27 (January 30, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George Weldon Childs (ASN: 0-20294), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the period 5 to 11 December 1950 in the vicinity of Sudong, Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Childs organized and commanded a task force to assist in covering the withdrawal of the First United States Marine Division. Throughout the five difficult and critical days that the task force was under hostile fire, Lieutenant Colonel Childs with utter disregard for his own personal safety was always exposing himself to enemy fire in order to check fields of fire and direct gun positions. His tactical skill, conspicuous bravery, and tireless energy stimulated morale and contributed greatly to the successful evacuation of the entrapped allied forces and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.