Gomez B. Cahoon

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gomez B. Cahoon (0-398851), Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 21 February 1945, in the vicinity of Stiftswald, France. Hiss battalion repeatedly subjected to severe enemy counterattacks, and despite the imminent peril of bursting artillery and mortar fire, Major Cahoon, Battalion Commander, was tireless through the critical night. He skillfully directed the battalion’s defenses, insured measures of security, determined that the men were properly dug in and that their fields of fire were most effectively grouped. Attacked by hostile tanks, he personally directed the battalion’s fire, knocking out one, forcing others to withdraw. Still vigorously in action at daylight, he was killed while probing enemy positions. His vital, valorous and inspirational leadership were the decisive elements which held the troops in a seemingly untenable position, were the backbone of the battalion’s resistance, and exemplify the highest qualities of the Armed Forces of the United States.