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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 Major (Infantry) Charles F. Gaking (ASN: 0-334250), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 and 12 April 1945 in Germany. On those dates, Major Gaking personally led elements of his infantry battalion in assaults against the enemy emplacements defending the city of Erfurt, Germany. Despite heavy direct enemy machine gun, rocket, and small arms fire, he succeeded in establishing a decisive breakthrough of the enemy lines. The courage, leadership, and superior tactical proficiency displayed by Major Gaking were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    318th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1944
    Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (October 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles F. Gaking (ASN: 0-334250), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 13 September 1944 in France. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    318th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1945
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 163 (July 7, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Charles F. Gaking (ASN: 0-334250), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 2 April 1945. On that date, during the assault on Kassel, Germany, when the forward command post of Major Gaking’s battalion was attacked by a large enemy force, bypassed by the major portion of the assaulting troops, he exhibited cool, heroic leadership in organizing a defense, personally manning a rocket-launcher and a mortar. When the enemy withdrew in the face of the inspired resistance he courageously pursued a damaged enemy tank on foot, armed only with a carbine, forced the tank crew and supporting infantry to retreat and set fire to the tank to destroy it. Major Gaking’s gallant actions and daring aggressiveness are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.