George W. Gibbs

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George W. Gibbs (0-18178), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Division Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. 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.