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 (Field Artillery) George Wareham Gibbs (ASN: 0-18178), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa during the period from January to April 1943. During a critical phase of an enemy attack, Colonel Gibbs’ battalions were subjected to heavy and accurate enemy small arms fire. Despite the intensity and accuracy of this enemy fire, Colonel Gibbs directed the withdrawal of his battalions to a position from which heavy and effective counterfire could be delivered upon the enemy. His coolness under fire and sound tactical judgment contributed greatly to the ultimate defeat of the attacking forces. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs, 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)Batallion:
7th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 6, 1944
Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 42 (August 6, 1944)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 Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Colonel George Wareham Gibbs (ASN: 0-18178), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs landed on D-Day with the assault waves. Despite heavy enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and rifle fire, he immediately moved several hundred yards up the beach to where his unit was to land. Locating a small breach in the heavy wire entanglements, he led an officer and a small group of men through the gap and across a mine field in a frontal assault against two enemy gun emplacements. With complete disregard for his own safety, he entered the maze of underground tunnels and fortifications and led his desperately fighting group in the neutralization of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs was among the first to reach the enemy dominated ridge line and was highly instrumental in opening a way inland from the beach. The personal bravery, fearlessness and aggressive leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)Batallion:
7th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 59 (October 14, 1943)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 (Field Artillery) George Wareham Gibbs (ASN: 0-18178), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. Although under constant enemy fire, Colonel Gibbs continuously reconnoitered forward positions to assure closer artillery support of infantry elements being strongly attacked by a large force of enemy tanks. His courage and superior leadership inspired the members of his command and materially contributed to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs, 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)Batallion:
7th Field Artillery BattalionDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
–1943
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) George Wareham Gibbs (ASN: 0-18178), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gibbs and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.