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) Gilbert Joseph Check (ASN: 0-51936), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 26 July 1950, while commanding the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Check led his unit to repel an overwhelming attack by superior numbers of enemy infantry and tanks when defeat seemed imminent. In the action, enemy tanks penetrated his positions and attacked the battalion command post. Although soldiers of his unit were untried in battle they were inspired by his calm direction of defense and personal bravery to withstand the three-hour attack and inflict such heavy casualties on the Red Korean enemy they were forced to retire. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
27th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 2, 1950
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 68 (September 15, 1950)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 Colonel (Infantry) Gilbert Joseph Check (ASN: 0-51936), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Check distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chindong-ni, Korea, on 2 August 1950. On that date, the 27th Infantry Regiment was ordered to attack in the vicinity of Chindong-ni and Colonel Check organized a task force with the 1st Battalion as the nucleus. Throughout the day he remained at the head of his unit, constantly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, as he led his force in an advance of twenty-two miles into enemy held territory. He consistently outmaneuvered the enemy, overran strong points and smashed roadblocks. When he was ordered to return for the purpose of consolidating the regiment’s position, he supervised the loading and evacuation of the wounded and returned in an orderly manner. The exemplary leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Check so inspired his unit that they disrupted enemy communications, destroyed road blocks and inflicted many casualties. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Check on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
27th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 1, 1950
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 288 (November 3, 1950)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) Gilbert Joseph Check (ASN: 0-51936), United States Army, for heroic achievement while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. When assigned the mission of restoring the left flank defense boundary of the regiment near Haman, Korea, on 1 September 1950, Lieutenant Colonel Check immediately went to a forward observation post to reconnoiter the enemy situation and plan his attack. Moving across the line of departure with the leading elements of his battalion, he courageously supervised the progress of the attack, despite the intense hostile small arms, mortar and artillery fire. Shortly thereafter, the former positions were restored and Lieutenant Colonel Check skillfully organized his battalion to retain the position against subsequent counterattacks. Lieutenant Colonel Check’s outstanding leadership is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
27th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
Korean War
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 212 (1951)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gilbert Joseph Check (ASN: 0-51936), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea in 1950 and 1951. 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
27th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 18 – 25, 1950
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 138 (February 19, 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) Gilbert Joseph Check (ASN: 0-51936), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. From 18 to 25 August 1950, near Sinji, Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Check’s battalion was subjected to incessant hostile attack. Despite an intense barrage of flat trajectory mortar and artillery fire, he moved up to the forward platoons and personally supervised their organization and defense. During the entire period, he moved throughout the positions, re-deploying his men to maximum advantage, and so inspired them by his intrepid leadership that they repulsed every assault and inflicted staggering losses of equipment and personnel on the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Check’s valorous actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.