Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company G, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 23rd Infantry Division "Americal Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 5th, 1944

Edward J. Gekosky, 38232275, Sergeant, Infantry, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 11 March 1944. During the battle of Hill 260, Sergeant Gekosky (then Private), distinguished himself as a rifleman and assistant squad leader in his platoon. By his accurate fire, Sergeant Gekosky helped neutralize an enemy pillbox, killing one enemy soldier. Later, when his squad leader was killed, Sergeant Gekosky immediately took command of the squad and performed his duties efficiently. It was often necessary for Sergeant Gekosky to expose himself to direct enemy fire. When one of his men was wounded in crawling to another position, Sergeant Gekosky, without regard for his own personal safety, crawled to the wounded man and dragged him to safety.

Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 172 (5 November 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company G, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 23rd Infantry Division "Americal Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 21st, 1944

Edward J. Gekosky, 33510104, Sergeant, Infantry, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 October 1944. During an attack against enemy positions in the vicinity of the Laruma Road Block, Sergeant Gekosky, a squad leader, displayed outstanding leadership by leading his squad into positions while under enemy fire. When the enemy attempted to reinforce their forces, Sergeant Gekosky immediately opened fire and killed their leader. He then directed the fire on the remaining enemy troops, killing one and dispersing the other. This quick action on the part of Sergeant Gekosky prevented the enemy from reinforcing their positions thereby contributing greatly to the success of the operation.

Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 185 (21 November 1944).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.