Arthur Fulbrook Gorham

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur Fulbrook Gorham (0-21249), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 July 1943, south of Niscemi, Sicily. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham, in the face of hostile artillery fire and a counterattack by enemy tanks, rallied his paratroopers to hold their ground. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham personally manned a rocket launcher and destroyed one tank. While attempting to destroy another with hand grenades and a rifle, Lieutenant Colonel Gorham was killed. He stood forth in the forepart of the action, encouraging and inspiring his men to emulate his example, enabling them to hold forth until relieved. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham’s gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur Fulbrook Gorham (0-21249), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 July 1943, northeast of Gela, Sicily. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham had attached himself to the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, when that organization was attacked by about ten enemy tanks and a battalion of infantry. He took his place among about fifty men and officers who were holding a vital hill when the hill was surrounded by the tanks which fired on the defenders at point-blank range. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham moved from point to point firing at the eye-slit of tanks, shouting encouragement to the men and directing their fire until the counterattack was beaten off. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham’s encouraging presence, intrepid bravery, and coolness under fire were a mighty inspiration to the handful of defenders in this grave situation. His gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.